03-28-2013, 12:45 PM
As a father of four, ages 10, 8, 6, and 2, and having been married for over 11 years, I can speak a little bit from experience. I jumped into freelance art part time back in October of 2012, without really even knowing what I was doing as a freelancer. A few months ago, my wife and I decided to move to me freelancing 'full' time. It's not easy. I work a lot and I give my wife a LOT of credit for her support. Part of the reason I work as much as I do is because I am also in school, trying to finish 3 correspondence courses, completing a Masters Thesis, all the while watching my nephews four hours a week, being involved on Sundays and Wednesday nights with my church and squeezing in time with my wife and my kids.
Regardless of what others may say, your family takes priority over your work. Do not sacrifice your time with them for work. Sit down and schedule your week. FIND time. Sacrifice sleep. Sacrifice your Saturdays. Whatever you need to do. My suggestion is to do art with your kid... together. Yeah, they may 'mess' it up... but it's great practice to work loosely and complete an image regardless. I have some interesting art that I have done with my nephews this way.
Secondly, don't JUST study. Do study and then GET CRITIQUES. You need it. Swallow it up. Others, even some 'less skilled' artistically will be able to point out flaws that you have not seen. Every piece of work, get critiqued as you are improving. Then use that knowledge. That knowledge is what will make you better more quickly than an 'ability' to draw.
Also, do the challenges. Even if you "don't have the time." Do them. Get critiques along the process and USE THEM. Listen to and watch tutorials when you can't draw.
The decision to pursue art may mean moving to somewhere cheaper to live... or downsizing your car or driving less or eating less fast food. Get on a budget. I would suggest going through Dave Ramsey's money management. It's possible to do this... if you want it.
Regardless of what others may say, your family takes priority over your work. Do not sacrifice your time with them for work. Sit down and schedule your week. FIND time. Sacrifice sleep. Sacrifice your Saturdays. Whatever you need to do. My suggestion is to do art with your kid... together. Yeah, they may 'mess' it up... but it's great practice to work loosely and complete an image regardless. I have some interesting art that I have done with my nephews this way.
Secondly, don't JUST study. Do study and then GET CRITIQUES. You need it. Swallow it up. Others, even some 'less skilled' artistically will be able to point out flaws that you have not seen. Every piece of work, get critiqued as you are improving. Then use that knowledge. That knowledge is what will make you better more quickly than an 'ability' to draw.
Also, do the challenges. Even if you "don't have the time." Do them. Get critiques along the process and USE THEM. Listen to and watch tutorials when you can't draw.
The decision to pursue art may mean moving to somewhere cheaper to live... or downsizing your car or driving less or eating less fast food. Get on a budget. I would suggest going through Dave Ramsey's money management. It's possible to do this... if you want it.