Who's done it on thier own?

[MUPH]

The further I get into the art/glass scene the more and more I find these "artists" who are successful in their profession but haven’t paid their own way. They either got monetary handouts from parents or large amounts of cream on the side and sometimes both. I’ve seen guys who spend their whole day doing nothing but getting high and making a few things whether it be on the torch or canvass and then walk around with this self-proclaimed artist ego.

I’ve never had the bank of mom and dad to fall back on when something when my car went to shit or when I needed a new torch. I know there are lampers out there who have done it on their own, but who? I feel like I’m spinning my wheels in mud and getting no where while everyone else is passing me by on roads paved by someone else.

[$$$$$$$]

Get your hustle on..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SUtW3rOkz4

[Mac Maestro]

You are not alone.

I'm thirteen years into this game, and could not begin to type the trials I've been through paying my own way. I (rent) a nice house and am generally happy if that helps any. Still wanting to buy that GTT torch...lol

[Mecha]

You are definitely not alone my friend. I have been on my own since day one and it has been over twelve years now. There were a lot of times where things seemed like they would never improve. I have had to take the odd job here and there while waiting to get a studio set up after a move. Had to hustle and buy and sell stuff on the bay for a little bit too. I did manage to get lucky and get a job doing scientific work when times were at there worst with my own business. It is hard for sure, but the pride you get knowing that you truly made your own way is much more rewarding (and real) than the pretentious ego shared by so many trustafarian blowers.

It's hard work at times man. Keep on keepin' on and it will happen for you. You will find the pieces to make your own system that works for you.

[p.j.]

i did it on my own too. 11 years and counting. i struggled in the beginning, trying to learn lampworking on the wrong coast. if you bust your ass you will make it work.

this is not an easy living. i used to eat ramen noodles alot.

the hardest part is building relationships with your clients, so you have steady income. you need to figure out what each one needs from you, if you sell in person you can see what they have and what their bread and butter is. this job is marketing, production, delivery and customer service.

good luck...

ps. anything that you do that you love is not a job

[EFS]

Hey ben don't stress it. You have the talent just not the time. I know you are in school right now and don't really have much time to blow glass. Once you get out of school and can focus on spinning you could make a living making stuff. You may not make a million, but the sense of freedom and happiness walking out to your garage in the morning in your pajamas is worth alot. Anyway's hope you can make it over here sometime and we could chat about this more. Also don't forget those mind control tricks they are teaching you at school! BLue Skies justin

[dew]

i won't lie, i had a little help from my parents at first, but i'd still say that i've been on my own for the most part. my dad bought me a national 8m torch for xmas one year along with some tools, but thats pretty much it. i've always had to pay for gas and glass and whatever other tools i needed. occassionally i'd get something small as a gift. that was 5 years ago and i've been struggling to make it work since. i only lived with my dad for one year when i started glass and have been on my own since then. i finally just upgraded to a phantom torch a few weeks ago and i bust my ass 6-10 hours a day to work at getting out of debt so i can actually start saving some money. i was in college for a few of those years too, so there were the occassional part-time and full-time jobs on the side to help support my hobby that has now become my main source of income. i finally feel like it's working out for me and will only get better. i'm striving for that day when i can walk into my own shop and have a full supply of materials to work with while still having a bank account that isn't in the negative digits. one of these days....

[skip]

That's life no matter what the career path. Trustafarians is what we called them dead tour.

I've worked my ass off for 10 years with more breaks coming from hard work and good choices than hand outs. Don't hate the guys that come from money though. Hopefully they spread the love by getting lessons and buying tools and supporting the scene.

[The Lorax]

i'd say i've done it on my own, but i've had plenty of help from my family at the same time. No hand outs though.

i started off by saving $1300 and under my dad's advice put it into stocks (True religion jeans). A year or two later it was up to 3k and i took it all out. At that point I had dropped out of college and got a machinist job. I saved another 2k and bought my entire setup for about 4500 with some glass included.

i quit my machinist job since they changed and no longer let me have the job i was originally interviewed for... they started off lax letting me choose my hours then got my demanding towards the end, making it feel like a whole nother job.... i didn't feel like putting up with their shit anymore and left.... the company was crumbling anyways.

so i got a masonry job through a friend and worked all summer and into the fall to pay for my gases/supplies.

the winter i blew off and basically took a long vacation (at home doing nothing) with some girl who also had no responsibilities.

summer came again then i did masonry to make sure i was never broke and started up working on selling prodo.

winter came again and i've been doing it full time since. I pay for my materials, and gases on my own... although if i am ever out of money or waiting for paypal 75% of the time i can find someone in my family to spot me the cash for a few days and i always pay them back. i don't have a credit card, so basically they are my credit card some times.

did i do it on my own? i'd say so, just not 100% since having money lent to me here or there has saved my ass a few times.

the only thing i don't pay for is electricity though, and rent since i still live at home.

i'm still proud of myself though, and can't thank this forum enough for shaping my life into what it is now.

with all that said, i could never imagine starting glass after finishing college..... that was my original plan, and i am glad i left b/c a degree in fine arts for glass (hot shop not boro/flameworking) would of been useless for me and just stunted my growth.

[chayes]

I never picked cotton But my mother did And my brother did And my sister did And my daddy died young Workin' in the coal mine---Johnny Cash

[ALIEN!]

I can't hate on anyone that got family help. Im paying off the debt still just from getting back into it and upgrading my original equipment. It sure would be nice to be able to borrow some interest free coin, but thus is life. I've met plenty of people with huge artist egos from all walks, and the same for a lot of down to earth people.

[VED]

i got a lot of help from the old visa card when starting out. but now i can make ends meet and a little more, very little but still

[WORLD FAMOUS]

I guess I'll be the one to go out on a limb here and say 'why the fuck does it matter?"

Where do you (or anyone else) get off thinking you are better than someone else because you earned your money ONLY by blowing glass? Isn't the important part that we are all blowing glass, regardless of background? Period?

If you won the lotto or got an inheritance tomorrow, would you deny it, just so you could still claim that you do it 'all by yourself'? Just wondering...

This has come up before, and there is some serious resentment towards artists who have got a break in life, whether it's a cash cow or strong hustle or wtf ever. Blow glass and don't worry about wtf everyone else is doing - I guarantee you'll be much happier and your glass will be much better in the long run.

Here is a big fucking pat on the back. Good job! Now get back to work.

[ALIEN!]

Well said Loki, resentment will get you nowhere. Think of it this way, imagine sales are down, but someone wants to take lessons from you for a nice amount of money. That person is getting his/her lessons paid by family. It would be a fool that denies the payment/ refuses the lessons on the basis of resentment. I am in the position right now to give lessons to someone who's family will be paying for them. I look forward to the extra money and am happy to see a young man get an early start in glass and not have to struggle to get that start.

Many people that go to college have their expenses paid by family. They will actually face a new challenge to themselves after school having to pay their own way for the first time. I have always had to pay my own way since about 12, when ma and pa said it was time to go mow lawns and earn my keep if I wanted that new stereo. I did, and because of that am more responsible financially than many younger people that had their way paid. I consider myself lucky. The key to success is ones own ambition and will to achieve. Whether you were fed from the silver spoon or not is regardless if you have no self-motivation.

Now, I believe the thing that drives Muph crazy is when "trust fund kids" have that arrogance about them. I couldn't agree more to that. If these type of people are toxic to you, they are best avoided and ignored, keeping in mind that everyone is different, and not every wealthy person is arrogant. Some of the nicest people I know came from very wealthy families, though you would never know it.

[WORLD FAMOUS]

I have always had to pay my own way since about 12, when ma and pa said it was time to go mow lawns and earn my keep if I wanted that new stereo. I did, and because of that am more responsible financially than many younger people that had their way paid. I consider myself lucky. The key to success is ones own ambition and will to achieve. Whether you were fed from the silver spoon or not is regardless if you have no self-motivation.

Exactly, it all comes down to self-motivation. If you see something you like, or want a better lifestyle, make it happen. Whining on the internet about others who have made it happen one way or another will not get you anywhere.


Now, I believe the thing that drives Muph crazy is when "trust fund kids" have that arrogance about them. I couldn't agree more to that. If these type of people are toxic to you, they are best avoided and ignored, keeping in mind that everyone is different, and not every wealthy person is arrogant. Some of the nicest people I know came from very wealthy families, though you would never know it.

I agree with this too - arrogant people suck. There are always gonna be a few glassblowers out there that give us a bad name for whatever reasons, and guess what...no amount of complaining will ever change that. Ever. Moving on.

The main thing that erks me about this thread; the resentment towards how other people make their income around here has got to be buried. We are all here because we blow glass, even the self-righteous trust-afarians and hustlers. Whether you sell crack or real-estate, if can throw down on a colab without too many bad social habits that piss everyone else off, then let's throw down on a collab dammit. There's no sign on my door shop door that says 'poor artists not welcome because you are poor'.

[Mac Maestro]

Cupcake is a freakin' genius. There, I said it.

Tonight I watched an MIA special on MTV because it had Rick Ross on it. Probably would have passed it if I hadn't had read this thread today. ANways he gave his whole philosophy on hustlin' before they played that song and it was crazy inspiring. I wish I could link it.

We're lucky as product creators. If we want to 'bust ass' as said above, we can do that. So really if you're not satisfied, you need to hustle harder. There's always an extra hour you can rage...

[mer]

if sellin more drugs would make me a successful artist then i'd sell more drugs. it just ain't like that. you can buy position but you can only earn respect. ask again in a month....

[somberbear]

so my mommy bought my minor. and who said i had to just make things outta glass? i have lots of other jobs and intrests.

the basic idea is this. you do this cause you love it. if you do it for cool points you'll get nailed. you can have a cobra torch and every sweet tool people drool over but if you cant push a mushroom pendant or whip out a spoon even basic skills on a torch... it shows.

its not the tools that make you, its your skills. all that stuff never gets close to some one practicing over and over and bringing that level higher. if your not pushing it then whats the point.

The down side of me having a whole lotta differnt jobs and intrests means i dont spend as much time on the torch as some people i know and it shows in my glass. its taken me 5 hard long years to build my shop with my own hands. its mine i get to say it. but it doesnt make me special.

Our industry needs cash flow. even if they quit glass there is 1 more well educated glass buyer. Ego is ego , stow that shit.

[Zed]

http://i.realone.com/assets/rn/img/1/2/8/4/22774821-22774823-large.jpg

This guy has achieved more then most men, and without the use of his legs. Still though, he cannot solve your problem, only you can.

[lucidvisions]

Yes NATE! Just what I wanted to hear!

Nobody does it on their own anyways and if they say they did, I'd call BS. The only thing you can do on your own is put in the time. I think its funny how people will say I've been blowing glass for "X" amount of years. But how many hours did you put in every day?

In my case I was lucky enough to learn next to two GREAT friends and artists, Micah Evans and Lance Sanford. They gave me a HUGE base on which to elaborate and grow. The forum here has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and networking that contributed to even more ideas, techniques and modivation. I credit many other artists that are to many to name at inspiring me to try different ways at accomplishing what I want to make. The internet has provided me with a data base of infinite resources. As far as money goes my family and friends have provided waaaay too much money that I can even count to further my dream.

Saving the best for last is my wife, Bradi. She has career dreams that have gone unfullfilled because of her devotion to my dream. 8 years she has supported me and my business. There have been countless times that I have had to work months without a day off and nights where I work so late that she's asleep when I get home.

My point being is that noone can do this without help. Some of us are more blessed than others so don't hold it against them, that's just the way it is. Welcome to life.

I think this would be a great opportunity to highjack this thread and just state how we all have been helped out by so many selfless individuals. Plus I'm so over the negativity even though it can be so easy to go there at times when things are difficult. Instead of bitching, just think about how much help you have been givin and be thankful.

Josh

[Rowdy]

Everday I'm Hustlin!!! And trying to rage that torch. If you want "It" bad enough everyday, eventually your dreams become reality. No amount of hatin' will get you to where your happy place is.

[Goldsmithy]

I'm just getting started in glass; however, I have made my living doing jewelry work and being self-employed all through my career. I started with $97.00 in the late '70s. And many people have helped me out throughout my time. Not necessarily with money, but with support and learning.

Making a living doing "craft" work is a tough way to make a living. No two ways about it. A lot of times I wanted to say...screw it, I'm getting a job in a factory that has a steady paycheck and benies. But the feeling of making a living doing what I loved prevailed.

But being self-employed is a 24/7 proposition. You have to constantly struggle to keep a cash flow going. I have seen many trust fund babies make a small fortune in craft work. But most of them started out with a large fortune. They didn't have the dedication to put forth the effort that is needed to survive.

I am very proud of what I have done and I feel like I have been on vacation for the last 30 years. I wouldn't trade my self respect that I developed over the years by providing a room for my family, a meal on the table, and even paying taxes as a productive member of society for anything.

I never wasted my emotions by hating on those born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Those that I have met always seemed very shallow with their arrogance.

I applaud the efforts you guys have made in sticking to doing what you love when another road may have been easier. You guys are "men" in the truest form of the word.

...Smithy

[Mecha]

Strange, not trying to "hate" on anyone. Just pointing out that the hustle and struggle of going solo without free fundage from the family can be a source of strength when times are rough. And if you have never seen those rough times yourself, I guess it could look like "bitching and whining" when those who have seen them become frustrated at points.

Just push harder, find your way and don't waste time resenting that which you cannot change.

If you can make the monetary component happen on your own, it does give you a sense of pride that cannot be gotten if you simply received that aspect for free.

Hell yeah I would take a lotto winning or some other windfall if it came to me. I just would not pretend like I "earned" it once I had it. Nor would I feel "pride" in my acquisition of it. Instead, I would feel "lucky", and be thankful for it. HUGE difference. And having acquired said windfall would have a massive impact on how anyone here works, as the monetary struggle, and all the real life worries associated with it, would be removed leaving one free to do whatever they wished without the burden of keeping the bill collectors at bay. That's the simple truth.

[EFS]

http://i.realone.com/assets/rn/img/1/2/8/4/22774821-22774823-large.jpg

This guy has achieved more then most men, and without the use of his legs. Still though, he cannot solve your problem, only you can.

This thread is over the line, mark it zero DUDE!

[Studio K]

You are not alone.

I'm thirteen years into this game, and could not begin to type the trials I've been through paying my own way. I (rent) a nice house and am generally happy if that helps any. Still wanting to buy that GTT torch...lol

Sentiments of most of us ....still struggling making our own way in ife. Broke but happy ( generaly)

[HiAltitude]

I've only known a few "trust fund babies", but their trusts only paid modest amounts, so they were inventive enough to do things like renting out parts of their huge houses to cover their huge mortgages, or do some part-time work. One worked for the county and did road repairs. He worked hard all day and then got drunk every night in his fancy house. One does new-age crystal healing. The thing they all seem to have in common (other than trust funds) is a lack of drive to do more than just "get-by". In fact most of them can't even manage a long term relationship, and never bothered to have kids. I suspect that trusts engender trust issues (that is, financial trusts destroy relationship trust).

I also know quite a few people who have done well for themselves, either through investments or a lifetime of hard work, and now are enjoying the fruits of that labor. They made a choice at some point and took a risk that has paid off. Good for them. Their investments could easily have lost money, they could have died before collecting on their pension, maybe nobody would want to buy their business, or read their magazine, or whatever it was they were trying to sell. The point is, they took a risk, and they earned their leisure.

I also know a couple of people who stole their money from elderly (now deceased) relatives, cheating the heirs. People do some sickening things to avoid working. Personally, I would include selling drugs in that category. It's bad karma to profit by taking advantage of other people's weaknesses, though obviously many industries work that way (gambling, for example).

( :rant: As an aside, working glass is not in the same category as selling drugs. I wish whoever brought that up (too lazy to look back & see) wouldn't associate the two activities! That's not the way to get lampworking accepted as a legitimate art.)

Anyway, you made a choice to make a living as an artist, which implies accepting a high risk of financial ups-and-downs. You could have studied accounting, and had a cushy office job with benefits and maybe a pension. And still risked being on the unemployment line when the economy tanked, and/or having your pension fund raided, etc. Life is full of uncertainties for everyone, and right now there aren't a lot of "safe" professions.

I know laid-off or retired scientists who have small machine repair shops, computer & software businesses, who work at Radio Shack, etc. There's no reason why artists should feel compromised by taking a "regular" job, whether or not times are tough.

As another aside, it's pointless to resent people who may be better off financially than you are. Those people are your potential customers, and they will sense your resentment and, well, resent it. I'm always amazed at how sincere and open and friendly most of the successful gallery owners in Santa Fe are. And then I realize that their people skills are a big reason that they're so successful.

haha. Decades of working alone at a computer, and encountering only a**holes when I ventured out into the halls, has destroyed any people skills I used to have, so now I value them highly when I see them in other people. Life is funny that way. :twitch:

[nodice]

I've been making stuff out of glass for 11 years. Most of the time I wasn't doing so great, not that it was cause it was so hard to make money, but after the first three years I only worked enough to get by, and sometimes not even that much. A year and a half ago my dad died and left me some money. It's definately nice to have that to fall back on, but even though we never really got along, I'd rather have him back then have the money. Not sure if that relates to the thread, but there ya go.

[WORLD FAMOUS]

For most people, success if achieved, will still only be short-lived. Be happy when someone is having an 'up' moment in their life, regardless of how it's achieved/gifted. You will have yours, I'm sure of it, be patient.

And jftr, I've got tons of respect for anyone blowing glass every day and living check to check, order to order. I did it before and I'll do it again. It may be stressful and hard, but this is the path we choose, and the risks we take. In a sense, it's the new american dream. We're living it. Most of us are there, were there, or will be there again.

Calmer than you are dude.

[yinzer]

hmmm, i was able to afford my set up because of a settlement from a car accident where my car was smashed to pieces and i sustained serious injuries including brain damage. does that mean i did it wrong? it was the only way i could afford it and if it was for that my husband (citizennot) would have never been able to get his start either.

now i have worked since i was a 13 year old waitress(which was not legal) and have spent my whole life busting my ass running backwards on an uphill treadmill (i.e. working hard, getting nowhere). i have taken care of sick and dying relatives for most of my life and have been through some tribulations that most people couldnt even dream up. now here i am, 27, with 2 kids. still poor white trash, but a little better off. so i used what you would consider "free money" or whatever, to start. never mind the fact that my injuries are for life. we also do other things to insure the kids are fed (im a bartender, he does construction)leaving us able to torch less than full time.does that mean i dont deserve to stand behind a torch?

[NOFO]

" I never picked cotton But my mother did And my brother did And my sister did And my daddy died young Workin' in the coal mine---Johnny Cash "

HAHAHAHAHA !!!!!

[jr23]

I have put together my set up and skills of and on. I have supplemented the income with trade skills. I guess thats why I have done lots of production due to the craftsman/ tradesman attitude I have.

I got lucky and met a dude in the woods blowing glass with a box fan and a desk he lived in a camper and had a porta john for a bathroom.

I had to sell 4 full cases of his glass. At this point he would teach me to do some prep and start. But first had to have a thousand or so to spend on a set up.

I am so thankful. If around after getting shot by his neighbor or stabbed by his ex or just coming out of jail for a drunk and disorderly I lace him up with some clear and color. And thank him again for the path he helped my get started on and the life I live today!

[Brian Newman]

I got in to it back in 1993, when it was a whole different ballgame. I did it on my own, but would never be able to do it on my own nowadays. I am having a hard time with already having the skill set.

[naughty pirate wench]

Muph, you can take my opinion as just that: opinion.

I think we've all had "help" in getting to where each of us stands today.

Maybe you didn't have any financial "help" when you started working with glass, but I'm willing to bet (and I sure hope I'm right) that you've had help (financial or not) in other areas of your life.

Most likely that help led you to where you are today.

Was there an art teacher in high school or another respected person who said you had talent and should pursue your art?

What about the people who raised you and taught you how to function in this world?

What about the stranger who smiled at you last week?

What about the glass artists who have so graciously and generously shared knowledge with you?

We may not look alike or come from the same place, but we're all under the same sky.

I've received a ton of "help" from family, friends, and strangers...I'd say 97% of it was not "financial help," but it was help nonetheless, and without it I'd be dead or in the loony bin...neither of which would enable me to melt glass.

I try to pass "help" along where and when I can - if it's a smile for a stranger, sharing my torch with a friend whose torch is not yet set up, or whatEVER. It doesn't really matter what form/shape the help takes - it still blesses whoever it touches.

Don't worry about the people who call themselves artists, yet who do not put in the effort. They are the ones who have to look in the mirror.

Keep on doing your thing, and stop fretting. It's all good. :blowkiss:

[Abe Fleishman]

Just some food for thought. I think we all travel on or own path and what come out of it will teach you more about your self and your friends. Here is a little story about me and my path. I was kicked out of the house when I was 13 years old and had to make ends meat and try to go to school and have money to pay the bills I never had help from my family only good friends to help support me on the way. I built every thing I have from Zero my wife was the biggest help because she showed love when things were bad and helped me deal with the struggle. We glass people go through many hard times just to survive, so hold strong and keep it rocking. We as a whole community need to boost or fellow brothers and sisters, if we work as a community we can help all involved. But if this was back in the old day, when you needed to build a barn you could not do it by your self and if you did it would take a long time but when you get your brothers and sisters together you can build the barn in two days.
Peace
Abe

[Skye Perry]

Just some food for thought. I think we all travel on or own path and what come out of it will teach you more about your self and your friends. Here is a little story about me and my path. I was kicked out of the house when I was 13 years old and had to make ends meat and try to go to school and have money to pay the bills I never had help from my family only good friends to help support me on the way. I built every thing I have from Zero my wife was the biggest help because she showed love when things were bad and helped me deal with the struggle. We glass people go through many hard times just to survive, so hold strong and keep it rocking. We as a whole community need to boost or fellow brothers and sisters, if we work as a community we can help all involved. But if this was back in the old day, when you needed to build a barn you could not do it by your self and if you did it would take a long time but when you get your brothers and sisters together you can build the barn in two days.
Peace
Abe
well put Abe

[CripSkillz]

I drive a 78 B210 that cost 1/3 as much as my torch, and ramen with eggs in it is gooood!

but I have had a lil financial help and it is always appreciated.., and alot of real help all from here and the people i have met here... thx everyone, doesnt cost much to be happy.

[jr23]

NO shit crip! My uncle used to drive a 78 B210 that thing would scream around the corners. I was never more scared than when he would be on the running for a safety break. It did not top out to high but could move around corners like a high end sports car.

[FredLight]

SHHH! The B210 is a sleeper hit. I want a B510 for a project car.

[seadal]

I think this is a great thread. I know one kid that got his start and still lives off of mom and dads money. Filthy rich. Kid was driving a brand new BMW at 17. BUT, he has put in hours and hours just to learn. Now I will have to say he is getting damn good. He could have made it on his own. Lucky bastard.

B210s are pimp, I dont feel sorry for you driving a B210. Bad ass car.

[MUPH]

I stayed away from this thread as long as I could and just let people voice their opinions. It’s easy to see who’s on what side of the spectrum. I appreciate the support from those of you that understood and for those of you that took this opportunity to kick a guy when he’s down, I hope it at least made you feel better.

I don’t respect anyone any less for having some help getting going, but I do respect people more if they worked hard their entire life to get where they are, not just in glass, but in general. It doesn’t make anyone accomplishments less significant, but I think that it makes some artists’ accomplishments more significant (imho). I never said I didn’t have help from other people, because I did, and I agree that everyone did.

I never said I wouldn’t take a handout if I was given one, and I don’t know anyone who would turn down a winning lotto ticket. I was just never that fortunate. That’s not what this thread is about. Loki, put down your resentment and I’ll put down mine.

Mer, I don’t like that statement at all. You can make money selling drugs, if you couldn’t, people wouldn’t do it. You can take the money and buy more glass, take lessons, rent, ect.. I find that kind of cream on the side unethical, maybe that’s where you and I differ. It was a good point though.

Thanks again to those of you that understood where I was coming from.

Only one person can determine success and that’s yourself

[michaeL25]

something is only worth the amount you worked to achieve it

[BlueLilyStudio]

Haven't some of the best and most imitated glassblowers been provided for by their parents? I can only think of one glass blower I know who didn't have parents...we all have to come from somewhere. I got no money to start up other than my own hard earned cash. I have learned almost everything from people who were started out by their parents support, and I can't help but take offense that anyone would suggest that a privileged upbringing should make someone a better or worse glassblower than anyone else. You wouldn't think that way having met them. Lets ask the legends of the game and see if they ever felt bad taking a check from a loved one who wanted nothing more than to see their child/grandchild/niece/nephew flourish and develop. I am sure that there have been artists throughout time who have been horrible with money and depended on loved ones to manage their business.
Now lets talk trustafarians, they get a check from daddy and buy a setup then give it up and move on to some other hobby, and I buy all their shit for cheap. Trustafarians Rock!


“Money can't buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht big enough to pull up right alongside it.”
-David Lee Roth

[marcel]

I don't relate to this thread too much....the best of our bunch are all making it the hard way....too much cream on the side is a handicap, IMHO, and it shows if you really know the people who make it happen. Most likely, the people you really look up to in this industry are making it happen just like anyone would have to. I'm not going to name drop but my top 5 pipers are all pretty much self made....

Watch out what you wish for, other people might have more shit on their plate than you could imagine or want to deal with if you found yourself there. Would you give up a loving and supportive family for a beamer on your 16 bday and would that really help you more anyway?

I really like what Abe said too.

[Lub]

I'm with marcel and Nate. I'm pretty damn broke, only 18, and still living with my parents. They are chill enough to let me have a room dedicated to making pipes, but I've bought almost everything on my own. The handouts are nice sometimes, but look at it like this. If you have to buy it all yourself, you'll have a better respect for it, waste less glass, and ideally motivate yourself to be the best you can be, regardless of class. We're all in this together, so next time Daddy's little rich boy gets a brand new torch, one of us broke asses buys his slightly used one for a great price. It's all in cycle.

Just my two cents
Bovice

[The Lorax]

too much cream on the side is a handicap, IMHO, .

i agree.. money is prob the best motivator for me and when i have money or no debts... i work less than i should like nodice said... trying to kick the lazy habit... using the idea of moving out as motivation, but it seems so far away that it is hard to use for motivation... heh.

[BlueLilyStudio]

mo money mo problems

[Know Ego]

You know you've made it on your own when:

Suffer from hunger pains

Spent your last penny on oxygen

Use vermiculite for a kiln

Blown glass in a kitchen

Carved a bowl push on concrete

Reluctantly excepted a low ball deal

The smile from a satisfied customer gives you that warm feeling inside.

[Aussie]

over the years I could put a tick next to all of the above, I even once shaped a piece of hardwood doweling into a dome by heating it in the flame and scraping off the carbon on concrete so I could use it as a bowl push. Shakiness from hunger is the worst, coz it's hard to work neatly. I always made sure that I had at least a couple of bucks left after buying oxy so I could buy some packs of 2 minute noodles. I never would have gotten even that far though without the support of my folks ... my dad was my only teacher in glass.

[Lub]

Haha no stress! I carved ALL my graphite tools on a cinderblock and polished them smooth with a brown paper bag. I'M BROKE!!! But They do the job, came with my torch, and get hot every time I use them....wait that last part is no bueno..haha

I spend my last penny on oxy almost every week. damn 20.15 a fill...can't wait till i can afford to get the 6 packs delivered (wish lox was an option)

[tay_ste_5000]

how much freetime do you all have? im not done with high school yet, but i should be in a year, then i will have probably around a yearish(planning on graduating a year early) and then i will be on my own, and the way i see it, i will probably be making a good portion of my living off of glass, any tips would be much appreciated

[CripSkillz]

Live in your parents garadge,, as long as possible.. LOL
Good luck..

[The Lorax]

how much freetime do you all have? im not done with high school yet, but i should be in a year, then i will have probably around a yearish(planning on graduating a year early) and then i will be on my own, and the way i see it, i will probably be making a good portion of my living off of glass, any tips would be much appreciated

freetime? it all depends on how broke you feel like being.

[CripSkillz]

broke isnt bad if your happy!

[Lub]

haha I'm with crip. Broke and happy. Well.....something like that

[MUPH]

freetime? it all depends on how broke you feel like being.

There's your answer. If you wanna have some extra cash, work 60 hour weeks, if you wanna just scrape by, work 30 (example)

[909]

Between all the glass i destroy and that that i do not, i can hardly find the time to read all these interesting opinions let alone leave something of my own... needless to mention finding individuals out there to financially support my lifestyle thru fair trade and those of you who can afford thousands of posts... how is it done?

[themoch]

Carved a bowl push on concrete

What!? NEVER!











okay maybe twice....

[The Lorax]

There's your answer. If you wanna have some extra cash, work 60 hour weeks, if you wanna just scrape by, work 30 (example)

i haven't even been doing 30 hour weeks this summer... its horrible.

[The Madhatter]

Wow, I stumbled across this thread while doing a search for "best magazine".

I've been a *starving artist* for years. I can relate with a lot of people on here, and it makes me feel closer than ever to you guys. I've never been given a hand out, and I've never felt lucky enough to play the lottery or gamble so I'm pretty sure mystical money isn't going to just fall into my lap. I work damn hard for every thing I have, and I truly think I appreciate what I have more than a trust fund kid ever could. You'll never see me smashing my cell phone because I'm pissed at the person I'm talking with, or even kick my car, cause I know how much it's gonna cost me to get the dents out...

Crip- Ramen and eggs are awesome, and I can almost fool myself into thinking it's healthy for me

Abe- Wow, thank's for sharing that! You're a lucky man having found such a wonderful wife.

Murph - I know where you're coming from. Seriously, I'm from a town of 312 called Northome that's an hour north of Bemidji. The biggest insult we had when I was in school was "rich kid". Mostly because none of us were rich. It'd be easy for me to foster some resentment for those who are born with a gold spoon in their mouth. Why should they get to drive a fancy convertable, buy the best torches and tools, and spend their time dicking around being creative - and progressing their talents faster than me because I'm forced to bust out prodo like a mad man just to scrape by?

But I've come to a point in my life where I just don't care. Big deal, so what, money doesn't guarantee happiness. I'd bet I'm happier snuggling up with my girlfriend on a cold winters night watching a movie while the kids are sleeping than those rich kids are, with their poser friends and big empty houses.

The point of life is happiness. Gather as much as you can and you'll stop caring about how well off someone else is financially.