Purpose, passion and self-delusion

Behold, the Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet mug—J is for Jumping Spiders! This isn’t just a mug, it’s a wild ode to the underdog of the arachnid world. If your name starts with “J” or if you’ve ever found yourself staring into the beady eyes of a jumping spider, marveling at its mad skills, then this mug is your new spirit animal.

What motivates you?

For me, motivation is less about the shiny objects of success and more about finding that sweet spot where contentment and purpose meet. You know, that rare moment when the chaos of life aligns with something that actually feels… right.

My drive comes from finding my purpose. For me, being in the flow state of creativity is like hitting the jackpot, but without all the noise and confetti. It’s that elusive feeling of being so absorbed in what I’m doing that I forget to eat, sleep, or—heaven forbid—check my phone. When I’m illustrating or creating art, everything else fades into the background, and I’m left with a general sense of happiness and well-being that’s hard to beat.

However, I’m not just cranking out art because it makes me feel good (although that’s a solid perk). There’s a bigger, more altruistic side to what I do. My Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet series is more than just a bunch of pretty pictures. It’s my way of contributing to something larger than myself. These animals—these beautiful, weird, and often overlooked creatures—deserve more attention. They’re not just background noise in the symphony of nature; they’re essential players. And if my art can raise awareness, even just a little, to help protect these animals and their environments, then I’m on the right path. That’s my lofty motivator. It’s a purpose that aligns perfectly with my passion.

Of course, I could just be deluding myself. Maybe I’m just another artist with a fancy excuse to draw animals and avoid a “real” job. But I’m okay with that. Because at the end of the day, motivation isn’t about saving the world or making millions (though either would be nice). It’s about finding that thing that makes you feel content, even if it’s just for a fleeting moment. And if I can do that while also doing some good in the world, well, that’s more than enough for me.

My motivation is a cocktail of selfishness and selflessness, shaken with a twist of humor. It’s about feeling content, finding purpose, and maybe—just maybe—helping to make the world a slightly better place, one quirky animal at a time. And if I get to lose myself in the flow of creativity along the way, then I’d say I’ve hit the jackpot.