really need to get motivated
anyone got any advice on motivation as an artist? Like, I want to do the things, draw, paint, create, I have my ideas, but I can't seem to motivate myself to do it. Like the big question is "why do it anyway?"
This could be a bunch of bologna, but here's some things that motivate me. Hope it helps you too! The first thing I do is think about the art piece I want to do, seems you've already got that part! After that, I think about how the art is for me. If others enjoy it, then that's a bonus ! But you can't have the mindset on numbers (hearts, reblogs or whatever else), I learned that it can make me feel like my art isn't worth it, but that's not the point of art! To me, the point of art is to create what you love, what matters to you, or what is just fun in the moment!
Here's some other things that help me get motivated; may not work for everyone, but I'll put my thoughts out there anyway!!! Colouring them between each section so it's hopefully easier to read!
Looking at tutorials or speed paints. Looking at others draw and studying how they do it helps me want to do the same!
Studying a specific style. Looking at books, blogs and other's art! For example, I've been looking at a lot of old paintings. I may not be able to do it now, but I'll get there!
Realising that art takes time. This one seems pretty obvious, but it's something I have to hammer in a lot. Art really does take time, I can't just draw anything instantly!! To realise that this is a journey instead of an instant thing can help with stopping the 'giving up' phase.
Sketching! Making quick sketches instead of going right into the big stuff can help. It not only counts as practice, but it also feels like there's more of a 'freedom' to it. So if lines are 'wonky', it doesn't matter cause it's just a sketch!
Making "purposely bad" art! Now I don't believe there can really be any 'bad' art, but what I mean by this is that you let go of every rule and just scribble. I've done this a few times, throwing anatomy and colours out the window just to make something. It's experimental, (theoretically) easy to do, and can trick the brain into thinking that it's some kind of success, which can bring one out of some kind of art block!
Look at art challenges! A simple thing to help one out of a stump. It can be anything from a chart of prompts, a bunch of images to make something from, or even just random emojis to think of a theme! Sometimes I like to do this to make random characters or scenes.
Try to draw pictures with a twist. Look at images of a landscape, perhaps try to paint/sketch it, but not exact! (Unless that's what you want lol). I find it fun to try and add/remove things to a painting while making it still look like it fits the style.
Learn where you're at in art. This one might sound a bit blunt but I found I can learn better if I stop trying to aim for things way past my level. Of course one can get to that level, but not instantly. This goes back to the 'Realising' bullet point. When you try to rush into mastering everything, it falls apart. You gotta realise that there's steps to take. You can't make it to the top if you don't know your path. Basically, find tutorials, arts and whatever else that's around your art style as it is. Ease into more advanced things as you go. (I still do this a lot aargh!!!) [Of course don't let it stop you from trying to go big, we're getting there, that's the point!!]
Another simple thing is to look at videos about how to get motivated. Unless you're spiteful, then it might not work that well LOL (I know I'm unintentionally spiteful, so it doesn't really work for me. But maybe it'll work for you :D)
Hope something from here can help! I'm not a professional or anything, just putting out there what helps me and what could possibly help others. Just another reminder, You're doing art for yourself. You should always think about what you want in your art. It's yours after all!
Happy arting! many hugs, Fatfish.
