Sacrifice: Part 2

Last week I spoke of Sacrifice. Upon further reflection, I really need to elaborate about Sacrifice.

It’s simple really, there is a mathematical equation to success; you follow it, you succeed; you don’t, and you won’t.

The amount of work to become a professional in anything is 10,000 hours. Be it musicians, artists, athletes, writers, chess players, or master criminals…the equation is ALWAYS the same.

3 hours x 7 days a week (or roughly 20 hours a week) for 10 years = 10,000 hours or a professional in your craft (Caldwell 2008).

Now that we know the equation, lets take a look at famous people who have used it (whether they knew it or not).

One of the top selling bands of all time, the Beatles would travel to Hamburg, Germany to play in Strip Clubs. On their first trip they played a 106 nights, for 5 to 6 hours a night. Their second trip, 92 nights. Their third 48 but for a total of 172 hours on stage. Their final two times totaling over 90 hours performing. It was said that they preformed over 270 times in a year and a half. By the time they burst onto the scene in 1964 the Beatles had preformed over 1,200 times live, which is nothing short of astonishing. For, most bands don’t perform live 1,200 times in their entire career. But this is their 10,000 hours; this is what set them apart (Caldwell 2008).

Bill Gates, one of the wealthiest men on the planet, started Microsoft. However, when he was in high school, his teacher gave him and several students a pass to use the University of Washington’s Computer lab. Which was at the time, the most advanced computer lab in the country. Being a few miles from his house, young Bill would spend 5 days a week in that lab after school, often times staying in there until 3 or 4 am. 5 nights a week, from 4pm-4am from his freshmen year in high school until his senior year…10,000 hours (Caldwell 2008).

Are you beginning to see the pattern here? When understood, it seems so simple. There truly is a recipe for success. So learn it, apply it…and you shall achieve for dreams.

Colin Matteson
University of Alaska Basketball
Colin_Matteson@msn.com
206.697.2498

Tapout Thursdays

I can't tell you how to create success out of wishful thinking, or how much luck it will take to really capitalize on an idea. All i do know is that if you never take the first step you'll never know what could have been. If you're passionate about something, TRULY passionate, why NOT take a little risk and see how far you can take it?

Caleb and I analyze Mixed Martial Arts. We've done it for years for fun simply because we're passionate about it. A few months ago we struck an idea: "Hey, let's make a show out of it... it'll be like.... Pardon the interruption or something! We'll talk about the UFC events and pick who we think is gunna win... I mean since we do it already we might as well film it haha"

3 filmed events and 2,000 youtube views later I'm on the phone with Jeff "The Fish" Aaron, host of 3 to 6 with The Fish on KRKO am sports radio.

What started out as a passion turned into an idea. The idea turned into a phone call, and the call turned out to be a position on a radio show. Now you can hear my voice at 5:07 pm on 1380 KRKO's brand new Tapout Thursdays.

Caleb and I just as easily could have left the idea as an idea...

-Koa

On Creativity

I've been stuck on this video all week, because it definitely hit me close to home.

Growing up, when ever anybody asked my why I twitch so much, why I can't NOT shake my leg when I'm sitting down, why, when not asleep, I always have to be moving or pacing, I always responded with the same thing. I told them "well I have ADHD"

And they'd say "wait... really?"

I'd respond "Well about as much as half the kids in the country being put on Ritalin for it"

I was able to develop an opinion at an early age about how we all can channel our energy. For me, it was my hobbies. My drawing, my guitar playing, my photography. It's not necessarily easy for a lot of people to channel that energy into their studies in a classroom type setting. But what if we were all, at an early age, able to focus our creative energy into the path of least resistance?



-V
www.VerzolaPhotography.com

Fight Swine With Style

hey all...

i don't know much about this swine flu thing, but what i do know is that it is bringing out the creativity in the surgical mask folks. who knew a mask would be the big accessory for summer '09? not even galliano nor giles had any idea...there was no way of predicting it.

what i do know is that these are fabulous ways in which to avoid it. we're talking glitter and mustaches...what could be better? true, death maybe around the corner, but let's all take a moment to thank the pigs for the opportunity to partake!

also, these. bring out your inner beast to keep from being infected my one. these are the peak of functionality and style! and who are we kidding...i don't think there's anyone who didn't want to be some kind of animal when they were a kid. this is a perfect opportunity to live the dream.

i am not surprised in the least, but it never ceases to amaze me how we are still trying to make a profit- even in the face of a global epidemic. i've caught wind that the vaccines are on backorder, or something like that, but it pretty much equals danger for man kind. if there's no cure, we might as well laugh our way to our graves :)

...please stay healthy long enough to live to see next week's blog. peace.

-kate g

Be Nice

well as i see it power is not givin it is taken. but that doesnt mean you have to be mean in business. you can always be a nice, humble, caring person and still be a titan in business. but heres and example of someone taking control but still being humble... let me introduce BIG SEAN...

if you dont know who this kid is or ever heard his name... you will this year. he signed to GOOD music (kanye wests record label) about 2 years ago and hes dropping his debut album this year. anyway watch and get inspired.



-steviegunz

Sacrifice: Part 1

There are so many facets of this lifestyle that makes us what we are. Many things that force us to stand out.
As of late I’ve been thinking about Sacrifice, which in essence is the walk behind the talk. People say what sounds good, and then there’s the truth. People look at athletes, musicians, and artists, and think I want what they have. What those people see is the end result; all they see is the success. They don’t see the thousands of hours of work put in. They don’t see the blood, sweat and tears, that go into being successful.
Recently I was at a hip-hop show, listening to the opening artists, and as I was sitting there bobbing my head to beat, I looked around. What I saw was sacrifice. This man on the stage was playing for a crowd of four people at a no-name bar in Fairbanks, Alaska. While many people would laugh at this man, call him a fool, or dismiss him as a nobody. I admired him. For I have been there, and I understood, this is what it takes to make it. He poured out his heart into a hour and fifteen minute set, and stood around until the bar closed selling CD’s and merchandise.
Watching this man, reminded me of all that I have sacrificed. The thousands of hours I’ve spent alone in the gym, shooting, and dribbling until I couldn’t lift my arms. The lonely nights spent working on my game and perfecting my craft while everyone was out partying. Playing hundreds of games in empty gyms for just family and friends.
I do all of this because I understand that this is what it takes. I will continue to do this, to work tirelessly in pursuit of my dreams. This is sacrifice.

Colin Matteson
University of Alaska
Colin_Matteson@msn.com
206.697.2498

“I love and accept everything about myself and my life now.”

I’ve recently thought a lot about personal definition; about how and with what we define ourselves and how that fits into how others view us. I believe that there are two sides to every person’s psyche- a perceptive self who is the person you feel you are in your mind, and a projected self who is the person you are understood to be to people around you. The perceptive self is aware of morals and values, while the projected self is understood through your attitudes and actions.

Our perceptive self and our projected self are two very different things and we are constantly in an inner struggle trying to balance the two. I believe that the imbalance of the two is the source of unhappiness for a large majority of people. Have you ever thought though what would happen if your perceptive self was in alignment with your projected self? If you were exactly who you wanted to be? If who you were inside was exactly who everyone saw you as? You would be absolutely satisfied with yourself and your surroundings and your circumstance. You would be totally at peace. There would be no need for jealousy, hostility or greed. You would be able to live free of peer pressure and focus on more important things. This week, I challenge you to align “yourselves” and remember that every day is a new day.

A silly song can always lighten the mood! Enjoy ☺

Kate Giampaolo
707.498.8529
Marche_707@hotmail.com

All About Production

There is one phrase that continued to chase me this week. That phrase goes like this: “If you don’t go make this happen, then it won’t happen.” This phrase entitles an unwritten law of production.

People can survive primitively by doing every day tasks like brushing their teeth, making/eating food in order to have energy and fuel to keep their body going and, showering in order to take away old cells. Those type of tasks are going to happen no matter what. These examples should provide a clear definition of the difference between primitive production and business production.

Business production is all up in your business. What tasks do you perform in exchange for money or satisfaction? If you want more of that money or satisfaction, then you should go and get it.

Obviously there are obstacles, people saying “No.”, missing resources, and a lack of drive. This is your awakening to make things happen. Part of being productive is assessing those obstacles and figuring out how to avoid and deter them.

Get off your ass and go make it happen. Because if you don’t, then it wont.

-J
www.SpencerJacobsen.com

Roll With the Punches

ok for starters... i just want to say that plans are very needed for success. im not talkin 5 year plans or something like that. im just talkin about makin daily plans. not real solid plans or big plans or even very serious plans... but just daily planning skills can really help develop your mind and attitude for a positive and forward moving life. it keeps you seeking the next thing instead of waiting around for someone to call. learning how to plan stuff AND to roll with the punches is a great attribute to have for any person. you dont want to get hurt feelings cuz your plans with someone didnt come through. you have to remember that YOU are the only one that thinks about YOUR plans. so expect that everyone will forget about the plans you made and always make a "plan B" that doesnt include others... just so you can get on with your daily duties or be free to go grab some lunch with your mom. =D

but i also wanna talk about networking... so ill just transfer you to my home girl
www.melissaindc.blogspot.com/
MISSY
shes in DC at the moment and shes doin the law school thing at 21.

-steviegunz

On Being An Artist

The other night I was invited by a friend to attend a benefit concert. A man by the name of Enrique Henao, just a phenomenal, world renowned flamenco and classical guitar player, and above that, an amazing a beautiful person, in every sense of the word. He was my guitar teacher for years and gave me two tickets to the show.

While sitting there that night, listening to his music, I noticed that as much attention as I was paying to how beautiful the sounds were emanating from his instrument, I was also stuck on the audience. It is amazing to me how one man, and one six stringed instrument, could have such a profound affect on everybody.

For an hour and a half, we all sat in amazement, moved by the music, in a way that I’m not quite sure we all understood.

It wasn’t until afterwards, started to think a little bit deeper about it. After years of learning, practicing, and perfecting his instrument, it was only his skills coupled with the genuineness of his personality, (it shows a lot of heart when a professional artist can dedicate a whole nights worth of playing for no profit whatsoever) that what made him so world renowned.

Long after anyone’s lifetime, their money, their cars, their physical possessions won’t mean a thing, but through art and expression, a persons ideals will infinitely live on and continue to affect people in the way they were originally meant to.

-V
www.VerzolaPhotography.com

Don't Let Empty Times Be Wasted

Often times I find myself in a state of emptiness. In a state where there seems to be a roadblock holding me back from creating the art that I desire to create. Im sure many people can relate to me when I say, 'this moment seems unproductive and i hate it'. What i have learned is that, if approached correctly, these are the best times for expression. Some of our deepest emotions and creativity can be met together during a time of emptiness. We may hear a song that triggers that emotion, see a painting or photo that grasps that feeling, that words really cant explain. The only way to explain that emotion is responding with your own form of art. By doing so we all benefit from some sort creative thinking and connectivity.


This past week I was overwhelmed with the amount of things I put on my plate, which I don't blame on anyone but myself, but I was so determined to find a positive outcome out of every situation instead of stress about it. I began to write down each and every situation, imagining worst case scenarios, dreaming positive outcomes, and I ended up in front of the piano writing music. Eyes closed I played minute after minute turning into hours, without a care of a single missed call. This moment didn't seem to crash as soon as I would of thought, rather the pen met with the paper and words were articulated.


Don’t let empty times be wasted, rather use it for all its worth.

Shawn Ahmadi
ShawnAhmadiMusic@gmail.com
www.ShawnAhmadi.com

Still a place in this world for class

just when i thought i couldn't get motivated this week, 3sixteen enlightened my spirits. In a world people believe different is better, and garbage is endorsed THIS line is what I've been looking for.

Classic pieces with personal details. A classy look with individual style.


3sixteen Fall 2009 Photoshoot from 3sixteen on Vimeo.

This gives me hope that there's still a place in this world for class. PLUS you can't deny the music.


Later skater
Koa

Let me introduce you to Spencer Jacobsen

The best way to describe you is difficult sometimes but that's where people reach the point of commitment. I am a committer. I am an entrepreneur. I have found many passions that I plan to turn into lucrative platforms for everyone in my life. Art (watch it now… think big!), Construction, Craftsmanship, Design, Theory, Business, Fun. I really enjoy working with groups of people as opposed to working by myself. I feel this way because two brains have more power than one. Maybe someone else’s suggestion will lead to an idea that flourishes? I believe in networking and the power that networking can bring to any platform on any level of life. Ultimately the manager or owner of whatever property is being worked on has the final decision. It is then, at that point that they have looked at all avenues and are ready to commit. I feel like my network is a main artery of those avenues. I love what I do and I will continue to be in a position that is challenging and exciting for others and myself. My name is Spencer Kielley Jacobsen and I invite you to be a part of my network.

-J
www.SpencerJacobsen.com

Let me introduce you to Koa Pennock

I'm the guy that graduated high school with a 2.1 GPA but was the valedictorian at graduation.

The guy that never turned in a job application but got the great paying job.

I accomplish things completely differently than most other people... I blame it on being left handed, but it works for me.

I think by now there's a code that our ancestors have created and it's proved to work.

It goes like this, you graduate high school, you go to college, you get your degree, and you work for the rest of your life making as much money as you can so you can support your family.

That never really appealed to me and I'm forcing myself to try and see life from a different point of view.

To me it's all about how you would describe success.


I find something I'm passionate about and i take it 100 percent serious.

I'd rather walk the walk, than talk the talk... actually I'd prefer not to talk at all.


Oh yea, I'm also the OTHER designer for Stephen&Taylor ;)

-Koa Pennock

Let me introduce you to Kate Giampaolo

My name is Kate and I am a college student out of Los Angeles. I began my career as an artist at a young age, starting off with making funny little jewelry pieces. As I got older I was introduced to photography and acrylic paint, which quickly befriended each other and now work closely today. I find creative release through metalsmithing…and yes, there is fire involved.
A few constants in my life…

I will chase my dream under whichever skyline life sends me to.

I will live a limitless life without common boundaries on my capacity for love, acceptance of others, and openness to new ideas.

I will choose every day to make the most of myself, my situation, my surroundings, and my resources to fulfill my dreams.

A few things I’m working on…

To have the drive, focus, perseverance and tenacity to never settle on ‘2nd best’- to have the peace of mind and savor the moment, but always keep pushing forward to the next beautiful place in life.

To come out of every trying time in my life with the understanding that everything happens for a reason and that in order to be able to recognize the true good in life, one has to sometimes come to know the bad just as intimately.

Thank you for joining me on this journey- you’re all welcome companions and l look forward to what we create together.

“I love and accept everything about myself and my life now”

Kate Giampaolo
707.498.8529
Marche_707@hotmail.com

Let me introduce you to Stevie Gunz

HI...

Im StevieGunz. I design for a label called Stephen&Taylor and I also work in Seattle at a store called Triple Crown Kings. (www.triplecrownkings.com) I started designing clothes early in my teen years and I began learning how to sew as soon as I got out of high school. I'm now 23 and I find myself still gettin started with this fashion industry stuff. I'm all self taught with no formal school training, so I rely on my networking skills to get my fashion/manufacture/fabric connections. I love art and cars and music and dope leather products. I am currently living in Edmonds but i am slowly gearing myself to move out to the Capital Hill neighborhood in Seattle.
so with my future posts here i hope to inspire other creative people to get their lives going because all you have to do is go after it.

-Stevie Gunz
www.steviegunz.com

Let me introduce you to Colin Matteson

Hello everyone,

Let me just start by thanking Matt in advance for inviting me to be apart of such an amazing and innovative project, as well as anyone who will read our blog.
My name is Colin Matteson, of Lynnwood, Washington. You could say that basketball is my passion, my life, but that doesn’t quite do it justice. I live and breathe it. Long ago, my father asked me what I wanted to do with my life, with a basketball in hand; I told him that I would become a Professional Basketball player. Upon hearing this my father, explained that while he would help me along my path, it would largely be a lonely one. Letting me know in no uncertain terms that this path would require a tremendous amount of work. That this was a price most people were not willing to pay. I knew at that moment, that it was my destiny to dedicate my life to pursuing and attaining my goal of being a Professional Basketball player.
I have often wondered if I am the only one who thinks like this. For the longest time I just thought it was my father and I. It seems finally I have found others, or rather they have found me. I hope everyone will enjoy reading our posts as much as we will writing them.
For me this team represents a collaboration of driven minds, those who have the courage to dream, those who are willing to pay the price, those who don’t wait for fame…

Colin Matteson
206-697-2498
Colin_Matteson@msn.com

Let me introduce you to Shawn Ahmadi

Hello Friends!

To start this intro off, I want to express my gratitude to the artists who are excited to express themselves in this Blog and Matt for putting together this community! My name is Shawn Ahmadi and I am a Seattle rooted Musician/Producer. As humans we all tend to have voids and spaces set in our lives, which can take years, maybe even a lifetime, to find that subject that will fulfill our voids. For many it is forms of art like painting, photography, food, or wine. For me, it is the art of sounds. I have been playing the piano since the age of roughly three years old and the musical chaos has only spread since then. Just like everyone my age, I hold goals, aspirations, and dreams to do great things with my life. But I believe that if I have motivated or influenced someone in a positive way in my lifetime, I have already succeeded. I am looking very forward to getting to know you all.

Shawn Ahmadi
ShawnAhmadiMusic@gmail.com
www.ShawnAhmadi.com

Blog Overview...

My name is Matt Verzola. I am a motivated entrepreneur, an artist, and a photographer.

What I’ve found intrigues me the most about commercial art, is the production. The behind the scenes. This production aspect is where I find a balance between my art, and my job. I'm always working towards my biggest goal in life which is to have the ability to love what I do for a living. Live my dream every single day. I absolutely love hearing new, unique, interesting stories of peoples lives, and especially finding and helping support talented, like minded individuals, to the best of my ability.

This is where this blog comes into play. I wanted to manage a project where I could bring together and help support and advertise six of my most creative, talented, motivated, and wise friends. I want this blog to be a place where we can all come together and, a couple times a week, get remotivated on the knowledge that there ARE other kids out there trying to make the best of this life. To, on every level of our being, be comfortable, and happy. This is a place where we can keep each other updated on new ideas and projects, and share with each other words and stories of insight and motivation…

…and, for that matter, share these things with anyone and everyone else seeking happiness and success in their lives.

I so much look forward to the future content of this blog, and appreciate all of my writers for being supportive of the project. This is promotion… This is networking… This is going to help motivate us to take that next step in all of our lives.

Check back tomorrow for the intro posts from my other writers,
Thank you, So much

-V
www.verzolaphotography.com