Very good advice all around. I feel like "clinging" to our first idea is SO damaging to the potential quality of the project. Many times I come up with better ideas along the way, but I've already "locked" myself up by starting the final process too early, without iterating. So I want to underline the same advice, ITERATE, ITERATE, ITERATE! 😄 And I want to say something to y'all: it's good to have hubris. It's good to think that your ideas are good, and worth showing to the world. Believe in yourself until everyone believes you.
I wonder why you're not a viral RUclipsr on the art section, your advices and insights are GOLD, it's not hard to see all these teachings and reflections you share come from years of growing as an artist and a person. What I've noticed is that you tend to focus a lot on mentality more than anything and I love it because having the right mentality is everything. It's better than technique, skill, work, practice... and it's something I've come to realize relatively recently thanks to you and other self-improvement youtubers. This video came at a perfect time, I've never really had any art project, most I'd do would be some fanarts or maybe OC's, but that's it; until recently where this idea of creating an RPG/visual novel type of game has been stuck on my mind. As you said, this project comes from a very deep and special place, since I'd be basing the plot on a dream I had 6-8 years ago (I still remember it lol, that's how much it struck me) when I was deeply depressed on my teenage years. I've been thinking about how to polish the plot and made one character design for the MC, I haven't been able to really go in ham as I'd like since art commissions and university got me occupied (also, I started art comms thanks to you too, and it's been going so well, thank you! ♥). I'll make it a task to make iterations of the designs, since I usually tend to go with the first thing I do. I'm sure I would've stuck with the first one if it wasn't because I watched your video right now. Since there's no deadline, taking the time to explore more ideas and concepts shouldn't hurt.
Good discussion of the things that impede progress on personal projects, including the very common "valley". I know that the fear of frustration or disappointment in the potential result has caused me to procrastinate on personal projects. Sometimes projects seem to go much more smoothly, and occasionally turn out even better than I had hoped, but there is often a struggle. It helps to accept that it happens, and is sometimes just part of the process. One note: At 7:51 I think you meant something like, "This isn't as good as I *wanted* it to be, but it's way better than I thought it would be", perhaps?
@TheArtMentor Usually I take a few days off then force myself back at it late at night when I have nothing else to do. A bad habit really, when it comes to my paid projects. Cause then my expected turnaround time is eaten up.
Sadly my strugle is mostly mental stuff. I still working with my psychologist to found the roots for some of those problems too what poisoned a bit my art jurney. And not gonna lie some of your videos are still giving those great advices what she gived to me so far. :) And I really, really hope I can finally work on my comics, one remake of an old one and one brand new (I start in small for sure, even if I have a one big compicated project sitting in the corner), and I have one childrenbook in mind (I already wrote down the base stories so it's not gonna disapear). I feeling better now so hopefully in the next year I can finally do more for my comic.
In art school one thing they drill in you is to create many thumbnails for the piece you’re workin in. At least 20-25 to get a good idea and make it better until you get to the best one
I made a first draft for book series, there is a publisher that wants to publish it, but now I don't quite like it and I know I must put a lot more work into it for it to be something I'm proud of. And I'm stuck, because that's some hard work awaiting me. And I feel inadequate and stupid. :/
Nooooo! That's the part of your brain that's afraid of new things and places because there might be saber-tooth tigers! You are not stupid and inadequate, it's just that none updated the software so it will keep triggering the alarm and doing everything it can to make you stop doing scary new things. I am pretty confident no saber-tooth tiger will come after you if you take on this endavour. Even as a beginner and a hobbyist, I can relate. That voice wont stop by reasoning with it, and the painful feeling is very real. I found some nifty tricks in earlier video's and other sources and made a mash of stuff that works for me and maybe it will help you too. -Grab myself by the scruff and force myself to sit down at my desk with my work in front of me, to continue with the activity/endavour, even when kicking and screaming. Every time you work on the endavour, is victory. -Mantras. When the voice starts telling (shockingly eloquently and convincingly) that what you do is stupid and you are ridiculous for even DREAMING of this endavour and you better stop RIGHT NOW, and the tears starts welling in your eyes.... Rudely interrupt it and keep repeating your mantra. For example: "Good, I'm in the right direction" "There is no spoon!" "pain is gain!" "I must not fear. Fear is the mind killer, ..etc (Honestly, my pea pain can't remember the whole litany ever but maybe you can!)" Whatever works to interrupt that voice. You can say it with your inside voice or outside voice, it can be short or long, whatever works better, as long as you feel it interrupts. Most brains are mono, can't have two voices talking at once! -Sometimes you need songs to pick you up! For example: Roses of Sucess - chitty chitty bang bang. H.S. - Tom Cardy. (also Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves, as food for the manic energy) -I sometimes wallow in the misery and can't get myself out. Don't get angry with yourself in those times. Know it will pass, Comfort yourself and pick yourself up in a stronger moment. But pick yourself up! By the scruff if needed. It's not much go by but I hope it helps. Don't give up on this opportunity just because your brain is afraid! and don't be your worst critic, there is no need in this occasion: that publisher should have an editor to be the critic for you :) You can do it!
@@ScribblemouseScribbles Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, they do have very nice editors! I have a day job and children and I often find myself with very little time on my hands (and my house is messy obviously), and then I think that doing art is pretty selfish, but then in another video I heard this liberating idea: Everyone around you benefits when you succeed in things that you want to succeed in, like art - you exude more happiness and maybe get some extra cash. Conversely, everyone suffers if you suffer when you can't do these things, because you become grumpy and salty. So, I hope this helps someone who's hesitant on acting on your dreams, like I am :)
Very good advice all around. I feel like "clinging" to our first idea is SO damaging to the potential quality of the project. Many times I come up with better ideas along the way, but I've already "locked" myself up by starting the final process too early, without iterating.
So I want to underline the same advice, ITERATE, ITERATE, ITERATE! 😄
And I want to say something to y'all: it's good to have hubris. It's good to think that your ideas are good, and worth showing to the world. Believe in yourself until everyone believes you.
I wonder why you're not a viral RUclipsr on the art section, your advices and insights are GOLD, it's not hard to see all these teachings and reflections you share come from years of growing as an artist and a person. What I've noticed is that you tend to focus a lot on mentality more than anything and I love it because having the right mentality is everything. It's better than technique, skill, work, practice... and it's something I've come to realize relatively recently thanks to you and other self-improvement youtubers.
This video came at a perfect time, I've never really had any art project, most I'd do would be some fanarts or maybe OC's, but that's it; until recently where this idea of creating an RPG/visual novel type of game has been stuck on my mind. As you said, this project comes from a very deep and special place, since I'd be basing the plot on a dream I had 6-8 years ago (I still remember it lol, that's how much it struck me) when I was deeply depressed on my teenage years.
I've been thinking about how to polish the plot and made one character design for the MC, I haven't been able to really go in ham as I'd like since art commissions and university got me occupied (also, I started art comms thanks to you too, and it's been going so well, thank you! ♥). I'll make it a task to make iterations of the designs, since I usually tend to go with the first thing I do. I'm sure I would've stuck with the first one if it wasn't because I watched your video right now. Since there's no deadline, taking the time to explore more ideas and concepts shouldn't hurt.
The valley of death has been a struggle for me
Good discussion of the things that impede progress on personal projects, including the very common "valley". I know that the fear of frustration or disappointment in the potential result has caused me to procrastinate on personal projects. Sometimes projects seem to go much more smoothly, and occasionally turn out even better than I had hoped, but there is often a struggle. It helps to accept that it happens, and is sometimes just part of the process.
One note: At 7:51 I think you meant something like, "This isn't as good as I *wanted* it to be, but it's way better than I thought it would be", perhaps?
I didn't know about the slope.ive been going through this.picking color is a challenge at times.finding colors that compliment each other
@6:49, I feel that! lol "Death.. take me now.." It happens every damn time to me, then it's such a struggle to force myself to keep working on it.
I think we can all relate! lol. What helps get you out of it?
@TheArtMentor Usually I take a few days off then force myself back at it late at night when I have nothing else to do. A bad habit really, when it comes to my paid projects. Cause then my expected turnaround time is eaten up.
Sadly my strugle is mostly mental stuff. I still working with my psychologist to found the roots for some of those problems too what poisoned a bit my art jurney. And not gonna lie some of your videos are still giving those great advices what she gived to me so far. :) And I really, really hope I can finally work on my comics, one remake of an old one and one brand new (I start in small for sure, even if I have a one big compicated project sitting in the corner), and I have one childrenbook in mind (I already wrote down the base stories so it's not gonna disapear). I feeling better now so hopefully in the next year I can finally do more for my comic.
OMG this is SO TRUE. I've been a full time artist for 4 years so far, and I struggle so much with personal projects now.
Thank you for this encouragement
Thanks for sharing as someone who has been trying to get my graphic novel completed
In art school one thing they drill in you is to create many thumbnails for the piece you’re workin in. At least 20-25 to get a good idea and make it better until you get to the best one
What software do you use?
I made a first draft for book series, there is a publisher that wants to publish it, but now I don't quite like it and I know I must put a lot more work into it for it to be something I'm proud of. And I'm stuck, because that's some hard work awaiting me. And I feel inadequate and stupid. :/
Nooooo! That's the part of your brain that's afraid of new things and places because there might be saber-tooth tigers! You are not stupid and inadequate, it's just that none updated the software so it will keep triggering the alarm and doing everything it can to make you stop doing scary new things. I am pretty confident no saber-tooth tiger will come after you if you take on this endavour.
Even as a beginner and a hobbyist, I can relate. That voice wont stop by reasoning with it, and the painful feeling is very real. I found some nifty tricks in earlier video's and other sources and made a mash of stuff that works for me and maybe it will help you too.
-Grab myself by the scruff and force myself to sit down at my desk with my work in front of me, to continue with the activity/endavour, even when kicking and screaming. Every time you work on the endavour, is victory.
-Mantras. When the voice starts telling (shockingly eloquently and convincingly) that what you do is stupid and you are ridiculous for even DREAMING of this endavour and you better stop RIGHT NOW, and the tears starts welling in your eyes.... Rudely interrupt it and keep repeating your mantra. For example: "Good, I'm in the right direction" "There is no spoon!" "pain is gain!" "I must not fear. Fear is the mind killer, ..etc (Honestly, my pea pain can't remember the whole litany ever but maybe you can!)" Whatever works to interrupt that voice.
You can say it with your inside voice or outside voice, it can be short or long, whatever works better, as long as you feel it interrupts. Most brains are mono, can't have two voices talking at once!
-Sometimes you need songs to pick you up! For example: Roses of Sucess - chitty chitty bang bang. H.S. - Tom Cardy. (also Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves, as food for the manic energy)
-I sometimes wallow in the misery and can't get myself out. Don't get angry with yourself in those times. Know it will pass, Comfort yourself and pick yourself up in a stronger moment. But pick yourself up! By the scruff if needed.
It's not much go by but I hope it helps. Don't give up on this opportunity just because your brain is afraid! and don't be your worst critic, there is no need in this occasion: that publisher should have an editor to be the critic for you :)
You can do it!
@@ScribblemouseScribbles Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, they do have very nice editors!
I have a day job and children and I often find myself with very little time on my hands (and my house is messy obviously), and then I think that doing art is pretty selfish, but then in another video I heard this liberating idea:
Everyone around you benefits when you succeed in things that you want to succeed in, like art - you exude more happiness and maybe get some extra cash. Conversely, everyone suffers if you suffer when you can't do these things, because you become grumpy and salty.
So, I hope this helps someone who's hesitant on acting on your dreams, like I am :)