Greetings! It has been....too long *hangs head in shame* Being active here--and just...in general--has been a huge struggle for me in the last couple years, it seems. And until recently, I wasn't sure why that was. I kept using the excuse of working too much, but in reality, I do have enough breaks where I can afford to spend a few hours making art. Motivation is really what I have been lacking, the reason behind wanting to make art in the first place. It wasn't until I watched a vid by Markiplier, where he said this:
"You have to always find new and old ways to keep yourself motivated, and never lose sight of the original vision that you have. Even if the goal is changed, the original reason why is always the same, unless you need to find a new reason why. But it’s a challenge. It’s a struggle. But you can do it."
I have been hung on these words for several days. I finally figured out why I was struggling to make anything. My reason was making it for YOU GUYS. I had SO MUCH FUN making art when it was for other people--and I don't mean gifts or trades specifically. My motivation began as wanting to share artwork with other folks who enjoyed it....I mean, sounds basic, right? Like, how can I forget something like that??
I think what happened was I had gotten caught up with these stupid expectations I set for myself to make everything 'perfect' for everyone, and if it wasn't 'perfect'--whatever the hell perfect meant--I didn't share it. I kept everything to myself, ideas, sketches, and unintentionally pulled myself out of the community. I hid behind the excuse of working too much, or having too much school stuff going on, and those eventually became just that. Excuses. And damn did I throw them out there constantly.
But now I realize why I made art, and have just NOW realized what I need. I need my original reason: to make art for everyone. The purpose of my art--of the art I WANT to make--is to be shared by a community. I want to make more than just stand alone images. I want stories attached to them. I want people to have fun with my works. I want to have fun, too.
My remedy for this problem is to become more active in the community again. That means making more art, actually scanning and uploading the art, and focusing heavily on my stories/comics. My awesome friend has been developing a website for me and my amazing wife has been helping me brainstorm posting schedules (for the website and my current social media platforms).
I'm sorry for being gone. I know what I need to do now, so I will get on it. My gallery will live again! My instagram is the most active currently, although instagram doesnt do full images too well. I def recommend following me there if you'd like to see any WIPS or previews of finished work (I also post a lot of cat pics lol).
Let's begin anew, shall we?