Art and dealing with struggle

People strive so much for the easiest ways to achieve something, the fastest way to get to results, to get the reward without actually doing things .. but, as soon as there needs to be a hard work put in the process, as soon as it happens to be more difficult along the way, we tend to get frustrated and give up, because of not seeing instant results right away.

It takes time.

Whether it's developing new skill, working on new project - meaningful things so often take a lot of patience in order to make them. Overnight success happens so rarely and mostly for those, who work extremely hard on their craft. 
If you just complain that - oh, I have no time to make art, then think about your priorities. Think about time wasters in your life- countless hours on social media sites, always checking your e-mail, spending so much time at looking at tv, meaningless videos. Plan your time in a way that works the best for you and ask yourself if art is what matters to you the most. 

We tend to take so many things for granted and we have so many excuses, that really are pointless. 
Like - I don't have this fancy & expensive book, so therefore I can't learn how to draw. Well - It's just so silly and childlish to think that we will always have to have the best and most worthy resources in order to learn. 
There are so many amazing tutorials, books, articles online (and in the library) - the knowledge is there for free if you know what you are looking for. Take a look at these free art programs , free art books  , tutorials . (and you can also torrent things, if you really, really, need them) 

As long as you have pencil and piece of paper - you can always sketch things, anytime. 
About the fancy Photoshop brushes - there is a reason why they work for artists who made them/use them often, because they know how to do that and It's part of their workflow. Downloading the cool brushes and thinking that it would make you instantly an amazing artist and getting frustrated when it doesn't happen - the right brushes can make some things easier, but if you don't know how to use them properly - it won't magically make stunning paintings in your place.

The same goes for costly art tools. You limit yourself if you think that in order to make great art you would need the greatest equipment there is. They are all just tools. 
About two years ago I really wanted to have a digital tablet, but I just couldn't afford it at that time. So, instead of whining and being sad, I made more traditional stuff back then. After half a year, there was a local art contest, so I tried my best, painting an illustration after school, in the middle of the night - even when I was busy with studies and there was such a small chance that I could win anything. But.. I got the 2nd place and got some money - that I spent on my Wacom Bamboo. It didn't matter to me that it's was the cheapest one, or that it was small and the drivers are glitching every now and then. But it was something I could work with and I use it nowadays a lot and I'm happy with it. 

Also - dont't beat yourself down by thinking that you won't ever improve and that you'll never be good enough. We learn about art all our lives and at different speed - try to study new things with every artwork, challenge yourself. Artists, that you admire, have worked hard to get there where they are now - it may look easy for them, but in reality noone likes to share their insecurities and failures. We all are humans and we all make mistakes - it's about how persistent we are, how we can deal with struggle and move on towards our goals. Having bad moments in our lifes, dealing with loss, doubts, people who don't support us.. when we let those things have a negative impact, to stay in a way of our passion, we just feel more helpless and more sad every single day. 

You will never have the perfect timing, the perfect tools, mood, time to do the things you really want to do.
But deal with the obstacles, be stronger than that - 
and make the best of the time that you have and carry on your creative journey. 
and great things will happen

So, how about you - what are your thoughts about dealing with struggle? 

This week I found some lovely resources - list of blogs about creative inspiration, The Mind of a Chef - series about cooking and travelling, amazing Supernatural videos - including s9 Gag Reel and hilarious "Behind the Scenes of Supernatural: A Fan’s Perspective", awesome game - "Robot Unicorn Attack", articles - "10 Ways to Find Your Purpose as a Designer"  and "Struggle Is a Sure Sign You’re Creating Art" and stunning sci-fi short movie - Pumzi - dir. Wanuri Kahiu // Kenya. 

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.cm/  and weekly 8 songs playlist.
and a youtube art channel.