Fex, I am losing the fight with my animatic, I can barely bring myself to work on it. Is this a common feeling? I'm not burnt out, I'm just. I don't have the confidence that it'll turn out good if that makes sense? I'm still gonna try but like. I think I'm too in my head about it. Anyway, here's a rough panel I did five minutes ago
On god, I will get this done by the end of the year but Jesus fucking Christ, is it gonna be my 13th reason XD
@mothersquishy I've been seeing your progress and I am VIBING HARD with this work! I am excited to see and hear when it is finished. For this being your first time putting this sort of work together is absolutely incredible. <3 I love this frame so much <3 -WHEEZE- It is always comforting to see that this is in fact a natural and a common feeling for artists when it comes to working on a project. Having the lack of motivation to work on projects, especially for a long period of time, can drain you. Addition to seeing your work in a "perfectionist" point of view can absolutely damage you on the journey to completing a project. As most artists know, "you are your worst critic" is a very true saying. Comparing them to finished projects from other artists or feeling like your work isn't good enough is a major shackle to the wrists. Here's how I avoid the negative mentality and make time for my projects:
Be sure to give yourself a break. Sometimes taking a break will give you room for your inspiration and drive to spark again. It'll take time- sometimes a day to a week or longer, but the mindset of wanting to complete it will turn around.
"5 minutes." Spend 5 minutes with your work. There are times a break is too long or you really want to get your work to a finish. It's good to touch up the work for a few minutes and there is a chance that your mind and hand will pick up from there. The hyper fixation kicks in and before you know it a few hours will pass by. This was the best advise I got from a friend and it helps me to this day. (If you're still struggling in those 5 minutes, take a step back, give yourself a little more time with a game or a chore around the house, come back and try again.)
"Draw with your left hand." Give yourself a challenge and draw with your non-dominant hand. Giving yourself a challenge can work some ideas. Open up a blank document or grab yourself a blank sheet of paper and doodle with your left (or right) hand. "But what if I'm ambidextrous?" Use your feet. Or mouth. Get fancy. I don't want to make too much of a list of things to try but there are many. Like finding inspirational music, inspirational cinematic videos (mine is League of Legends cinematics), and temporarily working on another project and coming back on the project I'm struggling with can help too. Even shutting your brain down and allowing your hand to just move on its own can give you something. -
Mental health is no joke either, I know the feeling like the back of my hand and the air I breathe. Letting it hold you down can be heavily disheartening and depression does not mess around. It is important to remind yourself your worth in the most positive way you can. Don't let the idea of others "being better at [subject] than you" throw you down. These things take (days to years) of practice and everyone's grasp to understanding particular things are different. Not every artists first project carved out a diamond; keep in mind the artist that made that art that blew you away, they probably hate that piece with a passion you'd never understand. :,) This doesn't have to be just advice for drawing but writing or a skill you're trying to learn. Always remember everyone starts with training wheels and eventually those training wheels will come off sooner or later. You will and can get there.
Fight for your dream, it is in reach.
