I’ve never had a Creator’s Block, at least not in the classical sense. There have been plenty of times where my work hasn’t quite progressed the way it should. I’ve had days where I’ve sat down in front of my palette and for hours continuously produced dreck. I don’t consider that a major problem though. For every good idea there are an unknown number of rough drafts. More commonly I won’t have the skill set that I need to truly represent my mind’s eye the way I would like. Maybe I’m impatient or possibly I just have too many creative mediums I’m interested in and few I’m skilled at.

What ultimately contributes to a lack of quality work is the theft of my time. This isn't to say that these thiefs are criminals, they just all demand so much. My art has to compete with a never ending job in the military, my needy wife, a very mobile 10mo daughter, and even my own hobbies of playing video games and reading books. I've tried what I can to better manage my time, but what I can't bend on (work and family) easily take up 90% of my waking hours.

So what should i do? I give up something, I no longer play guitar 3 hours a day like i did pre-USAF. I'm usually happy if i play once a month. I've already given up hours out of my sleep schedule so I can fit needed time with my daughter because my work shift is over nights. I'm lucky if I can find 2 hours to sit down with a controller after my daughter goes to sleep, but that is also the only quality time I can get with my wife.

So my creative impulses sit on the back burner. I sketch out doodles during my lunch break at work. I keep a little note book where i write down my silly game ideas while I'm waiting in like at the grocery store. I spend 5 extra min daydreaming while I take a shower in the morning. I guess I'll find my time and work slow on what i can. I'm still feel young even though I'll be turning 30 this weekend. I might move on one day to another job, but the AirForce does pay me well. And I'll never give up my family they deseve all I can give. If 90% is already taken up I'll just make that last 10% count for something.