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I fear I've lost my will...
9 years ago
I'm not sure if anyone has really noticed, that I haven't post any art in a few months. It's because I haven't been feeling he itch to draw lately. The majority of all my art never seemed to be good enough or have that extra whater and it's begun to feel futile, to attempt to express myself through this form. I've been in slumps before but never any this deep. I don't know if I'll be able to climb out, I may still scribble around on my tablet from time to time but as of now, nothing is really happening. I feel like I failed my younger self who started out with this willing to do whatever it took to improve and grow and make myself into something that people would see as at least somewhat successful,but I guess now isn't my time.
First of all all artists of all types, even the ones with boat loads of cash to spend pursuing inspiration, have slumps. This is not something that I would worry too much about because it's ok to walk away for month or even years at a time. Sometimes we get blocked or as is more often the case as we grow older we become distracted by the responsibilities of adulthood... yuck! Additionally there is normally some kind of underlying depression and that can take it's toll as well, it effects everyone differently. Just scribble and keep doing free form sketches from time to time. If you are up for it head out into the world and seek some inspiration from a museum or even just a lazy day walking around and taking in the scenery.
Next we should address this and I can't emphasize this enough here; We are all our own worst critics! Again to reiterate and paraphrase, we all think that we are not as good as other artists in our field or even other people. Everyone else is more talented and has a better style, quicker wit and is more successful. It's not you its just being human. If you just keep at doing what you love, maybe return to the basics and draw for yourself, for fun or for the hell of it, you'll get better and more expressive.
We all failed our younger selves. Of the closing on nine billion people on this planet only a fraction ever get to fulfill those dreams from our youth. I'm not a famous writer, author or investigative journalist and by now I should be on a beach sipping Coronas under an umbrella while a cool tropical ocean breeze gently carries my cares away. Instead I'm unemployed and procrastinating cleaning up the house and taking the dog out for a nice day in the sun since we finally have both sun and warmth here. Don't beat yourself up over it just do the best you can with what you have and where you are in life. I guess what I'm trying to say in short is that our younger selves don't have a good grip on the reality of life and being an adult let alone the ability to see the future and what ind of distractions and challenges lay ahead for us.
Finally you don't have to famous to be successful. You can already create better than some and you obviously already have your own style visible in your work. Just refine and remember to try new things and explore different technics and styles. The goal is perfection because that will never happen and even if it did you would never believe it; The goal instead is to improve and grow and that you can do.
Hang in there pup, age has this effect on people and it's ok to acknowledge it just don't dwell on it until you are paralized with regret and depression. You'll get through this sooner or later.