Chase Jarvis Chase Jarvis
  • Photos
  • Projects
  • About
  • Blog
  • Book
Chase Jarvis Chase Jarvis
  • Photos
  • Projects
  • About
  • Blog
  • Book

The Long-Ass Curvy Road

chase jarvis iphone photoYou have all the talent in the world. You’ve landed some great gigs. You are the hardest working photographer you know. But you can’t figure out why you haven’t “arrived”.

Well, first thing’s first. Have we ever really “arrived”? I have been at it for more than a decade. I can make a case for some measure of success, but I can say for sure that I haven’t “arrived” at anything but a little more freedom, a better work ethic, and better vision. And that’s keeping me going.

Second thing. This stuff of course all matters deeply–the talent, the gigs, the hard work – I’ve talked about those before as “get in the door” sorts of qualities. But you know what else matters that’s rarely discussed? You’ve gotta be in the game–not just AT the game, but IN the game. For years.

It’s my personal experience and the experience of many “successful” artists I know that nothing of real substance ever happens fast enough. We’re impatient bastards, all of us. A career is not made from one picture or one campaign, or even three or five. It’s not your first exhibition that gets you the bump you want to get, it’s your 10th or your 100th.

I can’t say for sure what “having arrived” is, but I know that part of it is staying on the long-ass curvy road for a good long while. Better love what you’re doing.

47 replies on:
The Long-Ass Curvy Road

Comments navigation

Previous
Next
  1. Will Austin says:
    May 26, 2010 at 11:34 am

    So true, great post Chase. Carry on Sir…..

  2. Glyn Dewis says:
    May 26, 2010 at 9:42 am

    I guess this is all about ‘staying the course’ and being on this journey for the long haul.

    Great post Chase,
    Cheers

  3. vincent says:
    May 26, 2010 at 5:09 am

    Best blogpost I’ve seen in a long, long time! Thanks Chase

  4. Robin Smink says:
    May 26, 2010 at 12:46 am

    This strongly reminds me of the 10,000 hour theory, often discussed by Malcolm Gladwell. For anyone to become master at anything in life, it takes 10,000 hours, not just raw talent alone.

    Look it up, there is quite some literature on it.

  5. Mike Henry Photo says:
    May 25, 2010 at 5:51 pm

    Well said Brother. You gotta be able to take the up’s with the downs and just know that in the end, if you do what you love, the success will follow / you will eventually “arrive” ! In this business it is a Marathon and not a Sprint. Good post thanks!

Comments navigation

Previous
Next

Comments are closed.

BUY NEVER PLAY IT SAFE NOW!

Get weekly, curated access to the best of everything I do.

Popular Posts

20250611_CJLIVE_RoryVaden_Thumb_16x9_v2.5You’ve Been Focused on the Wrong Thing… Here’s What Really Matters
The show's logo is displayed on the left side, with "THE CHASE JARVIS LIVE" in bold black text inside yellow rectangles, stacked vertically. The right side of the image features a robotic figure, resembling a humanoid robot, meticulously working on a canvas. The robot is painting or drawing a grayscale portrait of a human-like figure. The robot's detailed mechanical components are visible, and the scene evokes themes of artificial intelligence, creativity, and technology. The background is minimal, allowing focus on the robot and its artwork. The composition suggests an exploration of AI's role in creative processes.Is AI the End of Creativity or Just the Beginning?
Image of Arthur Brooks with the text "Is This True Happiness?" overlayed. The background features a dynamic arrangement of falling dollar bills and coins. In the top left corner, the logo of "The Chase Jarvis Live Show" is visible, framed in a bright yellow box. Arthur Brooks is positioned on the right side, wearing glasses and a suit, looking directly at the camera with a slight smile. The overall design is intended to provoke thoughts on the relationship between money and happiness.Arthur Brooks: The (Real) Reason You’re Not Happy
A person sitting at a desk, holding their head in frustration, while flames seem to emerge from their head, symbolizing intense mental stress or burnout. The fiery scene contrasts with the calm surroundings of a room filled with books and papers, enhancing the feeling of overwhelming mental exhaustion. The expression on the person's face shows deep concentration or distress, and the bright colors of the flames highlight the inner turmoil they are experiencing.Creative Burnout Destroying Your Passion? (Try These 4 Quick Strategies)
Héctor García and Francesc Miralles smiling, with bold text in the center reading '4 Steps to Discover Your True Purpose' on a black background. Framed with a yellow border, creating a high-contrast, engaging design.Why You’re Not Finding Your Purpose
20250118_CJLIVE_LifeIsLong_Micro_Thumb_16x9_v2.5Signs You’re Drifting Away from Your Purpose (and How to Get Back on Track)
20250204_CJLIVE_AmieMcNee_Thumb_16x9_v2.5Stop Waiting for Permission to Create—Here’s How to Start
20250611_CJLIVE_Failure_Micro_Thumb_16x9_v2.5What Most People Get Wrong About Failing Fast
20240812_CJLIVE_AlisonFragale_YT_16x9Game-Changing Tactics to Elevate Your Status
On the left side, the show's logo is placed in the top left corner, featuring "THE CHASE JARVIS LIVE SHOW" in black text within yellow rectangles. Below the logo, the text reads: "PRACTICE COLLECTIVE HEALING" The words "PRACTICE" and "HEALING" are in bold white font, while "COLLECTIVE" is in bold yellow font. The text is set against a dark gray background. On the right side of the image, there is a photo of a person with medium-length dreadlocks, wearing a blue shirt, and looking directly at the camera with a serious expression. The image has a yellow border around it, which complements the overall color scheme of the graphic.What Happens When You Add Mindful Moments to Your Day?

Daily Creative Projects

© 2024 Chase Jarvis. All rights reserved.

My New Book Is Here!

This book is a powerful compass for embracing risk and creativity in all aspects of life. Chase shows us how to step out of our comfort zones and become who we were meant to be.

SOPHIA AMORUSO
Serial Entreprenuer
NYT Best Selling Author of Girlboss

BUY NOW!

My New Book Is Here!

This book is a powerful compass for embracing risk and creativity in all aspects of life. Chase shows us how to step out of our comfort zones and become who we were meant to be.

SOPHIA AMORUSO
Serial Entreprenuer
NYT Best Selling Author of Girlboss

BUY NOW!