Drop what ever you're doing and click these links. I swear to God it will change your life, and how you think about art.

First: Chris Oatley - Disney Concept/Character Artist [link]
I firmly tell you I will be attending Mr. Oatley's painting class very soon. I salute you sir.

Second: Paper Wings Podcast (also with Chris Oatley) [link]
This is the BEST. PODCAST. EVER. The ULTIMATE RESOURCE to not only comic art, but sequential art/animation/etc you could ever wish or hope for, including how to PROFIT as an artist.

Third: Noah Bradley - Finally, an HONEST guy to set you straight on how to make living as an artist.  [link]
This man's writing is not only refreshing, practical, and honest, it's REAL.

Fourth: Rachel Aaron - a bright light in the depths of the Internet, her writing will inspire you - [link]

And the Fifth isn't a weblink but a question I asked myself, and which I think (if you're an aspiring artist) should ask yourself:
What would you do if you had nothing to fear?

It's something I should have asked ages ago. For a long time, I've asked myself as an artist, what is holding me back?

To tell you the truth, fear. Mind numbing, muscle locking, irrational fear. The fear of being unable to afford an art school, which is apparently overrated in the first place . The fear of rejection, while plausible, real even, is unfounded. And I'm sick of being miserable. No longer will I mentally hear the venomous words"You can't." From now on, I'm saying, screaming out loud, on the top of the world, "I will!"

My secret dream has always been to learn more about art, and specifically animation. The very first film I ever saw in theaters was "Toy Story". I have cried at every Pixar/Disney movie since. I dare you to laugh.
So now I'm taking a step to a very bright and open future. I'm saving up for this: [link]

My question to anyone who stops by this journal, and is moved to comment, tell me: What would you do if you had no fear? And, What are you going to do about it?
Tell me your secret dream, whether it's a change of career, a new artistic project, an as yet unrealized untold story (for artists should be storytellers with their artwork), and what you will do RIGHT THIS MINUTE to MAKE IT HAPPEN.
-BurnTheMidnightOil