Anything Goes : Some thoughts on being an artist. *it's a long one. by Jonathan Lacocque

Being an artist is incredibly challenging and rewarding. Clara (My business partner & wife) and I have been working together for 6 years at Coat of Arms, but have been telling stories and filmmaking since we were kids. We just didn’t realize at the time that it would become our profession. I am grateful I have my father as an example of what it takes to be a professional artist. As bandleader and harmonica virtuoso for Mississippi Heat, I’ve seen him work hard to provide for us while making music. He writes nearly all the songs he performs, and puts himself fully into each performance – whether it’s an audience of two at a small bar in the city, or in front of thousands at a Festival. I’ve seen him play gigs until 2 or 4 in the morning, only to get up at 6am in order to make it to his private practice for his clients. He’d return home at night to jump on the phone to make plans for the next performance or to spend time with us before we go to bed. Every moment was pulled in varying directions, and many personal sacrifices were made. But in his example, I saw an ability to live fulfilled. And for that I am truly grateful. This is why so many artists feel such pride in being an artist. It’s not easy by any stretch of the imagination. To be an artist is to be crazy in love. It’s to be courageous against the unknown. It’s to bear your soul to the world with reckless abandon; to live and die, over and over again. Regardless of the critics, the response, the reward, the sacrifice. It’s a way to share with the world, to connect with it, embrace it, and to then let it go. A lot of these thoughts have been spinning in my head recently. Clara and I are working with our good friend Zach on a passion project. We’re in pre-production on a live-action short titled, “Good Intentions.” And are continually reminded of how difficult this really is. We’ve entered a pitch video into a competition where getting the most votes will lead to a winner. But how do you share your passion without annoying friends & colleagues? How do you garner interest without over-committing your time to the cause? What does it mean to fail and can you continue on from it? Who knows how things will work out in this particular competition, but regardless, we love what we do and will continue to work hard to survive. Because the barometer for success really isn’t votes, it’s finding love and happiness in what we do and whom we do it with. It’s about sharing stories and experiences with you. It’s the process, both the failures and the rewards. You can watch, vote for, and share Coat of Arms’ pitch video here: Coatofar.ms/2axLzkU - just sign in via Facebook or create an account and vote. A competition like this is about exposure, so we could use your help sharing with communities, groups and anyone who may have interest or be willing to vote. Sincere thanks for reading and sharing! - Jonathan Lacocque Coat of Arms