blockage
So I'm an artist. I draw and paint, mostly. I have been doing digital art more often recently, but i do have a day job and lots of adult responsibilities. I also have depression.
It's making it extremely difficult to finish pieces of art. I have a goal of trying to do one digital painting a month, and I"m always struggling to meet it. It used to be really easy for me to create things when i was younger. I got to spend a lot of mental energy on my art. I think part of the reason i struggle with it nowadays is that i am too critical of my own work. i am afraid of messing up or having my art look weird.
perfectionism leads to avoidance. i don't know. it doesn't feel good. I want to be back to making things without the pressure that i put on myself. but I also don't know how to stop.
What would happen if you focused on making something different for a while? Sometimes being creative in a different areas will loosen up those juices in the area where they usually flow. @affableStrings4654
@bestVase7265 this is very true. I do all sorts of stuff. Making models and diorahmas, painting, woodburning all sorts. Even making toys and tunnels and play houses for my baby bunny. Art is supposed to be fun, so try keep it interesting ❤
That is so many different kinds. Go you! You will find something that is easier for now. @Tinywhisper11
@affableStrings4654 awww hugs you ❤ I'm actually struggling with finishing any art I start at the moment. I'm not a perfectionist I can't be. Cause tw) I have limited movement ,I'm half paralysed and half of my fingers are missing. So I'm not sure how you get out of the mindset you are in. I'm just taking a break from art till it becomes fun again. Maybe you need to just take a little break too ❤❤
@Tinywhisper11
sometimes that does help. trying to not force myself to do things. i want to enjoy it again.
I'm also an artist. Depression is hitting hard each single day. Work is taking most of my daytime.
I put everything i have into my art so i can finish a piece every 2-3 days or so. sometimes its just a sketch but everything counts.
I don't know what you are trying to draw but maybe do something that you can finish faster?
I'd recommend finding a professional mentor that teaches you. You improve faster and you have more confidence with your artwork since it has been 'supvervised'.
@eternallyworthless
Having a goal of doing x amount of art a month is really helpful. I do find that when the deadline is approaching, I tend to say "well i have to do it now". and even if i don't like it, i have something to add to my collection of works. over time, it adds up and i can say i have made things. Sometimes i even like them later XD
@affableStrings4654 hey! It's also inktober. The challenge is to do a little sketch of doodle every day of October ❤
@Tinywhisper11
i have tried it a few times, never get more than 5 because october is the busiest month for me at work. XD One day I'll be able to
@affableStrings4654 awww yeah. Don't pressure yourself over it. We can have inkfebruary ❤
- try blocking some time for it at night or at early morning...30 mins atleast
- find an isolated space and set an environment to get those creative juices flowing... bring in some candles and music
- go for a walk before trying to make something
- romanticise that process of making art in your head, and just enjoy it... don't worry about the outcome
- the best art is made when we are more vulnerable and honest so don't let anything hold you back.... you've got this
@passionateSea2002
i like the going on a walk idea. I don't always go outside on my days off, and I really should.
Yes you should. Walking is really helpful. @affableStrings4654
@affableStrings4654 Hi, I'm Celine :) Your worth as an artist is not determined by the perfection of your work. Creating art should bring you joy and fulfillment. Be patient with yourself and allow your creativity to flow naturally. You have the talent within you; it's just a matter of rediscovering it with a kinder, more patient perspective. Be flexible with yourself. Consider setting smaller, achievable goals initially. Gradually increasing your targets as you regain confidence can be more manageable.
@matchaLover89
thank you. i've definitely been trying in small steps. it is really satisfying to do small, no-stress no-stakes projects ( like painting shelves).
I guess i just feel like i have to have everything figured out already. i have so many ideas and i often forget that projects take time and it's ok to rest.
@affableStrings4654
You have a lot going on in your life. It's understandable to struggle with things when your bottle is becoming full. What kind of art do you do and why is it your favorite?
- Nova :)
@Nova32
I have found that i really enjoy landscapes, and fan art. been switching between painting digitally and painting with acrylics. I started out doing only pencil or ink drawings. but in my head, its full of color. bright neons and jewel tones.
not really sure where it will take me, style wise.
@affableStrings4654
I think it's so cool that you have so many different interests in art.
You don't have to follow a specific art style. Continuing to do what you love is enough :)
@Nova32 thank you. I'm trying to let myself slow down a bit.
@affableStrings4654
I am really sorry that you feel that way. Balancing adult responsibilities, a day job, and pursuing art can be challenging. It's okay not to be perfect. You can consider setting smaller and achievable goals and focus on the end process. And also, it will be really helpful to seek support from family, friends or a therapist. Remember, you are not alone.
@CupcakeCaring
thanks. <3
I have definitely been struggling with support from friends and family. I feel like it's really hard getting them to care! I know it shouldn't be like that, but I can't change what other people like or do. I've been trying to find an audience outside of that, and i have found a small amount of people but it's very niche.
I also have this problem of wanting support/attention/praise from specific people, and if i dont' get it from them, it makes me want it more. And it also makes other people's support feel less important! i hate that i feel that way. I don't know why i do. I don't generally want to have to impress anybody. but it's a vicious cycle.
Hi, it sounds like you really do enjoy art, but the perfectionism is keeping you from moving through it as fluently. I understand perfectionism. I love arts and crafts, but often struggle with how it looks. I've found it helpful to look at each piece as stepping stone. I even give myself permission and expect mistakes. This helps to take some of the pressure off and let me just enjoy the process. Small steps is also a great coping skill. If I can't reach a goal, I make it smaller, achievable. What could you work on that would allow some mistakes? How do you think this would affect your art?
@EclecticMuse
Hi and thank you.
I think the perfectionism thing is tied in to how much i feel like i have to work to get people to care about my art (re: me). I feel like if i don't put out things that are good enough, then people will continue to overlook me. ( I know this is silly, because if i don't put out any work, how can i get better at it?) but it's really just a complex about not being good enough that has nothing to do with the actual quality of the art.
but then i also don't know what to draw sometimes.
I have gotten out of the habit of drawing as often as i would like, and the "what to draw" muscle isn't as sharp. Sometimes i force myself to just put pen to paper and see what comes out, and sometimes i like it. but when i do that too often i feel like i'm stuck in "practice mode" and i'm not actually doing any meaningful work.
@affableStrings4654
As a freelance artist, I feel this from the bottom of my soul. Art block and the fear of failure is such a paralyzing thing to deal with, and my usual response to feeling paralyzed is to hide in my bed.
When I feel stuck like that, artistically, my usual tactic is to either switch focus to a different hobby for a little while, or to do something outlandish with my artwork - something just for me, to make me laugh, even if it's ridiculous and poorly made. It reminds me that art is FUN.
Maybe that would also work for you? I know art blocks can be hard to push through. I know it's been awhile since this was posted, but I hope you were able to push through yours.
@TheCatArtistI tend to do a scribble page to start with, or do random doodles or just draw circles. but those arent' as satisfying as actually doing a rendered sketch or full drawing/painting.
i do have moments of clarity though, where something comes out way nicer than i expected.