Dearing and Zaffino Competitors? Enemies?

[CharlieDearing]

I've gotten a few emails asking me if Jeff Zafino and myself are enemies or in competition. Since I recieved more than one asking I figured this would be the place to clear the air.
I have always absolutely loved Jeff Zaffino's work. I envy him, his talent, his business sense, his portfolio, his reputation...but I have NO negative thoughts or feelings about him whatsoever. He and I both do something we love to do. When I mention that he is better than me, that is my honest opinion. It is not a cut down on myself. He and I both like detailed work. He tends to use more backgrounds or more in the background than I do. He does alot on a Wacom tablet (I don't know if all patterns by him are done this way), I do mine on paper and color them in on computer.
Bottom line is that he and I share the love and passion for what we do. I don't have a single negative word to say to or about him. Our styles are different in a few ways. That offers a wide variety to people out there. Are either of us the best? Heck that isn't for US to decide, nor does it matter. It isn't a competition. I haven't even spoken to Jeff about this issue because I feel confident in speaking for both of us about the love of what we do.
Maybe there are some designers out there who do compete or hold ill feelings towards other designers. There is one designer I flat cannot stand due to his arrogant, holier than thou personality, but who does that benefit? Not a soul.
I have talked to Jeff via email about 3-4 times and each time he was very polite, friendly, willing to talk and just an all around good guy. In fact he "put in a good word for me" not too long ago towards a small venture I was pursuing.
If, by definition we ARE competitors then I believe it to be a fun and friendly competition. I say that in the context of the two magazines
Here's to you Jeff and here's to ALL scrollers, designers, etc out there. We all do what we do for the love of it. Don't let egos, reputations and the unimportant get in the way.
I love the scrolling community and will for life! Ya'll make dust now ...ya hear?

[NC Scroller]

Charlies,

Very well said. I love both your works. I have not heard what the issue is and I do not care to. Whether we know it or not we all compete. This is true in life, work, and our hobbies. Competing is healthy. It makes us grow and improve. If people are perceiving a problem that don't have enough to do in their own lives.

[Plaquerd]

Originally Posted by NC Scroller

Charlies,

Very well said. I love both your works. I have not heard what the issue is and I do not care to. Whether we know it or not we all compete. This is true in life, work, and our hobbies. Competing is healthy. It makes us grow and improve. If people are perceiving a problem that don't have enough to do in their own lives.

DITTO.........couldn't have said it better than Scott

Dave

[Jediscroller]

I guess I just don't get it. Why do people have to try and stir stuff up?

Can you imagine what it would be like not to have the choice of multiple designers? It would get boring in a hurry.

[Back2Jake]

Well said Charlie.

Your admiring fan.
Toni

[William Young]

Charlie.
I agree with Toni.

Well said.

I personally don't have a clue about designing a pattern . I am only a cutter of ones that I have time to cut out. It is nice to see how far you have come along with your pattern making and having your work published in scroll saw magazines proves you are among the best. Don't let anyone try to discourage you on that.
Best of luck in your future endeavors.
W.Y.

[minowevie]

Hurray for you Charlie, well said.
I agree with Kevin, wouldn't it be borring for sure to only have a couple good pattern designers. I have to tell you. I don't have a favorite, but I do have many favorites. my only problem is, the time, and money, I need to get all the great patterns, I see. I have a couple ideas on some patterns, but I probably will never make one, for there is just so many beautifule ones out there to cut.
also. like Kevin said. why do folks like to start stuff.it just torks my jaws. anyway. your friend Evie

[Bruce]

I agree as well Charlie. As a designer I understand competition and welcome it as well, it makes me want to do better.
I've had another designer say some pretty negative things about me that I really don't understand because as far as I know I never did or said anything bad about them. I guess it just comes with the territory. You handled what could have become a bad rumor quite well and I applaud you for it.

[Flatlander]

Good job Charlie. If we all stay on the high road all will be well. Keeps mud off the boots as well. Dale.

[Mike Crosa]

Ditto to what every one has said. There is always someone trying to foment trouble. There is enough negativity in this world. I applaud you Charlie for coming forward to nip it in the bud.

Mike C.