11-27-2017, 01:49 PM
This might sound pedantic, but I don't like calling this art thing a journey anymore, because a journey implies a destination and a moment of arrival. It's more like a constant evolution. I think that context is a much healthier and accurate way to think about it in the long run.
Like in the theory of evolution if you can channel whatever challenges that you experience into a positive adaptation as much as you can, the better. For example I channelled the desperation of wanting to change my career, into the positive adaptation of having a very strong work ethic in my study after work. For a long time I just let that desperation languish and fester before I got serious.
Once I went fulltime, this dynamic totally changed. Whereas before I had an unshakeable and at times detrimental work ethic, now I found I fought with myself to get down to doing my own personal work and freelance became more and more a chore. Self directed discipline and time management became so much more important and harder to do when there were no set times for work. The "destination" of going fulltime freelance was achieved, but I realised it was a mirage to begin with. Things actually got much harder in many ways, not easier.
I think a few main points I learned from all of that
1. Discipline and taking Action are always key factors in any 'success'. Consistently being able to get down to do work even if you don't feel like you want to is pretty much always going to be a boon as long as it is balanced well with other parts of your life. You can investigate any master painter / writer / creative. Discipline, drive and consistency is common to pretty much all of them whatever their circumstance.
2. Enjoying learning is a huge positive factor. Not everyone does. Many see it as a chore that needs to be done to get the skills to finally then be able to do what they like. Doesn't bode well for sustainability.
3. Work on personal work no matter what skill level you are at. Be careful about focusing too hard on technical ability alone in the drive towards developing your artistic craft and voice. I'm not playing down the importance of fundamentals/study (it is very important), but I think making it too much of a focus at the expense of doing things purely for your own enjoyment/fulfilment can result in some issues down the line, that might not be clear now. Always try to be reflective of your interests and why/what you want to express in this visually creative way. That also needs to be developed and worked on. If your skills improve enough to the point you can draw anything relatively well, but you find out you have nothing to say, well let's just say that sucks too. Granted it's a problem more advanced folk get into down the line.
Like in the theory of evolution if you can channel whatever challenges that you experience into a positive adaptation as much as you can, the better. For example I channelled the desperation of wanting to change my career, into the positive adaptation of having a very strong work ethic in my study after work. For a long time I just let that desperation languish and fester before I got serious.
Once I went fulltime, this dynamic totally changed. Whereas before I had an unshakeable and at times detrimental work ethic, now I found I fought with myself to get down to doing my own personal work and freelance became more and more a chore. Self directed discipline and time management became so much more important and harder to do when there were no set times for work. The "destination" of going fulltime freelance was achieved, but I realised it was a mirage to begin with. Things actually got much harder in many ways, not easier.
I think a few main points I learned from all of that
1. Discipline and taking Action are always key factors in any 'success'. Consistently being able to get down to do work even if you don't feel like you want to is pretty much always going to be a boon as long as it is balanced well with other parts of your life. You can investigate any master painter / writer / creative. Discipline, drive and consistency is common to pretty much all of them whatever their circumstance.
2. Enjoying learning is a huge positive factor. Not everyone does. Many see it as a chore that needs to be done to get the skills to finally then be able to do what they like. Doesn't bode well for sustainability.
3. Work on personal work no matter what skill level you are at. Be careful about focusing too hard on technical ability alone in the drive towards developing your artistic craft and voice. I'm not playing down the importance of fundamentals/study (it is very important), but I think making it too much of a focus at the expense of doing things purely for your own enjoyment/fulfilment can result in some issues down the line, that might not be clear now. Always try to be reflective of your interests and why/what you want to express in this visually creative way. That also needs to be developed and worked on. If your skills improve enough to the point you can draw anything relatively well, but you find out you have nothing to say, well let's just say that sucks too. Granted it's a problem more advanced folk get into down the line.