Comments on: Shot Down on My Birthday

By: Bonniejean Hinde

Bonniejean Hinde — Fri, 23 May 2014 19:42:57 +0000

I have been rejected so many times it isn’t even funny. Just this past semester, I was rejected for the 5th time for the same poetry journal. I wonder why I keep trying. Simply because if I don’t I know I won’t be a success. I am an artist. I am a writer. I am a poet. I am taking the biggest leap of my life right now. I am taking a sabbatical from teaching to write and build my business. I WILL be a success because I am good enough. You are already a success Jason. I share your work with so many people. It will go international one day. And I will be right there with you. As my husband always tells me, I am already famous, the world just doesn’t know it yet. Same goes for you. We both are awesome. We do what we do and we make the world all the better for it, one fan at a time. Thanks for changing my life so many years ago just by becoming my friend.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 19:31:51 +0000

In reply to Janet Micnks. Thanks Janet — you are too kind :)

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 21:34:44 +0000

In reply to Anin. You are so sweet, Anin! I’m thrilled to hear that my art has served as such a blessing. Thanks so much for sharing :)

By: Anin

Anin — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 04:51:08 +0000

About two years ago I emailed you looking for some art or a card to give to my mom who had had multiple strokes. You sent me some free artwork and cards. I hung the one up in her room at each hospital she went to and it’s still up in her room at the nursing home. It’s this image here, https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/artwork/Things-Are-Lookin-Up.jpg and I must say, the nurses and the CNA’s that come in to take care of my mom all talk about how nice it is and how uplifting it is. So, you’re doing something right with your art!

Also, my mom is doing much better than the doctors ever expected. She’s not expected to ever be able to take care of herself again but the fact that she can speak and knows her family is a miracle in it’s own. I appreciate your gift of your art you sent me. I have not forgotten your generosity at a time I needed it :)

By: Libby

Libby — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 17:07:09 +0000

In reply to Jason. I will have to watch for that this year

By: Wisconsin State Fair

Wisconsin State Fair — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:08:26 +0000

Hi Jason,
We just wanted to reach out and once again congratulate and thank you for entering the Wisconsin State Fair’s first annual Art Poster Competition. We were overwhelmed by the response this first year and were truly challenged to select the four top finalists. We also did not originally intend to award honorable mentions, but wanted to further acknowledge some of the truly amazing and creative artwork that didn’t make it to the finals, so take pride in the fact we were very impressed with your artwork.
We would personally encourage you to enter again next year, as we wish to make the Art Poster Competition an annual contest for talented artists such as yourself. You’ve created a beautiful poster and we look forward to seeing more of your entries in the future. Thank you for all your hard work and happy belated birthday.
Sincerely,
Wisconsin State Fair

By: Janet Micnks

Janet Micnks — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 13:22:53 +0000

Congratulations for submitting your art and winning an honorable mention, I personally thought the picture represented Wisconsin’s State Fair . I think if they would of posted the contestents pictures on a website and had the public vote, your entry would of taken first place.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:59:14 +0000

In reply to Terri J. Thanks Terri — it’s cool to hear that my style has developed to the point of being recognizable!

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:58:01 +0000

In reply to Libby. Libby, Thanks! We did do a print calendar this past year and they sold out, so I will be definitely doing more of those in the future! :)

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:56:14 +0000

In reply to Shelley.

Shelley,

Some days it feels like I have more failures to share than successes :)

But I’m happy they can serve as inspiration! Thanks for the kind words :)

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:54:15 +0000

In reply to Lynn. So true! Just read a blog post the other day about a producer talking about casting for his film. He said all of the talent he saw was awesome. The fact that an actor wasn’t chosen didn’t say anything about their talent, just that they weren’t right for that particular role. Always a good reminder :)

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:29:55 +0000

In reply to Patty Borkowski. Thanks, Patty — if only you were a judge :)

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:26:44 +0000

In reply to Sue Wallace. Thanks Sue — really appreciate it!

By: Sue Wallace

Sue Wallace — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 21:43:58 +0000

Hi Jason — I’m really glad you shared this. Not for the story (that was good too) – but for the art. I really love it! And I think you achieved exactly what you were shooting for. I guess we just have to wonder if the fair wanted a different message this year. But you have my vote for sure! This is a special piece with a clearly unique personality and I’d love to see more. Keep posting. :-)

By: Lynn

Lynn — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 20:35:59 +0000

Thanks for sharing this! It was a really great chance to reinforce to my kids, while they weren’t personally emotionally invested and so could hear what I was saying, that just because something gets turned down by the powers that be, doesn’t mean it isn’t AMAZING (because it totally is!). All it means is that it wasn’t what they were looking for at that particular time.-

By: Shelley

Shelley — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 14:36:29 +0000

Kudos Jason for sharing that story! I feel as though we live in a world where we have to prove we have the perfect life. We all have our rejection stories, unfortunately those stories are rarely shared. What’s ironic is that it’s in those low points that we grow stronger from the support and encouragement of those around us. Sharing our successes is wonderful, but sharing our failures is empowering! Thanks Jason for sharing! And….the poster is awesome! Love your artwork!

By: Debbie Green

Debbie Green — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 13:51:05 +0000

I just have to say the pig holding the often candy with his tail is too much!!! I love it!

By: Libby

Libby — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 13:48:10 +0000

Great poster- sorry it wasn’t chosen but think of the fun you’ll have taking your troop to the fair. Have you thought about making your own poster calendars or print calendars to sell yourself?

By: Terri J

Terri J — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 13:43:38 +0000

I love the poster. I’d recognize your art anywhere. Always makes me feel like a kid and we all need that. Congrats on at least winning honorable mention!

By: Patty Borkowski

Patty Borkowski — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 03:59:12 +0000

Ya shoulda won. It’s fantastic!