Getting your drawing mojo on after a day's work?
-
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.
