the art of Will Terrell

A few months back I had the pleasure of going to prison… to talk to inmates about the sketch club. I can now check that off of my list of things I can’t believe I did. They were sweet guys, and they really enjoyed the drawing. This was not one of those guys, but he looks like he could have been. I’m not sure how he got there, perhaps it was for punching puppies? Or maybe he was there to talk about sketch club but they didn’t believe him when he said it was time to go? I know the thought crossed my mind! You know there’s something up when they can’t remember where they put the guest book. I had fun at least.

-Will

I remember a time when I would go weeks without accomplishing anything of any importance. Often, those times were filled with mindless TV, internet, eating and over-sleeping. Those days seem like a distant memory now. Its so strange to think about. I was just wondering about how busy things have gotten for me this year and how it seems to be non-stop. When it seems to get to be too much I remind myself of how empty those lazy days were, and how hollow my life seemed. I would take this life over that one any day.

Anyways, this has been a very busy month so far. Today was no different. I was asked a while back if I could speak to a class at the university. In the past year I’ve spoken to High schools, Jr, Highs, elementary schools, community groups and even churches. But speaking at the University today was the most people I’ve ever spoken to at once. I had a lot of fun. Since it was in a big auditorium I got to do the whole slide show thing, which was cool. It made me feel like I might actually have something important to say. Because I need more fuel for my already inflated ego. I’d have to say one of the more unusual experiences was showing the blackout TV commercial I animated a few weeks back and hearing an entire audience of people laugh at the same time. It caught me off guard and I suddenly wanted to do it again. I’m apparently now a laugh addict.

You never know how a speech will go over with people. In this case there were ZERO artists in the room, which was unexpected, and I quickly had to shift gears to adjust. But for whatever reason they seemed to enjoy it. My friend in the class said he thinks it was the best presentation they’ve had all year. And the teacher said its the first time everyone stayed till the end of class, lol. That might have more to do with me sketching a quick cartoon of their teacher at the end of the class though than me yammering on about myself. I did have fun though. I think I’m starting to get the hang of it now. At least I can get a room full of people to laugh on purpose now instead of just when I’m an idiot.

Here’s to doing things on purpose!

-Will

A lot of times I don’t know why I do what I do. Only that it needs to be done. It is a different kind of living. One that I am only now getting used to. Following signs. When you put yourself aside, and become receptive to whatever the universe has in mind, things move pretty quickly. In this case, a chance encounter leading towards a whole other world of possibilities.

A while back, I decided I would like to start talking to kids in schools about making art for a living. The only people that came to talk to MY class were a cop, the marines, and the weather guy for one of the local TV stations. It bothered me that there were so few examples available to me of life paths other than working for a paycheck. Especially for doing what my heart desired, which was making comic books and art. This has not been an easy journey for me to get where I’m at today. I want to change that for the next generation. I want kids to realize that it is possible, and help them find a way to make it possible for themselves.

Today I went to speak to the art classes at Cavazos Jr High. I have a lot of other schools lined up. More than I expected really. But for now… it simply needs to be done. Of course this is a new experience for me. And there is a bit of a learning curve I’ve got ahead of me. Working with large groups of kids. Public presentations. It is a different scale and format than I am used to.

The last time I spoke to a school was Ralls High school about 6 years ago. A rather disheartening and unfortunate experience. This time seemed to go much better. I had 5 quality portfolios to show this time, lots of experience, and a touch more wisdom. I understand the artist mentality fairly well. The obstacles, motivations and tools for success. But I still didn’t know what to expect with this. I stumbled through my background, passed around a sketchbook from my first year of college *shivers* and then all my recent portfolios and comics. Then I just started talking. You can never tell with these things … but I think I saw some of them light up with inspiration. Especially this group of boys in the front row. That look on their faces like they’ve seen the future. I can only imagine though. I may never know. Sometimes all you can do is plant the seeds and give it to God. And do my best to provide the resources for them to grow if they’re ready.

What drives me, is that I can imagine that lost little kid in me out there in the crowd, seeing that this is possible, and lighting up with inspiration. Suddenly having a vision of what this could look like and simply “knowing” at a very young age that this is how it will be. I wonder if that will happen for any of them? Only time will tell.

Friday I talk to Atkins Jr High.

-Will