Comments on: Are You a Hummingbird or a Jackhammer?

By: Candice

Candice — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 20:52:24 +0000

In reply to Melissa Gaggiano. Melissa, many people fall into your category. Still searching, still directed. I wouldn't worry about it. You make art and write and take photos. Those things add up to making your mark. And if you never did another thing, those gorgeous girls will leave your stamp.

By: Candice

Candice — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 20:51:22 +0000

In reply to Ruth S. Yes, I recognized you as a fellow jackhammer within five minutes of meeting you. But you outclass me. I don't have nearly your stamina! I too work all the time but watch the clock because at 9:00 I must go to bed. Which means I have no downtime. I generally work right up till that hour. I like the squirrel metaphor better!

By: Melissa Gaggiano

Melissa Gaggiano — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 21:52:39 +0000

I am four parts hummingbird, one part jackhammer. I’ve tried so many different things.
I will admit to being a distracted individual, when there are so many creative things I want to try. But I am determined to find that one thing that will leave a stamp on the planet.

By: Ruth S

Ruth S — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 14:31:52 +0000

Oh, I fall into the jackhammer camp. When I have any “extra” time, I draw or paint or write. I have to force myself to stop working and go to bed. I don’t like the jackhammer metaphor either, it is not very appealing… Maybe squirrel. Always busy busy busy. Burying those manuscripts to dig them up later… I do know lots of hummingbirds. They flit flit and often never settle to finish things.

By: Elizabeth D

Elizabeth D — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 06:56:04 +0000

In reply to Candice. I think so! :) e

By: Candice

Candice — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 21:35:06 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth D.

Welcome, fellow jackhammer! Sometimes it takes us a while to get on that path. I followed a few that weren’t right myself, but that’s called being in your twenties.

And we may have hummingbird tendencies, but all those tangential things are really part of The Work. Unless you quit and become a belly dancer, you’re stuck in this field, same as me. Ain’t we lucky?

By: Elizabeth D

Elizabeth D — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 20:43:48 +0000

I will join you on the jackhammer side, no matter how unattractive the term. I’ve known I wanted to be a book illustrator since I was about 8-years-old. But back then, I didn’t know actual humans did that sort of thing. I was steered into graphic design by the adults in my life. It took me 12 years of that track to finally get onto the road I was always supposed to be on. I’ve just called it stubborn, like a dog with a sock. Better analogy? Although I suppose I could also qualify as a hummingbird with all the tangentially related things I also adore – writing, teaching, speaking, etc. Although, it’s all still about the books. 🙂 e