STUDIO83

There are folk that are plagued by parasomnia. Folk who find themselves in varying levels of wakefulness while they are asleep; which may result in them exhibiting strange behaviours to which they have no complete control. This is how I see most people who claim to be “chasing dreams” or “living dreams”: in a strange sense of wakeful sleep; completely out of control of their behaviour or their environments only reacting to situations, not initiating action.

When you have not been “discovered” or “found” by a person of significance who will propel your dreams to that illusive “next level” what option is open to you?

When you are not the person with a publicly celebrated skill, say Graphic Design or Animation (let’s face it, the public does not celebrate the fellow who designed the character of Shrek, simply the film); how do you ensure that you chase after a life of purpose and meaning within your chosen career-field?

If you are one of these persons you are 5 to exams in a tertiary institute, you have probably begun mentally willing the December Holidays to come soon so you can escape your daily dose of that funky lecturer that keeps moaning about her Brief, that you had every intention to complete and submit [but life got in the way].

If you are one of those creatives that works for yourself you have probably been ignoring that proposal to that company that really needs your skill; and paying attention to rent-paying jobs not the possible-future—regular-rent-payers.

Here’s the thing: dreams fade when you do not hold them within your sight. What is it they say, “out of sight, out of mind”? If you dream to conquer the creative world you cannot spend your week nights and weekends drinking yourself into a stupor only to stumble into classes and meetings.  There has to be an unhealthy balance to how you pursue dreams. 

Dreams are not paid for in slumber they are paid for in sweat, exhaustion and back tension. When the end of the year is near, and the finishing line is within reach; is when you will most want to give up. This is your clue that you should do the complete opposite. Stop, take a breath and push the eff on. Study for that exam (lawd knows it won’t write itself); drink a cup of coffee and work through the night on that illustration.

Dreams cannot be conceived of in silence. They are not stalked like the posture of a skulking man, head hunched over with a permanent shuffle. They are realised by the sprinters. Runners with numbers and short shorts. You have to distinctly be in constant pursuit of the Dream. Noticeably in confrontation with all that comes in your way to achieve said Dream. You have to audibly court your Dream.

Live your Dream Aloud!

Photographer // Jeff Rikhotso