lets talk about milestones

[Amit Dutta]

I have a slightly different perspective. I've been doing the serious art thing for 2.5 years now. First year I did about 2 hours a day on average. Second year I did at least 4 to 6, on top of working a full time day job. Very bad idea as I didn't sleep. Anyway, to this day and since the first I notice improvements with each (non study) painting. My level of satisfaction with each one completely changes, but I always make sure I make note of one thing I did really well or at least better than before and the main things I could improve with each painting.

The most valuable lessons I would like to impart is this:

1. don't bother looking back for indicators of improvement. it doesnt matter how much or how fast you've improved, or whether you could have done better. All that matters is your continued desire to improve. if you're in it for the long run you will improve no matter what, but not focusing on it you will cause yourself less stress. The past is past, leave it there, though granted it can be highly amusing to view stuff from 2 or more years ago :)
   
2. just go at a sustainable pace and find a good balance, and don't kill yourself with overwork. This is so key, I wish someone had told me before I went stoopid. Actually a professional mentor did but even hearing that I didn't listen until I learned that lesson myself ! Lol people are retarded aren't they? We always have to learn the hard way.
   

In terms of milestones, I noticed that skill level ups came when something to do with fundamentals consolidated in my brain, and I was able to apply everything I already knew theoretically, but didn't know by putting into practice effectively. Level ups often came after doing a course or workshop, and being forced out of my comfort zone by others and struggling through the challenge. I am still experiencing noticeable improvements over the short term, though in one instance it was 6 months inbetween anything noticeable to me.

I also think what can't be discounted and I believe are more important, are the philosophical milestones you reach. Biggest examples for me personaly were :

1. remembering to have fun, or why the fuck are you bothering to do it
   
2. endless study for the sake of it is pointless past a certain stage.
   
3. time spent is important, but irrelevant if you don't have an efficient focus and balance. This is the key
   
4. life is to be lived....art will always be there when you get back, linked to next item..
   
5. art depends entirely on your experiences. If you are a master renderer but have absolutely nothing interesting to say with your vision then attach a lens cap to your face with a rubberband and start calling yourself Nikon..and ummm why are you bothering again?
   
6. my doing art is not about getting a specific job, it's about a personal fulfillment first and foremost.
   

But I suppose superficially, getting things like a DD on dA, getting my first paid freelance gig, being approached by clients for the first time, all these things are great once they start coming :)