Okay, here goes. I've never blogged before and I'm not really sure what I'm hoping to achieve in doing this. I'm rapidly approaching 35 and have worked as a graphic designer for the past 11 years. For as long as I can remember I've been a drawer and loved to sketch all kinds of fantastic characters and creations. For as equally long I've also been frustrated and disappointed with the results and have now reached a point where I'm desperately endeavoring to take my art to the next level. To take it from an amateurs level to that of a professional - that's my life's goal, that's what I want most. I completely admire those artists featured in ImagineFX and have their work showcased here or at deviantart, CG Talk or concept.org.
For drawing all these years the only thing I've got to showcase is a massive pile of unfinished drawing and a pitiful number of "completed" works I'm to ashamed to put in a folio. In reading this I know I probably come across as a complete "wanker" fishing for reassurance and messages of encouragement - but that's not what I'm after. Nor am I after a motivational lecture. I'm simply aiming to clearly set out where I'm at and where I want to be. Maybe what I'm hoping this blog will do is help me stay on track with my efforts. Keep me focused on my ultimate goal. Give me the fuel to keep myself moving forward. Fingers crossed it works.
Currently I've got a great opportunity to devote myself largely to this pursuit. I've recently resigned from my last graphic design role after 4 and bit years. I guess I could have picked a better time given the current economic climate and downturn in employment opportunities but I felt a change of studio environment was long overdue. So while I'm seeking a new role I also have the time to lock myself away and dedicate myself to getting to grips with my work. If anyone has any suggestions on where to start I'd love to here them. Presently what I'm doing is going back through all my books and old issues of ImagineFX and flagging all those articles I think can help me. I truly wish that for ever "How-To" art book I've ever brought my creative talent/technique improved - I'm damn certain if it did I'd have been a professional long ago. In conjunction I'm also spending time each day assessing my old drawings and what I need to do to improve them. Whatever time is left over I then spend wrestling with my WACOM, Photoshop and Painter.
I firmly believe I've got the capacity and talent - but my patients with myself is running low. I haven't given myself a timeframe, I just know if I can't elevate my work to a professional level soon... then I should probably stop kidding myself and either resign myself to being nothing more than an amatuer and enjoy just playing around or give it away completely.
Comments most welcome as are slaps upside the head (maybe that's what I really need).
Cheers
Jimbo
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Comments
kazky said:
well jimbo i think the place to start is here, uploading your work, its a daunting thought & nerve wracking to put your work up for crits, but honestly it will help you so much. My best piece of advice when receiving crits is don't be precious about it, we all find it difficult to accept criticism for a while, but get over it fast, it well help.
We also have a daily challenge (it's not competitive) running where you do a sketch a day, this can be a scribble or a fully worked piece, i found having to sketch something every day, and then having a competition with myself to improve my work every day helped me massively.
Check out that thread, but the best thing is that you're going to be sketching/painting every day. You will just see improvements so quickly.
Good luck on your journey!
JimboJimboJimbo said:
Thanks kazky - I really appreciate the feedback and I'll be sure to check out the daily challenge. I'm determined to improve and all advice/constructive criticism is most welcome.
Cheers
Jimbo
dagdae said:
Hi there, I am pretty much in the same boat! i know it can be really demotivating to look at what you are doing and feel like its not nearly what you think your capable of. I've just joined this to try and keep motivated by trying the themed projects on the forum. I think if we keep trying and don't give up we'll make it :)
phoenicorn said:
what ever you are feeling every artist is in the same boat. hell I would even wager that even the top artists feel inadequacy at some point. Just remember never give up!
JimboJimboJimbo said:
Hi dagdae - Demotivated is exactly what I'm feeling at present. But I think there's definitely hope for both of us - as you said "if we keep trying and don't give up". Persistence is key. Best of luck with your efforts and thanks for your message. It's nice to know I'm not the only that feels this way - Cheers.
Hi phoenicorn - The plan is "Never give up, Never surrender!" I guess the thing is you never see the pro's stumble - or have "off" days. Thanks for you support - Cheers.