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Hello Again and About the Hiatus
3 years ago
General
Hello all.
First off, I apologize for worrying anybody with my extended break from posting and socials. It definitely wasn't fair to just disappear without a journal posting, announcement, something. The reason isn't anything spectacular or life-altering. After moving to a new place with the housemates, I spent a few weeks away from art. Then, it just got harder to return. A years-long art rut suddenly transformed into a cycle of minor depression and artistic stagnation. I felt like I couldn't talk to people if I didn't have art to show for it; I kept comparing myself to superior works and seeing my failure to reconcile work life with art as a failure of self-discipline. Day job, coming home, video games, sleeping, and repeating the cycle just became an easier way to avoid that blossoming feeling of disappointment.
I haven't felt like I've been improving for a while now - definitely a motivation killer - so I'm trying to focus more on the things I do enjoy about drawing things. I'll be getting back into posting artwork in the near future and trying to pick up comic work again, but not so much so that I burn out. Again.
And in the future, if I do plan to take a hiatus, I'll be sure to let you all know beforehand. Not that it should come to that TOO often...!
Thank you again for your patience, and sorry again for any and all concerns. This journal isn't intended to grab a bunch of sympathy, just to provide a much-needed update.
First off, I apologize for worrying anybody with my extended break from posting and socials. It definitely wasn't fair to just disappear without a journal posting, announcement, something. The reason isn't anything spectacular or life-altering. After moving to a new place with the housemates, I spent a few weeks away from art. Then, it just got harder to return. A years-long art rut suddenly transformed into a cycle of minor depression and artistic stagnation. I felt like I couldn't talk to people if I didn't have art to show for it; I kept comparing myself to superior works and seeing my failure to reconcile work life with art as a failure of self-discipline. Day job, coming home, video games, sleeping, and repeating the cycle just became an easier way to avoid that blossoming feeling of disappointment.
I haven't felt like I've been improving for a while now - definitely a motivation killer - so I'm trying to focus more on the things I do enjoy about drawing things. I'll be getting back into posting artwork in the near future and trying to pick up comic work again, but not so much so that I burn out. Again.
And in the future, if I do plan to take a hiatus, I'll be sure to let you all know beforehand. Not that it should come to that TOO often...!
Thank you again for your patience, and sorry again for any and all concerns. This journal isn't intended to grab a bunch of sympathy, just to provide a much-needed update.
Glad to have you back!
And if you feel like taking breaks, we'll always wait for you ^^
Good to see you back.
I feel all those things all the time, it sucks.
Hope you're getting better
Good luck!
but it's great to hear from ya again and hoping you'll be doing well as you find your groove back!
That said, life comes first, you take care of you, no matter what that means, and we'll all be here when you are, whether thats every week, or a couple times a year, and we'll look forward to seeing you around regardless... and... yes, worry about you when you are gone.
Glad to hear you are still alive. :P
Take your time and do what you gotta do.
Just glad you're doing okay, Pesky, and glad to see ya again. You've been missed.
I empathize with you on sometimes feeling like you can't interact without something to bring to the table aside from just yourself.
But glad to hear from ya again. I can only imagine how hard it's to get back into the groove of things but atleast I can say I'm not going anywhere and will be here for that return 💙
Don't fall for the trap of comparing your work to others' (and if you can manage that, please tell me how). Improvement should be the biproduct of having fun.
There's nothing wrong with being in a creative rut- everyone gets in em and they'll be artists fighting with them for eons to come- I wouldn't be so hard on yourself over it! Work through it at a pace that you're comfy with- whether that's trying things that are wildly different from your usual style or or going the more conservative approach of just working on your basics. There's no rush to return or crank out art. I think I can speak for lots of folks when I say it's just good to hear you're alive and well ;v;
Don't worry about being gone, we all need a break, especially when you get into the 9-5 grind proper. Coming home and trying to squeeze even more productivity out of those 3-4 hours of free time a day will only make you miserable without adequate time off.
Should say though, if you wanted to cut down your work hours I'm certain there's more than a few of us willing to support you in your creative endeavours ;)
Stay well!
No need for apologies, just make sure you take time for yourself when you need it and we're all here to chat to if you need to chew on someones ear. I'm certainly not watching you just for your artwork and I'd like to think a lot of others are doing the same.. soo .. take it slow and find that enjoyment you have in drawing and I'll work on finding enjoyment with photography, deal? *wag*
Life is odd a lot of the time recently, and it's been rather difficult as of late. The routine is kind of a harsh acceptance-- I feel that to my core, the repeating and days seeming like they're just passing, all for the sake of survival and keeping yourself well physically at the very least. And art is hard and depression's a bitch. But you always, always shone through with yours and improved with every single piece. And you're not a failure. You're really inspiring and are very, very sweet, and that's pretty damn cool. Burnout's no fun, so I'm happy you took time you needed before you were ready to return. I'm still hoping I'll get back to it myself one day.
More than anything though, thank goodness you're okay and that you're watching your mental health for your own sake. It's good to see you. ;v;/
You are a valued person regardless of artwork you do or DON'T make. My DMs are open to ya if you ever need to just chat or vent =)