Being an artist is often boiled down to the idea of "making it." That first sale to someone who isn't related, your first commission, first media interview, or the first time you pay all your bills by your art. Sometimes "making it" is something completely different, though.

I've been teaching graffiti lettering at a few different schools this Spring. This week I am wrapping up my involvement with an after school program at one of the middle schools. There was a lot of corralling of kids, squashing of gang graffiti and other similar issues. I did have a few who attended consistently and were obviously excited to be there. But often I felt as though they thought my class was bogus or didn’t care I was even there. It's amazing what a group of kids can do to an adult's ego.

Then I had my last day. I figured it would pass uneventful and most wouldn't even notice. It changed the way I viewed my time there. The disappointment was obvious on their faces. I had one 7th grade boy come up to me multiple times to say goodbye saying, "Thank you, man. No, really, thank you." The effect on me was profound. I am grateful for my time with this group and I hope I can continue to be involved next year. As an artist, sometimes "making it" isn't about the money.