I've made the jump to full time

[Hdesign]

First, I wanted to start off by thanking everyone for their support, loyalty and extreme patience while I attempted to balance both my Industrial Design job and my obsession for custom car art and design. Without the great people I've met and had the opportunity to help along the way this would have remained only a dream for me. While I'm at it, I want to extend a special thank you to Scott for providing the perfect environment for for car guys and artists alike.

This is a very nerve-racking venture I'm embarking on as many of you can attest to I'm sure. A steady paycheck in a great job is a tough thing to walk away from especially with a family and a mortgage. However, I've always believed in the philosophy that "the biggest risk is never taking one" and I certainly don't want to reach my twilight years looking back and saying "What if....?"

That said, I made the decision to give my notice yesterday afternoon and I'm ready to move forward. I simply got sick of forcing my very patient clients to wait and the constant all-nighters were really taking a toll on me. It wasn't fair to my family, my employer, or my clients. So, I have some loose ends that need to be tied up for the next couple weeks but after that I'm on my own.

My plans are to finish up all of the projects for people that have been waiting FOREVER first, then onto the development and launch of my completely overhauled website courtesy of Scott. There will be an updated gallery, press releases, an online store for prints and shirts and whatever else you guys would like to see. I'd love to hear your input.

So, thanks again everyone for your interest and encouragement over the past few years! I look forward to hearing from you anytime!:bow:

Ben

[96z28ss]

Awesome, Congratulations
Well you know that we (my real job) try to keep you busy and most likely why your so behind on alot of work. Hey but it aint my fault.

I always recommend you when I can.

[vipercuda]

Anyone thinking of using Ben needs to know what a great job he does, I never knew how he juggled both deals. He has great ideas and vision. I would recommend him to anyone out there. Please feel free to call me if you have more questions. I will tell you from my experience with him all you need to do is point him in the direction you want to go and he will get you there with a car that will be beyond your expectations. He literally blew my mind with the Cannibal. I wanted a cool 72-73 charger, I had a 73 charger as my first car and he created in my opinion-the best looking charger ever-out of a 72-73 charger... Best of luck Ben but you won't need it.

Thanks
Mike
Time Machines
813-789-6719 cell

[XcYZ]

Ben, I wished we lived closer, I'd love to hang out.

Congrats on the move to full time! :bow:

[ZVT]

Congrats Ben,there is obviously no doubt you will make it just by the quality of work that you put out and your reputation already speaks for itself.

Its definetly what every artist dreams about making a living from our talent.

I wish I could get to that position but unfortunatly I have my own business so I cant resign from myself. LOL

Only one piece of advice I can give and its not even mine but something I live my life by everyday.

FAILURE SELDOM STOPS YOU.WHAT STOPS YOU IS FEAR OF FAILURE!!!
Jack Lemon

Zee

[awr68]

Congrats Ben!! :cheers:

[cmraman]

I did the same thing only out of necessity. I had a full time gig and I was shooting car features for PHR. When I got laid off Feb. 07 I decided to go for it fulltime. It hasn't been without it's struggles, but I am glad that I did. I have such a great opportunity to work with the best in the biz, namely, Johnny Hunkins, Troy Trepanier, Jim and Mike Ring, Alan Johnson, Brent Jarvis, just to name a few. I have grown into 2 other mags and hope to get into more this year. It is difficult with mortgage and kids, i know. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Good luck. Hope to see you at some event sometime. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[tyoneal]

First, I wanted to start off by thanking everyone for their support, loyalty and extreme patience while I attempted to balance both my Industrial Design job and my obsession for custom car art and design. Without the great people I've met and had the opportunity to help along the way this would have remained only a dream for me. While I'm at it, I want to extend a special thank you to Scott for providing the perfect environment for for car guys and artists alike.

This is a very nerve-racking venture I'm embarking on as many of you can attest to I'm sure. A steady paycheck in a great job is a tough thing to walk away from especially with a family and a mortgage. However, I've always believed in the philosophy that "the biggest risk is never taking one" and I certainly don't want to reach my twilight years looking back and saying "What if....?"

That said, I made the decision to give my notice yesterday afternoon and I'm ready to move forward. I simply got sick of forcing my very patient clients to wait and the constant all-nighters were really taking a toll on me. It wasn't fair to my family, my employer, or my clients. So, I have some loose ends that need to be tied up for the next couple weeks but after that I'm on my own.

My plans are to finish up all of the projects for people that have been waiting FOREVER first, then onto the development and launch of my completely overhauled website courtesy of Scott. There will be an updated gallery, press releases, an online store for prints and shirts and whatever else you guys would like to see. I'd love to hear your input.

So, thanks again everyone for your interest and encouragement over the past few years! I look forward to hearing from you anytime!:bow:

Ben
=======================================
Ben:

Good luck, I'm looking forward to working with you. I hope I'm in your line. ;-)

Ty

[bigtyme1]

Ben, I think thats great and you will do just fine. Let me know when your ready and will talk about some more work. Ive got some more guys at work that are intersted as well. You did a great Job on Scott Spicers car and I know he's got that hanging in his show room.

[mlomaka]

Congrats. You are doing the right thing. Everybody better watch out now. The quality of your work is only going to get better now that you can focus solely on your passion. I can't wait to see the things you are going to do now.

I do have a question though, on a side note, since you left a industrial design firm, does that mean there is an opening there? I did mention I have a degree in ID didn't I?:unibrow:

I am sure great things are ahead. Just don't forget about us here at Laeral-g!

[city_ofthe_south]

Booyah granny! I'd say good luck but like someone else said, you won't be needing luck. Although, it can't hurt to have some to spend like an economic stimulus package. Yeah I dunno wtf I'm talking about either. Congrats.

[ccracin]

Ben,

Congrats, I know this is what you have wanted for a long time. Fear not you will continue to be busy. I'll bet you wonder how you had time for another full time job. Best of luck. I recommend you any chance I get. I hope our execution of the work you have done for us lives up to the vision. Cheers!

Later,

[sean smith]

Ben,
Congrats on going fulltime....Look forward to seeing more of your awesome work in the near future. It must be great to finally focus on your passion..
good luck...
ss

[69Lt4]

Ben,

Congradulations. You will do very well. I really enjoyed working with you and appreciated your honest opinions.

Kevin

[BLACKJACK]

:cheers: I LUV THE RENDERING U DID FOR ME...YOU WILL DEW FINE....GOD BLESS:thumbsup: :woot: P.S SHIRTS OF PAST RENDERING'S WILL SELL LIKE HOT CAKE'S...........:lateral:

[rjp71]

Good luck, you do great work and thank you! I picked up the t-shirt you sent me when I went to visit my car at g-force last week.

[Hdesign]

Thanks everyone! I look forward to taking the next step and I hope to participate more events. It'll also be nice to have some time to work on my project car again.

[ccracin]

Thanks everyone! I look forward to taking the next step and I hope to participate more events. It'll also be nice to have some time to work on my project car again.

Did you find a Monte? :unibrow:

[DVierstra]

Congratulations Ben. I know it was not an easy decision. I hope the best for you.:thumbsup: Keep up the perseverance!

[Hdesign]

Thanks Don!

Chad-The Monte thing is on hold for now....that car collection sale didn't turn out as well as I had hoped. Not enough commission to cover the expense of another project anyway. Plus my wife is probably gonna have a heart attack if I add to the existing stress level. One thing at a time.....for now.

[asaenz]

Ben you inspire me. :yes:

Perhaps one day I will go all out.
First I need to start doing some darn artwork.

I sure as heck know that Information Technology is just a pay check for me.
I love cars. Perhaps one day I will trust God and not my own strength.

See you around my friend

PS: I roll in the Atlanta, Greenville SC, Charlotte NC, areas close to Year One headquarters if you are ever in the area give me a ring would love to have lunch some time.

Al

[OTE Design & Fabrication]

Congrats Ben! Now that you made the big jump, you'll never have to look back at your life when your older and say, I should have tried to do it. Best of luck to you!

[tjbruning]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Kris Horton]

Best of luck Ben, I can only imagine the pins and needles you're on about this venture. I've wanted to do the same thing for a while now as I know just how hard it is to juggle a full-time job, a ton of freelance work, and still maintain your sanity.

Every time I consider the possibility of going it on my own I get cold feet at the thought of not having a consistent paycheck coming in every few weeks. You will no doubt do just fine as your work is incredible and very inspiring. As long as our hobby exists, guys like us will have work to do and being able to fully commit to it is a big advantage for you. Maybe in a few years I'll get to make my passion work my only work too!

Again, best of luck to you man! :cheers:

Kris

[NEVER ENOUGH]

Congrats Ben. As it's been said, I'm sure there is little to worry about with the work you do.:hail:



(Now, get off this website and get back to work, we need to see some more projects...LOL:lol: )

[Steve Firebird]

Way to go Ben. I am sure you will have plenty of work. I will contact you when we get ready to start our next project. Start thinking about cool ideas for a 69 Firebird. Steve

[tyoneal]

Ben:

Any idea when we might be able to get started on my project?

Thanks,

Ty

[Hdesign]

PM sent Ty

[Hdesign]

It's official, today was my last day. It felt a little strange leaving today but I look forward to what the future holds.

[monza]

:woot:

[CarterHickmanDesigns]

Go brotha G0!!!!! I wish you only the best Ben, you are talented and deserve the respect you have earned. Congrats and keep us updated.

Carter

[camcojb]

good luck Ben, you certainly deserve it. :thumbsup:

Jody

[tyoneal]

Ben:

If you haven't heard from me yet you will shortly. I look forward to working with you.

Regards,

Ty O'Neal

[chopshop]

First, I wanted to start off by thanking everyone for their support, loyalty and extreme patience while I attempted to balance both my Industrial Design job and my obsession for custom car art and design. Without the great people I've met and had the opportunity to help along the way this would have remained only a dream for me. While I'm at it, I want to extend a special thank you to Scott for providing the perfect environment for for car guys and artists alike.

This is a very nerve-racking venture I'm embarking on as many of you can attest to I'm sure. A steady paycheck in a great job is a tough thing to walk away from especially with a family and a mortgage. However, I've always believed in the philosophy that "the biggest risk is never taking one" and I certainly don't want to reach my twilight years looking back and saying "What if....?"

Ben
Welcome to the world of small business Ben. You'll like the personal accomplishment but its gonna be hard.The hours are long and the $$ isnt always steady but its a great way to see your own results. Any way I can help, just give a yell.

[fesler]

You will love it once you get going, let me know when you have some time free up. :thumbsup:

[DriverzInc]

Good for you! Good luck man. :thumbsup:
You know, I still have that Monte!

[Hdesign]

Ha ha, wow, I'm surprised that's still kickin around. That was a nice car.

[CarterHickmanDesigns]

Ok Ben, so how has the first couple of days been?

[Hdesign]

Pretty productive considering all the administrative stuff I have to do simultaneously to get going.

[TonyG]

Congrats Ben. You are definately one of my favorite artists on here. Thanks again for the info you gave a while back. I haven't had much time to use any of it. But I will get there someday.

[mlomaka]

Glad to hear everythings gettin going good. So is your project you are hoping to get to the Nova? Can't wait to see what ever project you get started on. Keep us posted!

[SRD Art]

Congrats dude! I've admired your work for a long time and I love your style. I'm not far on your heels, I'm so sick of putting clients or family on hold and making peanuts building my boss' dream and not being able to do what I want. Hope success continues your way, and if I ever get back east I'd love to hook up for lunch or something and talk shop. You da man! :thumbsup:

PS, did someone mention you have a Nova project? Sounds like we have a lot in common. Cool.