Talib Kweli Quotes

I have a day job. I can make movies when I want to.

I would recommend, definitely, developing a 'day job' that you like - don't expect to make money writing!

Eventually I want to subsidize my income with other creative outlets that are going to not keep me tied to the road so much.

My paid gigs allow me to pay for my documentaries, like a drug habit, I suppose. If I'm lucky enough to be working steady, however, it leaves little time for the documentary hobby.

I was a government employee in the morning and a writer in the evening.

When I can focus on something like guitar or painting, I do. I started painting people I admire, like Kerouac, Bob Dylan, Nelson Algren, Marlon Brando, Patti Smith, my girl, my kids.

Generally, what I try to do is always have a money gig and an art gig.

Ever since I can remember, I drew, and visual arts have been my main way to express myself. I like dancing, although I've never done that very seriously. It's something I'd like to explore more.

I started painting as a hobby when I was little. I didn't know I had any talent. I believe talent is just a pursued interest. Anybody can do what I do.

I relate really well to individuals who have a career and explore other adventures outside of skating. That, to me, is fascinating.

Thankfully, I have a very full life. I'm married with kids, so I have a lot of things to focus on, other projects either in post-production or pre-production, so you just do the best you can.

I'm a creative person. I love to write, I love to act, I love to perform, I love to create things with my hands, so I do all of these things that are kind of like hobbies in a way. They're things that I love, so it's not like a work-life balance; it's just a work-life marriage.

You can maintain work-life balance even while pursuing careers.

Yes, I started out as an anchor on television, but that was just 'me being me,' trying to make some pocket money.

In my own life, I had gone from Maryland State Honors Chorus and writing and singing my own songs to a musical silence. It seemed the busier my work life would get, the less I had to feed the other parts of my own soul, including the arts.

I would like to balance my career, do meaningful cinema and also do fluff films.

I would love to design a car. And shoes, like funky Keds maybe.

The website is me. It's a reflection of my personality and my interests. It's the perfect marriage of my skills and experiences.

Every day I paint, and every day I compose music.

It can be a detriment to yourself to not be working, but at the same time, you want to hold true to what you're wanting to be working on.

Originally, I was an assistant director. For many people in that role, becoming a director is the ultimate goal. But, in my case, that wasn't my goal at all. I just had fun doing it. The schedule was hard, but I enjoyed it greatly so I just kept at it.

I enjoy my work, and I take what appeals to me.

I have a day job where I make money and satisfy my self-esteem. Writing is for fun, and I want to keep it that way.

Makeup is where my career is going, but I would love to also indulge in music. It's still one of my absolute favorite things in the world.

I like art; if I could just draw pictures all day, I would, but I can't; I'm horrible. I practiced at it, still didn't get better - gave it up. I'm good with words, though, so I write music, poetry; sometimes I just journal in my phone.