I was looking through the Artwork folder on my PC and came across these. They brought back a lot of memories, LOL.

These two images are the result of the first and second time I ever tackled digital art. The top was drawn in Photoshop and the bottom was drawn in SAI. As you can see, I had no idea what I was doing on either and quickly getting frustrated.

A call to a coworker was all it took to point me in the right direction. He helped me understand what the hell was going on with the programs, why my lines kept jerking all over the place, and why Photoshop was lagging like a bitch on my computer. Other friends helped too, fellow artists who had already made the transition from traditional to digital or had simply always done digital. They offered many tips and tricks that I still keep in mind today.

All it took was a little patience and practice, and, I'm not gonna lie, a few moments of just yelling in frustration at the walls, the computer, the tablet, and every other inanimate object withing eyesight. Thanks to a little persistence and tenacity, as well as the encouraging support of my colleagues and friends, I've managed to achieve my goal of becoming fairly competent in digital art. Granted, I've got a long way to go still before I'm where I want to be, but looking at these shitty little scribbles helps to remind me just how far I've come.

I guess what I'm trying to say with all this is that if I can go from the above shittiness to my latest gallery submission, I know I'm capable of doing just about anything if I use the resources around and within me correctly. All it takes is the courage to seek advice, the willingness to listen, and the determination to keep trying, no matter how humbling or maddening the process; and I know you can do it too.

No matter how many people joke about your efforts or make snide remarks about other, easier things you could be doing instead, don't get discouraged. Don't let anyone else tell you your goals aren't worth the journey it takes to get there, and if you can, reach out to the people you admire and surround yourself with them. Their advice and support won't just set you on the right path; it'll also keep you focused and hold you accountable.

Most importantly, no matter what, even if it feels like you're getting nowhere, don't ever stop trying. Change it up. Try a different approach. I believe in you. ♥