As my birthday rolls up, I have to make a statement that few will think is sincerely appropriate. Generally speaking, I'm not sure I even agree with it myself, but here it goes:

I think that more graphic artists should be classically trained.

That means learning perspective, depth, foreshortening, and anatomy. I know - it's a pain. I know, I'm not really one to talk, but surely, the folks who crank out illos should devote some time to learning these few basic steps. Depth alone accounts for many of the things that I consider to be excellence among sincere artists.

Today, out-do yourself. Spend some extra time on that backdrop and lighting. Do a little more to make that 2-D image seem like 3-D. Draw a background. Don't just take a photograph - take an ~epic~ photograph. Throw out your mediocre work and submit the excellence that lives inside you. I wouldn't watch you if I didn't think you are really worth watching. I just don't have the time to watch mediocre art, and quite frankly, neither do you. Above all else, if you find my work wanting, do not hesitate to tell me, because I cannot thrive on past victory. Don't be satisfied with my work, or your own, unless it really pushes our talents to new levels.

If you love yourself and your art as much as I do, really go out and challenge yourself today.