As artists we are constantly self-aware and seek for improvement and support. But there are times when it feels like everything falls apart, when things go wrong and doubts overwhelm us.
But we have to stay strong and continue.
Here are some of my thoughts about the topic and I hope that they might be helpful. 
No one likes to fail. Yet, when it happens, we learn so much. For example – my first “inspiring” journal series where such a failure. But I kept going, as I have always had. As long as I can motivate, help and inspire others, through my journals or art, that’s what keeps me going. Also – things can go wrong all the time – the painting software could crash, ink can get accidentally spilled or It’s possible to unintentionally ruin the painting. It happens. Go through the struggle; don’t let small things to have impact on what really matters.
You know, my friends and family where genuinely surprised when I chose the artistic career path. (like I painted all over the walls/furniture in my room or participated in as many art contests as I could). I always tried my best on everything I did (even the boring school subjects), but art has always been so close to my heart. Quite honestly, I have no idea how I’m going to make it, but I surely won’t give up. (That’s even not an option)
It is so important to push yourself and beat the persistence. Don’t get attached to your artworks, and when it’s necessary – kill your darlings. It means to be able to see when a painting can’t be fixed, when it just doesn’t work no matter how hard you try. When it just doesn’t feels right and the whole process makes you unhappy – learn about what exactly went wrong, put it away (or delete) and move on to the next one. Or start over.
It’s also absolutely crucial to not let procrastination take over your life. Getting in the loop – wasting your time, then feeling guilty about it and wasting the time even more, is devastating and destructive.
Our time is so limited, so we should seize every single day.
Music and inspiring people have always motivated me to carry on. Find what inspires you. Find what helps to get motivated, even when you feel sad and alone. I tend to feel like that sometimes too, and It’s absolutely okay. Like two years ago, I felt so miserable, that not depending on how much I tried, my work just did not look the way I wanted, because I kept comparing it to other artists, who obviously had so much more skill and experience than I. The thing is, It’s easy to tell others – be inspired by art, that others make, but It’s not so easy in the real life. So I learnt from that – focusing more on my own stuff, seeing art by others as a way to learn and just enjoy how amazing the art by others were (and still is).
My favorite artists are those, who not only have a great skill and successful career, but who are genuine and helps others along the way. Whenever I see when those other pros, who just don’t care about their audience, it makes me kind of sad. When they put amazing artworks with a description of – “This looks awful, done in 5 min” as a way to show their superiority and make others praise them. Also the whole thing of – if you don’t have the best equipment then you can’t make art – as if the newest tablet or that one expensive tutorial/software is absolutely necessary to become a great artist. Just no.
It’s important to see the professionals as human beings (not idolizing them) and not putting yourself down, because they are better. Through hard work and dedication, they are where they are now. And so can you. There is nothing that could stop you.
You’ll never have the absolutely right conditions. It will never be just the right time. Your relatives/friends may not always support your decisions. So many things could stand in your way.
But you know… If you need a wake up call – then here it is.
It all comes down to how much you really want it – don’t be afraid to ask yourself this question of what you really want to achieve, what you really want to do with your life.
When you will want it as badly as you want to breathe, when you will work as hard and persistent as you can, then… great and meaningful things will happen, my friend.
So, how about you - what are your thoughts about not giving up?
This week I found some lovely resources - this inspiring article about creating better habits, amazing references/photo compilation in reddit, beyond stunning watercolor paintings by Joseph Zbukvic,lovely interview with awesome Ash Thorp, my favorite book - Ready Player One - a science fiction novel by Ernest Cline, great music by Blockhead , my recent timelapse painting video of "Infamous Sunset" and short documentary, that gives you a sneak peek into the personal works from the artists of Dreamworks.
P.S. I quite frequently post some sketches and artworks in my art tumblr - snowmarite.tumblr.com/. and I have a weekly Music Sunday post on aerismade.blogspot.com/ and weekly 8 songs playlist.
and a youtube art channel.
Have a wonderful week!
"“To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” /Kurt Vonnegut
