Finding My Path (with help from Ethan Hawke)
“There is no path until you walk it.”
This powerful quote from Ethan Hawke’s TED Talk, “Giving Yourself Permission to Be Creative,” has been a guiding light in my journey as an animator, artist, and father. In his talk, Hawke emphasizes the importance of embracing creativity on your own terms, free from societal pressures. For me, this message—and the quote in particular—arrived at a pivotal moment in my life.
The Pressure to Follow the Industry Path
Like many animators, I once believed that “success” meant moving to the west coast, working for a major studio, and animating feature films. But as I pursued this path, I felt increasingly trapped by a definition of success that wasn’t really mine. The pressure to conform eroded my sense of self-worth, leaving me questioning my abilities and direction.
A Fork in the Road
At a critical juncture, I was forced to take a hard look at what truly fulfilled me. I had been introduced to stop-motion filmmaking at work, where I was tasked with creating basic animations. This experience opened my eyes to the fact that stop-motion combined everything I loved: storytelling, composition, lighting, and hands-on craftsmanship. It also tapped into the skills my father had taught me—carpentry, painting, engineering, and problem-solving. But beyond the craft, I realized I wanted to build something meaningful and lasting. This introspection, coupled with Ethan Hawke’s quote, set the stage for me to redefine success on my own terms.
Redefining Success
Embracing the idea that I could shape my own path led me to establish Loud Cloud Animation Studio in Oklahoma City. Here, I’ve built a life where I can do work that matters to me, surrounded by a supportive community of talented artists. My success isn’t about fitting into an industry mold; it’s about living authentically and pursuing my passion.
Walking My Own Path
The struggles I faced were essential in helping me discover the power of creating my own path. Today, I’m proud of the life and career I’ve built—not because it matches an industry standard, but because it’s true to who I am.
Ethan Hawke’s TED Talk continues to resonate with me, especially the idea that “There is no path until you walk it.” If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about your path, I encourage you to watch his talk. It might just inspire you, as it did for me, to forge your own way forward. Remember, success is yours to define—trust yourself, take that first step, and create your own path.