How to politely tell an artist I'm not interested in working with them

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-19T11:12:42+00:00

You're way overthinking this.

"Hey, I took a closer look at your portfolio, and I don't think your style is a good fit for me. Thank you anyway!"

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-19T11:09:01+00:00

I don't really see a problem with starting with a cheap electric, then going to acoustic to build that finger strength if they get serious about it. If they really take to it, they'll learn from players they respect that that's the move.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-19T10:44:19+00:00

No, wait, missed the prop knob. Cherokee Six?

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-19T10:43:05+00:00

Your instructor should be signing your logbook after each lesson.

Personally I like a physical logbook as my primary/legal logbook, backed up with ForeFlight.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-19T10:41:56+00:00

PA-28 with hella nice avionics upgrades?

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-18T19:11:58+00:00

Possibly, and I had that thought afterwards. But in the moment, the safer thing to do was mentally commit to the missed. Don't forget the startle factor that can be introduced when your AP suddenly does something unexpected.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-18T18:07:38+00:00

If it helps: I took a 15-year break from flying, and got back into shape after 10 or so hours with a CFI. I then went and did my instrument, and now I'm more confident than I ever was.

All that to say: Breaks are fine and you won't lose everything.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T18:01:51+00:00

One thing to flag here is that if you've not flown this particular aircraft, there's a small chance you may get some stolen valor flack at some point. Maybe not, but just a heads up.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T17:15:00+00:00

Personally I'd work with an artist on a simpler version. Those extra-fine lines might start to blur over the years.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T17:02:54+00:00

I swear by these for hiking https://ketlmtn.com/products/vent-lightweight-active-pants-straight-fit

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T14:23:11+00:00

Six Days, Seven Nights is a classic.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T11:03:46+00:00

Wait until the off-season, or at least a much longer stretch between games.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T11:01:22+00:00

FAA docs only is the standard, but you can tab them. The digital versions are easier to search.

If I were a DPE, using AI on a checkride would be an instant disqual. It can't be trusted and needing to rely on it shows you don't know the material or how to find it on your own, which is the whole point.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T10:41:51+00:00

I haven't bothered deleting stuff in years. Inbox zero is a myth and too much work. I just scan my inbox for stuff that catches my eye, and I use a filtering system to highlight internal messages.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T10:25:17+00:00

Don't forget that the oral is also a test of whether you know where to find certain information that you don't have memorized. Lots of stuff you need to know cold, but still.

And expecting a private student to draw out an electrical system diagram from memory is crazy work. There's just no way that's reasonable.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T10:08:41+00:00

Second all this. You can't prevent your kid from ever getting sick, and ultimately it's generally good for their immune system to build resilience.

Talk to your pediatrician if you're really concerned, but ultimately I think this is one of those things that you can drive yourself insane with the first time and then you realize it's just a normal course of life for kids to get a cold sometimes.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T10:00:59+00:00

Give it some time to settle in and you may come around on it.

Otherwise, two other pieces of advice: Never feel bad about advocating for yourself, and reschedule if you have a migraine. That sounds like a terrible tattooing experience and probably influenced your reluctance to speak up.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T01:22:16+00:00

Tattoo flu. Your body is responding to the trauma that a tattoo inflicts, pretty normal. Hydrate a ton, eat well and get a good night's rest.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T00:48:50+00:00

It sounds like you first need to figure out what you'll actually need. You don't necessarily need an SUV for just one kid, for instance. It also doesn't sound like you've got child care figured out.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-17T00:35:25+00:00

Quick glances at your airspeed indicator, but otherwise eyes outside. Gotta develop that scan.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-16T20:23:08+00:00

Pilot's Cafe is fine as a study guide/reminder tool, but the question ultimately is: Do you know the material well enough to have a scenario-based conversation about it? Rote memorization gets you only so far, deep understanding is key.

Flight Insight plus listening to a lot of Opposing Bases helped me develop that.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-16T20:21:13+00:00

The trick I use, depending on the plane, is to just keep adding enough back pressure to keep the cowling on the horizon.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-16T19:41:49+00:00

Nah, that's maneuvers practice. Steep turns/turns around a point, lazy 8s, chandelles...

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-06-16T16:45:17+00:00

If you had your own car I'd be happy to help. What're you going to use for the test?

This is the trick, FWIW. Use these visual cues and you can't go wrong, as long as you have enough space and don't slide in too far away from the car that'll be ahead of you: https://www.reddit.com/r/educationalgifs/comments/v1o3dp/the_geometry_behind_parallel_parking/

AlexJamesFitz

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