Amateur or Pro - You Decide - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Back2Jake · 02-02-2007, 06:19 PM

I am confused.

This thread is a take off from the OPPs thread I started under "Off Topic".

Quoting Grizz here: " ... Whether they are from Pro's or Amateur OPP's, I have a desire to cut them both, outside of anything I might design... It's the nature of this scroller. The problem is... there is just not enough time!"

This got me to wondering what determines in YOUR mind, whether a scroller/designer is an amateur or a pro?

Personally this isn't a distinction I like to make, since I see a design/project for what is in it, not who designed it. I admire the work of those who have come before me and after me in the scrolling community, (more or less experience) who offer me something more than the "image on the surface" in a design.

So I suppose if I was pushed to define a "pro" in our community, that would be my definition - If you (as a designer/scroller) make me THINK about and / or FEEL the moment you have captured with your scrolling ... then I consider you a pro, regardless of your material accomplishments in published work, or the number of others who follow your progress.

So, I ask you this... how do you define an amateur or a pro in our craft?

Toni

Jediscroller · 02-02-2007, 07:07 PM

In my mind, quality of work has nothing to do with whether one is a professional or amateur. Most of my favorite designers would be considered amateurs as they do it as a past time, not for financial gain.

Merriam Webster defines is best:
Professional: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs.

Amateur: one who engages in a pursuit, study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession.

Kevin

bearfretworks · 02-02-2007, 07:13 PM

I agree completely with Jedi.

Minnesota scroller · 02-02-2007, 07:18 PM

Technically, Kevin is dead on.

I used to be a real photobug. I had a couple 35mm cameras, several lenses and tons of accessories. I learned at that time, to be a considered a pro, I had to start making serious money. That was when it lost it's excitement. Tried it, hated it, now I'm scrolling.

That is what separates a pro from an amateur - $$$.

Marsha · 02-02-2007, 07:29 PM

I believe a Pro/Professional scroller is a person who has taken their craft to a level that allows them to earn an income. A Professional scroller would be the person who has devoted their time to scrolling, and becomes an expert or master in the field. A person who has taken the time to learn everything there is to know about the craft, designing, cutting, and teaching. A Professional is a person others turn to for answers, and encouragement. A Professional is committed to furthering the craft, through their knowledge of the craft.

A Professional scroller is something I will never be, nor do I strive to be.
Marsha

Jediscroller · 02-02-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marsha

A person who has taken the time to learn everything there is to know about the craft, designing, cutting, and teaching.

I don't think there's anyone who fits this description. No matter how good someone is, there's always something to learn. If anyone were to claim to know everything there is to know I'd consider them something other than a pro (and a word I can't use here on the forum

).

PeteB · 02-02-2007, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jediscroller

Merriam Webster defines is best:
Professional: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs.

This is disturbing if you consider medical doctors to be professionals. :P

Being professional also means to adhering to a certain set of standards, regardless of financial considerations.

Now, what profession are we talking about? Artists? Or artisans?

Pete