Some people might say this is an explanation of my art. But this is no explanation; it’s a story, mine and yours.

When I was much younger, I used to wish I could shine like a star. I used to dream of becoming a legendary artist. I used to dream of becoming a best-selling author. I used to dream of becoming a brilliant inventor. Then, I grew up and realized that all stars implode, that whatever material legacy I left behind on this world would be relegated to a forgotten pile of ashes and tear stains, waiting to be tossed aside like a tissue at the world’s disposal.

Who would have thought just six colorful panels could carry that kind of weight. That kind of heartbreak. 

Growing up, children are always taught the value of excellence and achievement. Many age in a culture where success is the expectation. And without a doubt, the ambition and dedication required to attain such success are virtues. But extrinsic motivation holds its fatal flaws, as I myself soon learned that the accolades I amass will hold little value for the benefit of my own happiness. Many others found this to be true in their lives as well, as Kyle Martin expressed in his widely known“16th Second” graduation speech. 

I first came across this speech when I was in middle school, at the peak of my personal obsession with tantalizing perfection that sat like a horizon that got farther the closer I came. The idea that the glory of achievement was so painfully temporary compared to the effort and sacrifice needed to attain it really resonated with me then. Around that same time, questions swirled in my head about what I wanted to do with my future, as my older brother had just committed to working towards admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. It would soon be time for me to decide what I wanted to do with my life and find my identity behind the academic success I so hungrily pursued. Working hard in school was certainly beneficial to my growth and development, but I could only relish in past accomplishments for so long. No single tangible feat would satisfy me; no, I needed a purpose. 

By this purpose, I do not imply that I sought a particular occupation to pursue. Rather, I wanted a cause that would be my driving force for everything I do. My reason I want to succeed. My motivation for constant improvement. Naturally, with happiness being the ultimate pursuit of life, I looked to what made me happy: leaving a positive impact on other people. 

Ever since I decided that this would be my cause, the guiding principle of all my actions, I’ve felt much more directed, in control, and fulfilled by my life because I now know why I put in the hours to try my best in school or in social interactions. It is, however, worth noting that each individual has a unique motivation; whether this lifetime purpose may be a desire for world impact, fame, pure ambition, religion, or any other calling, it is important to acknowledge that no one cause is more righteous or worthy than another. I truly believe that each individual is guided by different ideas, and the most important part is simply understanding what these are for the sake of one’s own happiness. 

It was in this context that I created the comic book page above. As an amateur poet, I am not particularly fond of expressing my thoughts and ideas with visuals and narrative but through metaphors, which I think of as paintings that every reader sees differently. I hoped to convey how superficial success can be when its pursuit is fueled by misguided intentions. I particularly aimed to draw attention to how society places those dubbed “successful” based on some of the world’s arbitrary values on a pedestal but so quickly forgets about these people’s humanity. However, this piece is intended to be less of a social critique and more of a call for reflection. Why is it that popular culture raises people to status so suddenly but tires of them just as soon? Why is it that individuals’ opinions only matter when they are deemed “relevant” by others and ignored once they have “fallen off”? Why is it that those with status and fame are denied empathy and are instead the world’s subject of envy? After reflecting on these questions a great deal myself, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to truly enjoy the fruits of one’s success is to have a clear intrinsic purpose to pursue it. Things like society’s approval and sparkling trophies will never bring as much joy as the fulfillment of one’s inner calling.

So yeah, when I was much younger, I used to wish I could shine like a star. I used to dream of becoming a legendary artist. I used to dream of becoming a best-selling author. I used to dream of becoming a brilliant inventor. Then, I grew up and realized that all stars implode, that whatever material legacy I left behind on this world would be relegated to a forgotten pile of ashes and tear stains, waiting to be tossed aside like a tissue at the world’s disposal. But that is okay because as long as I live, I know that my actions will be done with an intent that satisfies me more than anything tangible could ever.