One year to Master?

[DakotaDocMartin]

I was just thinking back through the years of the Engravers Cafe and I got to wondering whatever happened with that guy who set out to learn hand engraving from start to being a Master Engraver in one year? He just seemed to disappear. Hopefully, he kept engraving beyond that one year.

 

[mdengraver]

I'm sure that it would take more than a year to become a master!

 

[AJB]

I recall reading that thread and thinking “go for it.” All I know is that after a year, I’m just getting to the point of not being horribly embarrassed by my attempts at engraving.

 

[mitch]

Funny you mention that. He crossed my mind too in the last month or so.

 

[KevinCunningham]

I’m almost 9 months into a serious part time addiction. I think in another 50 years I’ll have all y’all beat- problem is I’m part ogre and 44 years old- us big ‘uns rarely make it to 94…

 

[Mike576]

Why set such a short timeframe for oneself? Might as well enjoy the ride!

 

[AJB]

Mike576, I couldn’t agree more. I took up engraving as a hobby, so I only engrave for the joy of it. I engrave almost every day in order to improve, but I have no plans to go overboard and lose the enjoyment that it brings.

 

[mdengraver]

Becoming a master is a lifelong journey! Every new project has it's challenges, and each time I feel like a beginner all over again! It's a very humbling experience. I always fall somewhat short of the mark. If you keep growing and challenging yourself as an artist, you're always striving to get better, perhaps in your mind, you never become a master, which by definition could also have an egotistical component to it. The mastery of certain skills of a trade would qualify one to call themselves a master craftsman. Nevertheless, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Everyone has a different aesthetic sense, and the concept of being a master can be somewhat of an intangible! You have to always put in your time, pay your dues, get an incredible amount of experience. There really is no time frame for this! It takes as long as it takes. Everybody is different. Finished no, only just begun! My teacher said " Consider each finished project, a starting/launching off point and inspiration for the next." Get the most you can out of each artistic endeavor, striving to continually improve your craftsmanship, and acquisition of the technical skills required. And in time your diligent efforts and high standards will be reflected in the increasing quality/level of your work. The satisfaction comes each time in the surprising outcome you have achieved , when you feel you have taken each assignment as far as you can with your current skillset.

 

[mdengraver]

Leave some room for the devil to escape! The human element must not be overlooked, because perfection is unachievable! ...And in the end what is perfection, but a nebulous possibility, as perceived in the higher powers, beyond our comprehension! When we depart from that sense of reality, perceived perfection, that is when we open up the satisfying opportunities that make the pursuit of art worthwhile, more purposeful, and achievable!

 

[mdengraver]

Deleted

 

[mdengraver]

Duplicate

 

[monk]

Practice putting worms on hooks! So you can become a master "baiter"!

yikes! i can remember when this was a family show. -5 points for spelling !!

 

[mitch]

yikes! i can remember when this was a family show. -5 points for spelling !!

What’s that all about?

 

[mdengraver]

Deleted

 

[FANCYGUN]

Thats totally inappropriate for this forum.

 

[monk]

What’s that all about?

what he said could have "numerous" meanings. since this is a family show, i'll not go further with this.

 

[tdelewis]

People who have worked in jewelry creating designing and producing perhaps could do it.

 

[Robertct]

It is commonly assumed that it takes 10,000 hours to become a master at any skill. 8 hours a day would take him almost 3 1/2 years to reach master status. This is assuming he is working under The guidance of a master. Self taught might take longer and actually may prevent you from ever reaching master status. Think of all the bad habits and poor techniques you might pick up on this journey.
Another less heard theory is that you can learn 80% of a masters skill in 20% of the time, it’s that last 20% that take a special person, and time. So 20% of 10000 is 2000 hours which would take about one year.
just my cliff claven mind thinking out loud again

 

[KevinCunningham]

It is commonly assumed that it takes 10,000 hours to become a master at any skill. 8 hours a day would take him almost 3 1/2 years to reach master status. This is assuming he is working under The guidance of a master. Self taught might take longer and actually may prevent you from ever reaching master status. Think of all the bad habits and poor techniques you might pick up on this journey.
Another less heard theory is that you can learn 80% of a masters skill in 20% of the time, it’s that last 20% that take a special person, and time. So 20% of 10000 is 2000 hours which would take about one year.
just my cliff claven mind thinking out loud again

Cliff Raven the tattooer?

 

[Robertct]

No cliff claven the mailman on cheers