On reflecting upon my experience of transitioning from traditional media to the world of digital art, I distinctly remember the feeling of complete and utter confusion that accompanied the transition. While the initial feeling was daunting and certainly frustrating at times, those feelings were often tempered by excitement— the excitement of learning something new, taking my art to the next level, and the possibility of finally finding the medium through which I could best express my ideas.
Throughout the process, these seven realizations kept me grounded, positive and inspired, while honing my skills within art and design. May they serve as a reminder to myself (and others) to practice diligence, in the face of creative challenges, within the new year.
No one has all the answers.
While incredibly knowledgeable, an instructor can only assist you in becoming more proficient at whatever skills they have learned, or how they acquired those skills. If an instructor does not know the answer to your question, that is not enough of a reason to cease your query. If anything, it should serve as a call to action, beckoning the inquirer to face the unknown and create with reckless abandon.
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I—/ I took the one less traveled by/ And that has made all the difference” (Frost, lines 18-20)
One must set goals, to shape an experience.
The experience of working in a given medium has a profound impact on the resulting creation, as anyone who has created under suboptimal conditions could attest. No matter how fanciful the result, it is rarely enough to soothe the sting of an overall unpleasant experience. I find that setting goals based on how I want to feel while creating as opposed to what I want the resulting creation to be is a surefire way to remain positive, honor the spirit of a piece, and remain open to creative possibilities. This is an especially helpful mindset for those looking to learn new skills and improve one’s technical abilities.
On the subject of setting specific goals (such as improving one’s technical skill), I advise creatives to exercise patience and above all, that creators be realistic in their approach to achieving those goals. Obstacles such as tight deadlines/rush jobs, last-minute changes, and overall stress are not conducive to technical advancement, making goals set for completion under those conditions both unrealistic and in essence, unkind to the creator. Work to cultivate optimal conditions for improvement, as it will help to quell any negative feelings that may arise during the creative struggle, on the path towards achieving those goals.
Knowledge is power, only when put into practice.
Understanding the capabilities of a new medium is the first step in determining if it would be best suited for your needs. As the performance of a given medium can drastically affect the desired outcome, as well as the experience of creation itself, it is well worth the effort to understand any potential advantages or disadvantages that medium could provide, in relation to your idea. Doing so will save you time, energy, and the headache of trying to rework an idea best expressed through a different medium, entirely. This need not be interpreted as a hindrance to the creative process, but should instead be experienced as a creative exercise. Learn how to change your approach, remain flexible, and above all, enjoy the process.
Experimentation is key.
Much progress can be made, by approaching an idea or situation through unconventional means. Experimentation is the means by which individuals can mentally reset, explore, and ultimately stay inspired, working in a new medium. It helps to do so in a low-risk setting, unhindered by hard deadlines or client expectations. Keeping a sketchbook and tackling small-scale pieces (virtual or otherwise) is a great starting point. Making time for creative exploration is vital for the development of ones’ creative voice, so be sure to do so regularly.
Technical does not mean masterful.
Visual complexity is not an accurate way to gauge the proficiency of an artist or the projected success or failure of art created in a given medium. There have been instances where I’ve created fabulous pieces with minimal effort and there have been others, where I’ve engineered complete visual atrocities, despite my technical ability. Every idea is its own unique puzzle, to be solved in the way that best serves the project. Technical theatrics for the sake of self aggrandizement, never serve the project.
Know thyself.
The world seems smaller every day, but that does not mean you are going to be the best, or even second best, in your new medium. That is not to say that someone will not garner success or the clientele required to earn an income— it simply means that many artists may never be venerated like The Greats of Western art and that is perfectly fine. Do not make the mistake of mulling over the categorical state of your art. Instead, focus on honing your skills, cultivating your creative voice, and ultimately enjoy what you create. Be authentic, be yourself.
Curiosity is the cornerstone of creativity.
Throughout history, many artists of note were described as having pursued art, due to a natural aptitude for working in a given medium. While their long-lasting works are an agreeable testament to their technical proficiency, I hold firm in the belief that the best artists were driven by curiosity and a willingness to find answers, where none were provided. Challenging authority, engaging in open debate within art, and having the resolve to think outside commonly accepted standards were secondary, albeit paramount qualities of The Greats. Determine the origin of your desire to create, apply that knowledge to the growth of curiosity through positive means, and remain open to new ideas.