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How do you keep motivated?
8 years ago
Business Email: canis.solus.creations@gmail.com
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What do you guys do to keep yourself motivated to do art? To work when you don't want to? Or when you've lost interest in something you were once passionate about?
Backstory, things you don't have to read, (mental illness and woes) :
I did really well dealing at BLFC. In fact I got overwhelmed with support and people liking my art and wanting to commission me.
Now I feel like I can start making money off of art.
And I have time to do it. I couldn't stay with my friend anymore, so my choices were homelessness again or moving back in with my parents, and trigger warning here: I always told myself I'd kill myself before I ever moved back in with them. (Abusive household that exacerbates my mental illnesses)
Well, homelessness isn't good for my mental health either and it all but eliminates my ability to do art for money, now that I know that's what I want to do.
So I'm moved in with my parents now but my motivation is very low. I want to do art. But can't bring myself to sit down and do it. I know my depression is the biggest factor in my lack of motivation, but I just don't know how to cope with it well enough and do work. I've tried a slew of medications, and therapists, and it's only made things worse by, first of all: not helping, and second of all: costing me a fortune.
What do you guys do to keep yourself motivated to do art? To work when you don't want to? Or when you've lost interest in something you were once passionate about?
Thank you for reading if you did. I don't like to post too personal of things on here, but venting is at least good. And it's still art related and it keeps you guys updated on why I haven't posted anything.
What do you guys do to keep yourself motivated to do art? To work when you don't want to? Or when you've lost interest in something you were once passionate about?
Backstory, things you don't have to read, (mental illness and woes) :
I did really well dealing at BLFC. In fact I got overwhelmed with support and people liking my art and wanting to commission me.
Now I feel like I can start making money off of art.
And I have time to do it. I couldn't stay with my friend anymore, so my choices were homelessness again or moving back in with my parents, and trigger warning here: I always told myself I'd kill myself before I ever moved back in with them. (Abusive household that exacerbates my mental illnesses)
Well, homelessness isn't good for my mental health either and it all but eliminates my ability to do art for money, now that I know that's what I want to do.
So I'm moved in with my parents now but my motivation is very low. I want to do art. But can't bring myself to sit down and do it. I know my depression is the biggest factor in my lack of motivation, but I just don't know how to cope with it well enough and do work. I've tried a slew of medications, and therapists, and it's only made things worse by, first of all: not helping, and second of all: costing me a fortune.
What do you guys do to keep yourself motivated to do art? To work when you don't want to? Or when you've lost interest in something you were once passionate about?
Thank you for reading if you did. I don't like to post too personal of things on here, but venting is at least good. And it's still art related and it keeps you guys updated on why I haven't posted anything.
I also try to look at other ways I can complete the project that will be easier, or give me better results than I originally anticipated after reevaluating things for the project if I had been bogged down by it. Easiler said than done, but that's how I go about it. Maybe also you could find others who have done simular projects. Then look at what they have done and overcome with theirs.
2. I don't draw things I don't want to draw. If someone comes to me with an idea I am not happy about drawing, I won't accept their commission/request/etc. Example: If you REALLY don't like foot fetishes, don't draw foot fetish work. I once saw an artist on here complaining how unhappy they were about making foot fetish work they were doing when they were the ones accepting such commissions, thinking of leaving art because of it. It is very important to draw what you love, or you'll create a hell for yourself.
3. If I begin to feel like a project for someone isn't going well, I'll talk to them about it. This could result in a refund or a different project, but it's better than working on something I don't like.
4. THE ENVIRONMENT. This is probably going to relate to your current home situation, but I cannot draw in a bad environment,. By that, I not only mean the area I draw, but the people around me as well. Recently, I know I don't live with my own family but they live next door, but being called a "lazy ass freeloader" because I do art for work instead of a mindless job where I lift boxes all day really stopped me from doing anything. I felt horrible because of this onslaught of people I KNOW are telling me my life is worthless for being happy at work. It was worse when I lived with that, and I do not recommend staying in an environment that makes you uncomfortable.
5. My desire in art is highly motivated by my addiction to continue to get better in it. I want to continue to be able to make what it is in my mind into reality, and I want to do it well. I love the feeling of the lines, the colors. I enjoy going back to old art to tell my past self how far I've come. I love wondering how things will look in the future. The ride amazes me, and I'm addicted to that ride. I am on a constant high.
6. DO NOT have a large commission queue. Commissions are very stressful, and the more you have one your list, the more you have weighing down on you. You will start to worry if you will have to give them a refund. If this work is good enough. If everyone is mad at you for waiting so long. Have a small queue, always keep everyone informed, Take breaks because you'll wear yourself out real fast.
I saw the photo of your table you posted on Twitter. I was extremely happy to see the badge you made of Kai on display.
I unfortunately have no advice to give but I definitely wish you all the best.
-lots of hugs for my wonderful friend-