The Setbacks

When you embark on a life changing quest one can expect set backs and disappointment to be a part of that road. When you look at the reality of your situation and some things just don’t add up it can be very frustrating. It is important to stay positive about the possibilities in front of you not let the pitfalls be your downfall. I won’t lie and say I never worry about things. I have thought about the possibility of failure, but I also think about the glory of success. Success is that much sweeter when it’s earned through hard work, perseverance, and most importantly patience.

Financial setbacks can throw a monkey wrench into your plans out of nowhere. Don’t panic! If you have any hustle about you get to it! Find ways to bring more income your way. Map out a plan that will get you back into the black and out of the red. Minimize your expenses as much as you can. Last week I mentioned getting your money in order, but things can change at anytime and you may need to readjust your budget just to keep you floating. For example, review your cellular phone plan, if you have the biggest minute plan or unlimited texting maybe its time to work with something cheaper. Contact your utility providers if need be to get onto a payment plan that reflects your current situation. Even if you are up to date on your bills setting up payment plans can help you save a few needed dollars. Make a list of necessities and luxuries to really see what you need rather than things you just enjoy. Things like Netflix, or Xbox live are things we enjoy but can be an extra 30 bucks in your pocket at the end of each month. Clip coupons, and make shopping lists. Food can take a huge chunk out of your budget so plan it out to make your dollar stretch. Things will work out.

The road ahead is hard and full of pitfalls but staying focused and positive will bring good favor your way. This is just the beginning and there is a lot to be done. Negativity and sulking is pointless. Get back on the grind. Continue to apply for any and all jobs you feel you can make a professional impact with. Examine all possibilities of where you can apply your talents. The universe will provide.

WEEK 2

Tie up all unemployment benefit loose ends. That only should take a week in reality but there are tons of things that can slow that process. If you are slow to address them, it will take some time to get the ball rolling. CHECK

Contact all freelance leads about ongoing work or possible future work. CHECK

Make inquiries about positions available at brands you respect. Try to find contact names, people who can open doors for you. Try to reach out and build re-pore with them. You never know what can happen, and it IS all about who you know sometimes. This week I plan to contact brands like SUPREME, Playcloths, 10 Deep, Brooklyn Circus and all things Ralph Lauren Polo. CHECK

Also begin to put my Cold Eels & Deep Thoughts presentation book together. Have that ready incase you are able to find investors rather than employers. Do it on your terms and find people who you think can help you. CHECK

That is my plan for week 2

I will update you on how those things go the next week. Thanks for support.

The Climb

Okay. Sitting here thinking about what to share, I suddenly had the urge to share something more personal on CETD. I might as well share everything since I already share my art, and my ideas. I share my spirit. I share my life with you while I work on my dreams. I am an artist as many of you know but many of you don’t fully know the path I have been on for the majority of my life. It started with little drawings. I’ve always found a peace in creating. I knew since I was really young that transforming my ideas into reality, into something real was what I wanted to do. Creating something that you didn’t need to describe because you could see it. My own ideas, the things my brain wanted to see. That’s what I do, and for my entire life I have prepared myself to give everything to that love, to allow that love to carry me through my life, both financially and therapeutically. I’ve done okay with that. I’ve worked as a designer for the past 11 years. I’ve worked in the broadcasting industry, the advertising industry, and for the past 6 years my talents have flourished in the fashion industry. Look at those words industry; it just reminds me that it’s driven to sale something. My ideas have been seen all over the globe … with somebody else’s name on it. Some artist would call that selling out. Whatever. I’m living off of my dreams and I love it.

 

But now things are different. Working as an artist has its ups and downs, its highs and lows. I just came off of an incredible high that has changed the dynamic of my whole life. My little drawings have taken me from Detroit, to PA, to VA, and now NYC. New York, the window of the world. The absolute stage for me to start putting my name on my ideas. I did seek Gotham, but to be honest I was drafted to this place for work. To create art for things we never think of as a canvas. T-shirts, jackets, hoodies, and everything else the spending public calls fashion. I was brought here on a rollercoaster, but now that ride is over! This is a part of the industry, the part where people don’t matter as much as money. But why should it? That’s the world we live in. In the great words of Jay Electronica “I ain’t mad at it, but I ain’t glad at it.” I have been here before and I’ve got back on the road pretty well. Now I’m back. You come so far to start right at the beginning. Another plateau on the mountain. This will be my chronicle of my climb. I will share my moves, my mistakes, and my mightiest moments with you. I don’t know who will read it. But it will serve to keep me focused on how I plan to make the name RICHARD BESTIA spoken amongst respected creative minds. I’m ambitious, and I am confident in my talents. It has taken me so many places, why not to the top. I’ll see you there.

 

Week one

 

Get to work! Tighten your resume and Portfoilo.CHECK

 

Call everyone! Reach out to people you have worked with, that’s what friends are for right? Be fair and kind to people. Work hard. People remember that and are never slow to help you get back in the game. CHECK

 

Get ONLINE! Handle your finances; make sure you tie up any loose ends that could snag your coat on the way up. Money will come in like a flood and then dry up like the desert. So you must be smart with your money. Make your dreams sustain your life but rent is still due. Get your resume and cover letter and send it everywhere. CHECK

 

Get FRESH! You can’t sit on the computer all day. Get out there and let people see your face, let them see your hustle, respect is earned. Let people know you are here and what you do. Stock up on business cards. CHECK

 

RELAX! Share your experience. Keep focused. Draw and listen to music that makes you feel good. CHECK

RANDOM DOPE

works every time

Ive been away from the blog for a while but I have not been lost. Check out the Tumblr. Its the random idea source for the craziness of Cold Eels & Deep Thoughts. Enjoy

http://randomdope.tumblr.com/

The Rebirth

Its been months since i have posted anything on coldeels and deepthoughts. I’ve been on an adventure, an adventure that has changed my entire world. As many of you know Cold Eels & Deep Thoughts is the brainchild of yours truly Richard Bestia. I have been a designer in the Street Wear industry for the past 7 years, my creations have been seen on the street on the feet and even on the silver screen. I love what I do and it has taken me all over the globe. I have lived everywhere from the beaches of the Virgin State to the rust belts of Pittsburgh, and the driving force behind my vision, my home Detroit. Now my adventure brings me to Gotham City, New York New York.  The transition was turbulent but successful. I will chronicle my journey and share my art and ideas in the window of the  world. Thank you for your support.