Schedule for success
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@Chip-Valecek Thank you for your feedback! that is really helpful
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I think schedules really depend on your lifestyle and personality. Some people really like order, and other people don’t.
For me, I have a full time job that isn’t illustration, so I do all of my work in the morning, at lunch, or after work. Usually I can fit in 2-3 hours a day so that I can still pursue other hobbies too.
I will note though, that it’s really important to live your life too and spend time with those you love. And also sleep. Otherwise you’ll just be tired and isolated! Also, it’s important to maintain physical health. What I’m saying is that if you can only get in an hour per day and keeping a schedule is hard, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just keep going!
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I work retail and hope to someday get an art job. But I know that will take time so i try not to stress it. But to more specifically to answer your question:
Whenever I watch class i try to practice what I learned in the moment. I watch them in the order that interests me the most so I don’t get bored because when working retail, art keeps me happy. This way I can enjoy it and feel interested in what im learning. (This works for me many people find this weird which is totally ok). The time i use to learn and practice art is when im not spending it doing chores, spending time with family or loved ones. I don’t use a calendar or planner but i know how.
When i learn something new i try to apply it in my monthly art submissions. I take my learns from the art and critiques and try to practice those areas but again if im bored i move on to something else but I circle back to it eventually. On occasion i skip a month or 2 of contests. It’s been a journey but my art has definitely improved. I keep in mind the kind of work i want to be doing and try to think about how what im learning can help me with that.
instagram and twitter: @artofaleksey
alekseyillustration.com -
@Kali the thing about schedules ... yeah. I am trying to be a schedules person but its really not my thing haha. It's honestly a good thing that everyone responding to this post is basically confirming that there is no one way to do it, you just do it! Here I am trying to find answers when the answer is as simple as do what you can when you can. Thanks for your Response Kali!
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@Aleksey that's awesome. I guess I'll shoot for a contest soon. I am still full on traditional with my art and it seems like all the submissions are full color and render...But you are right, I should just try - I came to this particular hub because the founders of this school reawakened the 2D artist in me with inktober...I loved the quality of the inking tutorials as well. Having a prompt really pushes you but it was nice that it was so simple - black and white. I guess I'll just dive in and do what I can with what i know and keep learning. I really appreciate the feedback!
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@Harley-Dwortz you can still do a black and white image, theres no rules that say you can’t. And if executed well can stand out even more so than the fully colored illustrations. You can also gain a lot of feedback from other users on here even if you dont submit it to a contest
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I just listened to this podcast episode and they talk about your specific question at the end (but the whole thing is great!
https://www.svslearn.com/3pointperspectiveblog/2019/2/27/how-to-be-the-best-art-student
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Awesome - I will check this out! Thank you!
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I've been getting up extra early to do my artwork. I have to get ready for work by 7:00 AM, so I started out by getting up at 5:30, had my breakfast and coffee and started in. I plan what I want to work on the night before. I needed more time, so now I start at 5:00 sometimes earlier. I find a couple of hours works for me. I was never a morning person, but I find this so peaceful and relaxing. Then if you're tired when you get home from a long day, you can rest and look forward to the next morning if you want to. Then I find as much time as possible on the weekends. I have my my supplies, computer, monitor all on my dining room table, so I start/stop often and probably work about an hour or so at a time. I hope that helps. Lee has a video where he discusses goal setting - Setting patterns for your goals, that you shouldn't expect 100% from yourself etc. It's very good!
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@Kali, completely agree with your approach!
I also have a full-time job in non art-related field, and squeeze in courses and illustrations whenever possible (usually when I take my daughter to swim) after work.
When I’m home, I want to spend time with my family, and quality time with my wife, which cuts my free-time (I.e., selfish time) very much.
Here’s what I do when I’m not working or spending time with family:
Exercise one day, then Illustrate/Coursework the alternate days.
Maybe I’ll never be as good as a pro, but at least I’m trying to improve while raising a family and prioritizing fitness.
