Jayson,

You are most certainly not an idiot.

My first advice (if you are interested in an old man's opinion) is this.

Start to believe in yourself. YOU are special. We all are. Believe it.

Secondly, if you have a talent you need it recognised. Ask some folk who know. Yes parents who care will want you to make the best of yourself, that's how it is. Find out from an impartial person what they think.

If the answer to the question "Do I have an artistic talent?" is YES. That will give you an indication as to THE TRUTH.

Thirdly, life is about making the best of ourselves. We owe it to God, to parents, family and friends and mostly TO OURSELVES. Why? Because life has to have a purpose.

As time moves on, others will enter our lives that we may wish to help, to love, to marry, to do business with. They need to deal with the real BEST YOU. However, the CHOICE has to be yours as to what you do.

It is hard at your age, to deal with the pressures from friends and fashion and media etc. that seek to make you a CHILD OF YOUR TIMES. But remember this, it is what YOU do that decides where you go.

Even if your art is deemed to be great, to show potential or to offer you an avenue towards a lifestyle you do not have top follow it. But don't be foolish and ignore it because your mother wants it and it's not cool. It's your decision, but RESPECT her view.

The biggest problem at your time of life is. What shall I do?

DO NOT THINK that if you make a choice now that you are stuck with it. The 21st century is about being adaptable, being able to sense the best course and taking it. A banker today may be a gardener tomorrow, that's how it is now. The important thing is to aim at being THE BEST at what you do.

So, look at your choices. Look at your skills. Look at the opportunities. Look at the support you might get to do something. Make some goals and write them down. Work hard at making your parents understand WHAT you do want, not what you DON'T want. If they know that you really want something I have no doubt that they will help you to get it. Make your future by what you do. Don't blame anybody for what you didn't do.

I, and your family cannot give you their experience. They can offer it and you can make use of it, but, remember, the future will be different to their experience but there are some facts that NEVER CHANGE. History does repeat in certain ways but that is for you to discover for yourself.

Remember, don't just do things because you don't want to follow advise, YOU will be the loser. Don't do things because you are just told to, if your heart is not in it, it won't work for you.

As far as your art is concerned ask yourself questions about it and then turn those questions around . Am I good at art? AmI rubbish at art? Could I make a living in art? IF I WAS GOOD would I want to follow that occupation? If I am good at it, will I regret not doing it. Will I be happy just amusing myself with my art? AmI interested in what others think of my art or do I do it just for me? Why?  

I could go on, but that's up to you. Learn to trust your own judgement, but remember, you can only do that by proving to yourself that you did your best for you.

I see that your mother has posted here and I know that she will be interested where this goes.

I would NEVER come between the two of you by giving a definite answer.

She knows you and you know her, I don't really know either of you, BUT I CARE.

Have a great day. You deserve it for having the want to post the question in the first place.

Roger

Bless you Judy,

Your advice is tough love. It put into the shade all of my well meant waffle that I was writing while you were.

Yes guys, listen to Aunty Judy and have a great day.

Roger

Sorry to post to your mother here but I feel the need.

Kathleen, like most mothers you worry too much.

Just encourage him to do what he wants to do, if it seems stupid try to PROVE it.

I don't know why he brings this problem here I don't know but I care.

Thank God I did not do what I thought was best, however, once I had done my allotted time doing what I thought I had to do I went and did what I wanted to do. Was it a mistake? I don't know.

What I do know is. All the mistakes I have made have made me a better person and gives me a whole lot of experience to pass to others (if the'll listen).

Sorry for the lectures but I am passionate that every young person knows how powerful and wonderful they are.

Roger

Hi Roger!

I suggested to Jayson to make more posts since people have nominated him lately only from seeing him briefly a few times.  He said he didnt know what to write about, so I said...Why don't you tell people why you're NOT going to art school?  He went for 6 weeks to a computer animation class when he was 15 and didn't like it at all.  He usually only logs in a couple times a day, he hasn't seen ANY of these replies yet.  Tomorrow is going to be...?  A lot of reading and eye-rolling!!

I have a confidence problem lol. I don't draw things quite so vulgar these days, but there's nothing wrong with a little "blue humor". Or brown lololol.