Meat House

[Lyraina]

I know that fear of finishing pieces all too well! Basically just started with that some months (?) ago. And still feel like they don't look as polished or nice as they should. But I think those forum challenges would be a good start, especially because they have a deadline. Meaning you'll have to finish, for better or worse. Maybe even coming up with time-saving methods or whatever and on the way discover some useful new technique/trick etc. But that's obviously only relevant when you're not occupied by art test stuff like you seem to be at the moment.
I don't think those days were 'wasted' because every minute you spend in a program trying to figure out stuff you're learning something on the way. Discovering menus, what you can/can't do etc. Unfortunately I can't offer any help because I too failed using Illustrator several times already >_>

This is going to sound very antisocial, but could it be that you are doing too much stuff for other people for free? I'm getting that impression a bit reading your comments. If that's the case, and you feel like you're spending more time for others than for yourself/working on what is important for you to achieve your goals, maybe you should be a bit less.. nice? Say no more often? It's important to do what is best for just yourself sometimes. Or maybe you could combine volunteer/gift stuff with studies in some way? If I'm getting a wrong impression here, I apologize, just feel like mentioning it.

Anyway meat, keep your head up!

Edit: Forgot to mention - the butterfly project looks lovely!