0012: A Community of One: The Evolving Versions of You
The Many Versions of You: A Journey Through Time
We often think of ourselves as a single, continuous entity. But what if we viewed our lives as a community of selves, each version of us contributing to who we are today and who we'll become tomorrow?
Let's explore this concept through my personal journey.
The Early Years: Dreams and Discoveries
43 years ago: The first version of me was born.
39 years ago: A curious toddler drawing on walls.
36 years ago: A child asking, "What's a modern artist?" and sketching space rovers on business cards.
32 years ago: A young dreamer learns the word 'illustrator' and declares, "I will be an author and illustrator!"
The Transition Years: Education and Exploration
23+ years ago: An art school graduate asking, "Now what?" - before becoming a car salesman (while still making art on the side).
14 years ago: An aspiring artist moves to the city to chase dreams.
12 years ago: A surprising career twist - applied for a programming job, hired as a Creative Director in a tech startup.
The Growth Years: Entrepreneurship and Family
10 years ago: Attended Stanford on scholarship for entrepreneurship and got married.
9 years ago: Co-founded Zapzapmath.
5 years ago: Stepped back from active participation in the startup.
4 years ago: Survived on savings and illustration gigs, affirming daily, "I, Adam Ming, am a world-famous cartoonist and illustrator."
3 years ago: Welcomed a new baby into the world.
Recent Developments
My child is now a toddler, bringing new joys and challenges to my life and work.
I’m starting work illustrating my 11th book while trying to write a graphic novel for kids on the side. This Substack has grown into a community, and I enjoy sharing the journey with you.
The Future: Embracing Possibilities
In 7 years, there might be a version of me who is indeed a world-famous cartoonist and illustrator. That future self will have today's me to thank for choosing this path and putting in the necessary work.
And he'll have you, dear reader, to thank for being there at the beginning, cheering me on.
You Are a Community Unto Yourself
Remember, you are more than just your present self. You are a community of past and future selves:
There was yesterday's you who perhaps indulged in one too many potato chips.
There's tomorrow's you who will thank you for your good choices today.
Make peace with all the older versions of yourself who brought you to this point. Make sacrifices so that future versions of you can become what an 11-year-old you dreamed of being.
Your journey is unique, filled with twists, turns, and transformations. Embrace each version of yourself, learn from your past, and pave the way for your future. After all, your future self is counting on you.
As I look back on this journey three years after first writing about it, I'm reminded of how much can change in a short time. The path continues to unfold, bringing new challenges and opportunities.
What version of yourself are you creating today?
PS: Yesterday we had another great workout at
, art gym is a place for creatives of all abilities to workout their drawing muscles, it’s the most fun way to level up your drawing!