Getting your drawing mojo on after a day's work?
-
Hi Shannon, I'm actually in the exact sameplace you are. Working full-time as a statistical researcher, and trying to learn the basics of drawing the human figure for illustration. What really helps me to my drawing in the evenings at the moment is the live class we're doing on heads and hands. The fact that I need to turn in my homework is a huge motivator to pick up my iPad and start drawing.
I totally get the fact that while we're learning, the exercises can get tedious, and the results are usually not very motivating.So, since we're both at a similar stage in our development, struggling with the same thing, how would you like to have a studypartner? We could help eachother out when we struggle, keep ourselves accountable during self study. I also purchased a few Udemy classes, but can never keep myself motivated to finish them, or really spend time doing the sometimes tedious exercises. For me it would be a huge help to work at them with someone else, to force me to do the work, and to cheer on when things get rough. We can set weekly goals for example, share our progress.... What do you think?
-
@burvantill That's a good idea, Lisa. I can imagine that you would draw way longer than 5 minutes once you pick up your sketchpad and pencil. I find the same thing happens when I don't feel like working out - I tell myself to just do 5 minutes of squats and pushups. By the time I've put on my workout gear and runners, I end up doing my full 40mins. It's a great mind trick!
The thing with me is that I probably do already sketch around 1-2hrs during work. The issue is that I don't feel I make a lot of progress in that time as my practice is very mindless - more like doodles or reptitive redraws of features, etc.
At the moment I'm struggling to get in some good quality practice, where I'm really mindful of what I'm doing and improving to the max. I think all the tips you all have given me are really going to help though. Maybe taking that "just 5 min" appproach in the evening will allow me to buckle down on my down time!
-
@NessIllustration I totally agree. Somthing needs to change!!
One thing I'm determined not to shift is my 40min workout. I got into the daily habit 2yrs ago and it's precious me-time that I think is super important in my work-life balance.
Something can definitely be done re groceries and cooking though. The thing is that on weekends, I already prep all my lunches for the week. So I'm going to have to workout when to prepare dinners! I could also start ordering my groceries delivered too but we have one of those useless mini freezers - so freezing isn't really an option sadly. Only room for a bag of peas and two portions of chicken in the damn thing. That really limits how far ahead I can buy groceries and prepare food.
I'll work something out! Thanks for highlighting this aspect of it for me
It's a very concrete thing that would instantly free up time. -
@lou Nice! Haha! Yeah music is such a great source of inspiration isn't it? I'll check those recommendations out. Ozzy is a class act. I used to love the duet he made with his daughter - 'Changes' I think it was called - when I was a teenager.
I honestly am so impressed by all those of you who have kids and jobs and still find the time to draw. Hats off to you guys. Super dedication right there.
-
@Kat I'm in a very fortunate position in that I actually really like my full-time job and I'm also self-employed, so I always work on my own terms. But I used to work as an employee and I totally understand that frustration you feel. I used to feel like I wasn't living my life for myself sometimes. I hated being accountable to other people and being told what to do/when to do it. There were many times it got so bad I'd feel sick waking up in the morning at the thought of going to work.
I think if you're in that situation, drawing before work is a great option. I also think that @burvantill 's suggestion to do that 5 min sketch challenge could work well for you in the evening to alleviate some of that stress and frustration. That way you would start off the daying doing something you love, as well as end the day doing something you love
Maybe we should both try it for a week and see how it goes! -
@sketchbook Such a great tip. You're absolutely right. I'm definitely going to ditch the drawing desk upstairs for a while and will focus on simply drawing on the sofa where - like you - I end up most evenings when I'm tired!! I've also started to really limit the art supplies within reach as I found having too many to choose from was distracting! I also have not had a TV in over a decade so that sorts that distraction
-
@Coreyartus Thanks for this very important reminder. You're right - it's just as important to invest in your creative bank account as it is to draw.
Having listened to one of the 3 Point Perspective podcasts, I realised a few months ago that I was guilty of one thing that Jake flagged though, which was consuming more than I was creating. I got really sucked into watching a tonne of tutorials, reading articles, searching Pinterest boards - and all the while I was doing very little actual drawing.
So at the moment I'm trying to flip things the other way, with a greater emphasis on creating (while not eliminating the other aspect but just reducing the proportion of time I spend consuming). On days when I don't feel like creating, I try to focus on Lee White's dream portfolio exercise. And since my main focus is on illustrating comics and graphic novels some day, I've starting reading a lot more of those recently.
I tend to feel guilty when I read comics though because it's so enjoyable it doesn't feel like constructive work
-
@Annemieke Anne! What a fantastic idea!! Yes yes yes! I would love this! I'll PM you and we can see what the best way to keep in touch is/make a plan! Thanks for reaching out and suggesting this.
-
Wow, @ShannonBiondi, thank you for starting this amazing thread. I'm learning a lot just reading how you and the rest go about managing your time and energy to do art.
This has come at a really interesting time for me, since I'm just now beginning a full-time job as an art teacher to kids, after months of working on freelance projects from home.
On the one hand, I'm so pleased that I'll be able to sustain myself financially and work with kids (I'm super thankful!) and on the other, I wonder what it will be like to suddenly have all of the personal art time I had to myself taken away from me.
@burvantill's suggestion to just draw for 5 minutes totally works - it is what I've often used when I just cannot bring myself to do anything creative. I tell myself "just 5 minutes," and yes, it ends up being hours long sometimes.
The guideline I'm setting for myself to best navigate this full-time job situation is basically this, and I hope it would be helpful to someone.:
- Squeeze at least an hour in each working day.
- On off-days dedicate at least 3 hours to deep work.
- Always have an ongoing project (or two or three).
- Sketch new concepts in sketchbook whenever possible (while waiting around, commuting, first thing in the morning, etc.)
In the past I totally ignored the last two pointers, and I floundered majorly as a result. I didn't know what to draw or paint, so I did all sorts of things in my free art time: portraits some days, master studies or landscapes on other days, etc. I desperately needed what I have today - direction in the form of fixed projects with constraints.
All the best, Shannon. Also, good job on the workouts! It is very helpful and inspiring to hear about it. It is something I need to get back into, haha.
https://www.instagram.com/sooryajart/
The Beatles: "Roll up, roll up for the Mystery Tour!"
-
@animatosoor Congratulations on getting that teaching job!!! It will be so cool to teach kids your passion! Well done
I think art class is always the most fun for kids in school. It was for me anyway!The 5 min challenge is definitely an awesome tool. I'm sure after a week or two of adjusting to the new routine you'll find a way to make everything work. I hope if you run into any difficulties that all the tips and tricks everyone has shared will help!!
@abhainn_fionn
-
@ShannonBiondi Thank you for your wishes, Shannon! I know art and English classes were my respite from everything else back when I was schooling.
I'm determined to make this work. Just know that you have my support as well. I understand you are looking to make a transition to becoming an illustrator full-time, and I endeavour to do the same. We can support each other - as I'm sure the rest will - whilst on our individual journeys.
-
@ShannonBiondi This is a great thread.
Please reconsider submiting your application to the Life Drawing--they may be more scoping out your seriousness/interest, than your ability. I've tried 2 different local places. They're both completely freeform-show up, draw however/whatever you want. I could use a bit more structure-so after the heads/hands class I in--I may look for a guided class-it will be pricier, but I"m seeing the value of some direct input from a teacher. Much as I love online classes--I'd like to add in a little more instruction. A good friend of mine who lives far away now--is an animation instructor-and he is adamant about learning the anatomy and that is there isn't an instructor there who can do that, it's probably not a very good life drawing setting.
-
@ShannonBiondi You're certainly fortunate to like your job! And it's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels sick at the idea of going to work. Well...not nice, really, as it's really sad how many people are unhappy, but you know what I mean.
I really like how you put it -to start and end the day doing something you love. Yes, we should both try for a week and tell each other how it's going
Maybe it will form a new, good habit. -
It is all a matter of habit. In 2011 I realized I had not been drawing much at all for a variety of reasons. I decided to do 100 days of drawing and that got me into a daily habit. It moved to 365 days, then 500, 1000, 1500 and I got up 1,990+ consecutive days of drawing. Then life got in the way and I have fallen out of the habit and desire and have not picked up a pencil since.
-
@Susan-Marks Yes you're right, I should probably give it a shot and see what happens. I'll work on a Udemy gesture drawing course over the summer and will send in an application come September
Let me know how you get on in your classes. I definitely agree that in the beginning, having a guided class would probably be more beneficial! -
@Kat Deal!
Let's do it. I'm starting today. Did some drawing in work today (eyes and noses) and now I'm going to sit on the sofa and work on a full head. Let me know how you get on and what you worked on! -
@ShannonBiondi my plan for this evening after work and chores is to continue doing some copy/studying of characters from a children’s magazine.
-
My current situation is full-time illustrator, but I remember when I was trying to balance them both and struggled with this.
As a general note: I would definitely create my own space exclusively for drawing. My desk is still mixed art/computer/coffee table and switching contexts means moving things around and too much faffing about. Sometimes that disorganisation is enough of a barrier to stop me from sitting down and making art.
I'd also consider getting up earlier and doing art and drawing first. That way your best energy is spent on doing your best work first thing! Another strategy might be rebooting your day by doing your morning routine after work (brush teeth, have a snack, etc.) so it feels like you're starting your day. Or picking up your favourite picture book before drawing so you can get inspired and feel energized.
