“I... I see this... this spark in you, it is amazing, it is why I push you. But it is yours, and whatever you choose to do with it, you'll be great.” – Jefferson Davis, Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse
I have been thinking about something. Almost haunting but not frightful. Something I admire but also do not understand. Until I finished my contract at ACEL, I had not considered or noticed this. It seems so powerful, yet so obscure. I have yet to start getting my footing in the industry, so it is still early days for me. Nevertheless, it puzzles me.
It might even sound strange to a lot of people, and I do not expect people to understand me.
At least those who have found their way to this article will be able to gain some insight from it. I should stop talking about how unsure I feel about what I am talking about.
My parents took us out into the country when I was sixteen. My only complaint was the fact that I needed to finish a creative writing assignment before the next week. Therefore, I was to stay cooped up in the caravan. Getting things done was very much a priority for me. In addition, I was very introverted. When I went to this family friend's property, I had no idea who they were. Their property was located in Cessnock in New South Wales, Australia, in the Hunter region. I remember the father and daughter were close friends of my Dad that met while doing the Royal Flying Doctor Trek. The daughter was working in a fantastical industry that seemed like a fantasy at the time. When your perception of who you are is warped by how your school values you, it tends to crush a lot of dreams.
Then I remember finishing this assignment (unedited) and walking up to the house thinking it was dinner time. Everyone was sitting in a veranda area as a Barbecue was blazing some snags (sausages to all you none, Australians). Since I did not expect any of the adults to notice me and ignore me as usual, I sat down. It was brought up by my mother about the daughter's line of work. I remember her eyes lit up and she went on and on about travelling to England and working for a company called Animal Logic. Which at the time did not make much sense to me? At the time, I got the idea she was into movies not exactly sure about what specifically in at the time. She had a spark about her as she spoke about what she did. I remember my mum nagging me to ask a question about something I wanted to be.
I asked her “Do you know what a concept artist is?” I remember that light up happened again, she spoke to me like I was an adult like everyone else. I felt inspired and enlightened by what she had to say. I had no idea where my life would go at this point. I did not. This talk would not resurface till I fought my way to get into university and got into the path of a designer. The Name Animal logic would pop up again.
In my life I feel like I have met so many people with that spark, she was one of them. I can say now. The Daughter is an incredibly good friend of mine and continues to kind of be an inspiration to me as well as she sometimes tries to help me make connections, despite her busy schedule and the distance. She has been such a good friend to even invite me to an internship in New York, this was an amazing opportunity and would connect me with so many people with that same, Spark. She from what I know runs her own studio in New York.
This spark! Since then, after graduating, I can say I have met people with that same spark, I do not know if it's passion, professionalism, I find them awesome, or something else. I can say it exists to me at least.
I have heard words from some of these people That I have raw talent and a spark. I do not know if it is that same spark.
What I am saying in a long-winded way is that someone inspired me and now I would like to be on their level one day and continue to grow as a person, in talent, come into my power. However, you would like to say it.
There is a distinct difference between a spark of enthusiasm and a genuine love for what one does. One can see this in teachers who are so committed to their students that they go above and beyond to encourage growth. And the same goes for professionals.
I have always been passionate about my craft, especially when it comes to Design, Art, Video Games, and even Film. I do not believe in stopping short or taking half measures. It is either 100 per cent or nothing at all.
Despite my love for what I do, I strive to keep growing.
My thoughts were prompted when job hunting for my next opportunity.
My estimation is only that the spark could be anything. I guess I will leave it up to you!
What do you believe the spark I am talking about is?
I also decided to leave names out of this article as it was only fair!
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