If you could pass one bit of advice on to other artists, what would it be? Just one bit of advice? Jeez! Back when I started cutting, Andrew Biggs suggested the following to me. As usual, he was completely right!
“If you ask for advice, listen to it, as there is plenty out there.”
Some good, and some (although well intended) not so good. For a novice, it can be a real minefield trying to identify quality advice, so always view that person’s work. If the person’s work is good, then chances are, their advice is worth heeding. On any forum, you will find there are always prolific posters. Don’t automatically assume they have the practical experience or ability needed to give quality advice. Again, check out their work. Learn the difference between good and bad engraving, because you need to be able to ‘see’ in order to improve. ‘At-a-boys,’ whilst lovely to hear, will not help you progress. If you want to be an accomplished engraver, don’t be too keen to show your work too early . . . it’s rubbish! You will not actually recognise that until a few years down the line. Poor work with your name attached to it will haunt you throughout your career. Instead, show it to your parents, they’ll love it and give you the praise you need, until you’ve reached a point where your work starts to resemble the quality needed. Is there anything else that you would like to share? Remember to thank anyone who offers you help. It tells them that you appreciate the time they’ve taken out of their day in order to try and be of help to you. It’s just good manners!
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@GRSTOOLS
2021 SUMMER
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