
"Time is our greatest enemy, but also our greatest motivator. We can’t control how much we have, but we can choose to create, live, and love in a way that makes every moment truly matter."
The Gift and the Burden of Creativity
As artists, we often experience moments of inspiration that seem almost supernatural. I have this strange ability—or maybe it’s more like a gift—where my dreams become snippets of stories, almost like a slideshow playing in my mind while I sleep.
I wake up with vivid imagery and narratives that beg to be written, drawn, or brought to life. That’s how ideas like Gemini Complex came to me—a simple dream that transformed into a creative project.
But this week, a different kind of realization hit me, one that felt less like inspiration and more like a sobering wake-up call. It was about something we all battle against everyday: time. No matter how creative, talented, or motivated we are, time will always be our greatest adversary. And unlike other resources, it’s nonrenewable.
Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
At 42 years old, I find myself increasingly aware of how little time I might have left—not just for creating art, but for living life itself.
Time Is Always Slipping Away
Time doesn’t wait for anyone. No matter how much we wish for more hours in a day, more days in a year, or even more years in our lives, it’s a resource we can’t reclaim once it’s spent. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of daily responsibilities—work, bills, obligations—and suddenly realize that years have flown by.
For me, this realization hits even harder when I think about my daughter. She’s 4 years old now, and every day I see her grow, learn, and become more of her own person. When I’m 50, she’ll be 12. When I’m 60, she’ll be 22. These numbers aren’t just milestones—they’re reminders that I may not be around forever to witness all of her life’s moments.
This isn’t just a personal reflection—it’s something every artist, every creative, and frankly every human being faces. How do we balance the desire to create meaningful work with the need to experience life fully? How do we ensure that we don’t look back one day and regret the things we didn’t do?
Making Time Worth It: Living and Creating with Intention
Since we can’t control time, the only solution is to make every moment count. We may not be able to extend our lives indefinitely, but we can live with purpose.
Here’s what that means for me as an artist—and what it could mean for you too:
Create, but Don’t Forget to Live
It’s easy to get consumed by our creative projects. There’s always another panel to draw, another scene to animate, another story to write. But life is more than just the work we produce. Spend time with loved ones. Go on adventures. Experience the world outside your creative bubble. These moments fuel your creativity in ways you can’t imagine.
For me, it means making time for my daughter, watching her grow, and being present in her life. It means not just focusing on finishing my comic or video game, but also on enjoying the process of creating them.
Tackle Your Bucket List
Everyone has a list of things they dream of doing—whether it’s publishing a comic, building a video game, traveling to new places, or even piloting a Gundam (hey, a guy can dream, right?). Don’t let that list gather dust. Start working on it today, even if it’s just small steps.
For me, that means pushing forward with my dream projects—finishing my comic, exploring game development, and maybe even trying my hand at an indie animation someday.
Accept That Perfection Is a Myth
As artists, we often hold ourselves to impossible standards. We want every project to be flawless before we share it with the world. But chasing perfection can rob us of precious time. It’s better to put something out there, learn from it, and move on to the next thing than to spend years perfecting something that may never feel "done."
I’ve learned to let go of perfection. The goal isn’t to create something flawless—it’s to create something meaningful.
Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Yes, we all have dreams and goals, but life isn’t just about reaching those goals—it’s about the experiences we have along the way. Celebrate small wins. Find joy in the daily grind of creation. Every sketch, every rough draft, and every late-night brainstorming session is part of the adventure.
Making the Most of the Time We Have
Time will always be our greatest enemy, but it can also be our greatest motivator. Knowing that our days are limited can push us to live more fully, create more passionately, and love more deeply.
As artists, we have the power to leave something behind—stories, games, art—that can outlive us and continue to inspire us long after we’re gone.
So, while I may not have all the time in the world, I want to make sure the time I do have is well spent—creating, exploring, and living with the people I care about.
That way, when I do reach my final chapter, I can look back and say, “I made it count.”
To all the creatives out there feeling the pressure of time: don’t wait for the perfect moment—it doesn’t exist. Start now, live boldly, and create fearlessly.
"Time is finite, but the stories we create can last forever."
Whether you’re an artist, writer, or dreamer, remember—it’s not about how much time we have. It’s about what we do with the time we’re given. Keep creating, keep dreaming, and keep living. After all, the world needs your story.
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