What Dreams May Cost
Maybe its karma or life trying to balance itself out, but of late there is a sense of negativity and despondency within the CG industry in singapore (or maybe the industry had always had a cloud of gloom hanging over it). It stands in stark contrast to the always rosy picture the mainstream media likes to present to the public.
I don’t think I’ve helped very much since all too often I don’t seem to have much good things to say about it either. While my aim have always been to present the truth as it is- without the hype, I guess I have also inadvertantly contributed to much of the negativity.
So let me just say in all honesty- this is the best job ever. I love my job and I love going to work and this is something not many singaporeans can say about themselves. I may not make millions, but what I am doing makes me happy.
Without a doubt, if I had to choose all over again, I wouldn’t do anything different. I would still be doing this without a hint of regret or self doubt. I’ve tried many different jobs in my life and quite frankly there’s nothing quite like being a CG artist. Yes, I love the challenge and even the neverending learning path that one has to adopt. There’s a lot of crap that you have to put up with, but at the end of it all, it has been a worthwhile trip.
Pursuing your dreams is never an easy path to take. And any dreams worth pursuing is probably going to cost you. So one has to ask himself, are you prepared to pay any price to make that dream come true? If you’re not, then perhaps you might not be worthy of that dream.
Many people say they want to become CG artists, but more often than not, the reasons theycome up with for not becoming a CG artist is always more than the reasons they have for becoming one. Then perhaps it might be better to be honest with oneself and acknowledge that fact that you’re simply not worthy to pursue that dream because you don’t have what it takes.
Low pay, no life, long working hours, no future, no career path.
I’ve heard it all before in all its varied permutations and forms. But does it really have to be this way? You have a hand in your life and destiny as well. One is not a totally helpless puppet that has invisible strings controlling your every move. Sometimes you just have to take it by the balls and impose your will. Do not always accept things as they are, especially if its within your power to change them.
This is an industry that is still very young, so each and every one of us still have our part to play in it. Its still not too late. By ourselves, we may be small and insignificant, but if everyone can do their best, then there is hope and there will be possibility for change and improvement.
I see bullshit for what they are and there’s a lot of bullshit with the way the government wants to push and improve things. So I write what I write to show the truth for what it is, not the varnished rose tinted fantasies that the newspaper likes to present to us. It is important for people to know the real challenges that lies infront of them and if you are still up to it, to take it. If everyone spoke out, then perhaps those million dollar scholars might not sit so smugly in their office deluding themselves with dreams of grandeur and hubris.
So the government screws up again, what’s new anyway? Don’t like that stop you from pursuing your dreams. I’ll be damned had I let that get in the way of me becoming a CG artist. All that I’ve achieved, I’ll have done without help from the government, so whatever they do or do not do has not bearing on you or me.
Its no shame to tried your best and still fail, the real shame lies in failing because you haven’t tried your best.
11 Comments so far
anyone who read this pls ask yourself if you are enjoying what you do. do u like your job? are u chasing your dreams?
it’s your life and you only live once. come to studies, so many people choose to go the ‘in’ course or whatever course as long they get a place in the school without wondering if they like it? it’s ridiculous..
plus the corporate bandwagon and rat race that’s ever present in our country..
oh ya, why should dreams cost anything? it shouldn’t. believe in yourself and you are doing yourself a big favour.
the real shame – not chasing your dreams.
go for it!
hopefully one day u will be Singapore’s John Lasseter
sgentrepreneurssuck.com.InsanePoly,
you really serve an great inspiration to many, and indeed Singapore is lucky to have such dedicated CG artist willing to speak the truth of it rather just to plain rosy picture.
I too, been a programmer myself, is pretty piss at up the effort of government promoting startup, entpreneurial at web 2.0 and tons of it like what is been exposed in http://www.sgentrepreneurssuck.com.
It is culture of innovation and the society that is lacking and who the greatest culprit of all ? Who else but gov, who quantify everything by money and nothing but money. Everything they tell us to have economic value and worth. If that’s the case, it better for them to STFU. The more they say, the more people will get piss off, and the more companies will move out of Singapore.
I foresee lot of companies going to move out of Singapore soon because the gov isn’t what it is. Most MNC are more sympathetic than our so called first class gov who care more about themselve than Singaporean. Gov only care about money, and it’s money that drive them to pretend to care about Singapore.
BRC (Bullshit, Rubbish, Crap) is the foundation for gov’s next election, and I definitely vote for their BRC to step down.
“Many people say they want to become CG artists, but more often than not, the reasons they come up with for not becoming a CG artist is always more than the reasons they have for becoming one. Then perhaps it might be better to be honest with oneself and acknowledge that fact that you’re simply not worthy to pursue that dream because you don’t have what it takes.
Low pay, no life, long working hours, no future, no career path.
I’ve heard it all before in all its varied permutations and forms. But does it really have to be this way? You have a hand in your life and destiny as well. One is not a totally helpless puppet that has invisible strings controlling your every move. Sometimes you just have to take it by the balls and impose your will. Do not always accept things as they are, especially if its within your power to change them.”
thanks for knockin me to my senses, we blame others too much and sees not the faults that lie in ourselves too.
anyways u’ve given me some hope and rekindled the flames of passion I once had for the art industry though i still aint sure what i’m gonna do abt this hopelessness lol
thanks
i feel inspired!! : D
The brotherhoot has taken notice of your resistance to puppetry by the balls. Though your radical non conformist propensity will not sit well with the establishment however, bullshit do come in different shades, colours and weight as such, the brotherhoot welcome your unique contribution.
We are currently in talks with a production company for a sequel to “crouching tiger hidden dragon” . The new film shall be called ” crutchless lion hidden fishy tales”.
The brotherhoot may need your artistic input and shall be in touch with you very soon.
ps: and we do pay peanuts.
LionFish,
the MDA will be required to assist with the production. But you probably want to think twice because MDA stand for MoronDumbAnus. Take the money to make you feel stupidier.
I’d like to comment you on your passion & sticking with it. Keep it up! Too often than not we let others decide what we should do in life & its no wonder you see so much mediocrity around. Being passionate about doing something & with patience and persistence a person will succeed by his/her own measure. My husband always said that you must like what you are doing, success (however you define it personally) will come to you. Good luck & you will do well in life and career with your positive attitude. In the final analysis we are masters of our own destinies. To borrow Nike’s slogan, Just Do It!
oops, mispelling – should be commend & not comment.
Why does every job have to have a career path? Do promotions and titles matter?
I think its more important that you can grow in your job. Titles mean nothing. Its only
important if you enjoy what you are doing. Brush up your portfolio coz there are a bunch of effects companies setting up shop in Asia. Good Luck