Mar '17

I've been reading a lot about how to best present yourself as an artist on social media.

However, I noticed something, that I, as a student who hasn't reached a professional level yet, share with other peers who are still developing their skills:
Putting a lot of pressure on yourself when it comes to uploading your artwork, and wanting to be like the pros, when you aren't a pro.

I'm in a place where I'm no beginner anymore, but also no professional - and most things I do don't hold up to the high standard that I set for myself. Thus, posting something, usually results in shame or disappointment. I think too much about wheither the things I create are worthy of being shared, and how other people perceive me (even if they don't care). That isn't the best mindset when you want to pursue art.

It's recommended to keep a pace, to regularily create something, trying to stay consistent in quality - I guess, that's the main problem I have (and my peers as well). I draw daily, but the quality of what I draw is fluid, and sometimes there's just no time for satisfying results.
That's the reason posting doesn't really work for me. I'm too perfectionistic, lack self-confidence, and put too much pressure on myself, which usually results in nothing.

I really would like to know if some of you also have or have had the same struggles, and if you have some advice on how to overcome them!

Mar '17

One big thing to keep in mind is that everybody, especially the masters, started from somewhere. Most people online don't share their "bad stuff" because it doesn't help them get jobs or recognition, etc. Especially since you're still learning, try to show your best stuff, but don't crush yourself for whatever 'failures' and 'bad art' you do. No one can do good art all the time, especially according to your standards. Remember, art is for you, not for anyone else.

Mar '17

I had the exact same stuggles for a long time. Something that helped me a lot was to listen to artist stories. You can find plenty of interviews on youtube or such from people that have been in the industry for a long time. Talking about their first job, first succesfull artwork and what it took them to get there. And sometimes even from people that are not 2d or 3d artist. It can be super refreshing when you realize that every artist has a folder full of "wtf is that" somewhere on his computer. Especially as we are still learning.

And in the end, art forums like cubebrush are not some shitty newspaper comment section where people are insulting each other. Most of the time we are here for the same reason you are, the love of what we do. People are comprehensive and most of the time willing to help. Just find the place where you feel confident. That would be my best advice actually

1 month later

Apr '17

You are definitely not alone with this. This issue probably killed off easily a years worth of time I could have spent actually getting things done. I am trying to rectify this problem as I write.

One thing that helped me getting out of this somewhat is by picking up a craft you are rather inexperienced yet, but have a keen interest in at least trying out. Seeing my first, humble results in 3D felt like a mayor milestone for me and the newfound motivation and pride found it's way fairly quickly into my 2D-work.

@MaxS09 's tip about listening to artists stories is definitely something you should do, even without this problem. It is always very educational and inspiring to hear about other fellow artists struggles and accomplishments.

EDIT: Just saw this post is a month late. Well, whenever or not you still have this problem or someone else reads this, I hope its helpful.

May '17

I read your topic long ago but today seeing it again i just want ot say that , at leas for me it works in curious ways, ive come to notice that there are points where i get obsessed and i dont sleep in days until i "get it" but i still dont get it . Before i used to get mad or be super insicure about what i do because of that ( which still do buf for different reasons now ha)
and i found out that there is a thing called Maturation time. this meand that no matter how hard you try in that moment after all that ... and what you should do is focus on something else and give that thing time, then you'll come back after a while and do it again, it magically works in the best way, this eans that your will was huge ok, but you were over saturated and not ready, art is about dedication and skill, but its also phisical and psychological and when you are just not ready and you foce it the result is never gonna be satisfying so when this happens means that you just need the time to "grow up" to then masterize it, its just you wanting to go and evolve faster than you can manage so it results in a depressing and frustrating situation. Next time you face this switch to something else for about a week and come back.
now, this all probably sounds like a lot of crap to you but at least thats what i saw was happening to me and it works, late but I hope it helps.

May '17

I've been reading along quietly and wanted to thank you for all the comments, they've been a big help to me!

@ESL thanks for the reminder. Showcasing the best artworks is an advice I'll try to stick to.
@MaxS09 listening to artists' stories is a huge motivator. I started to listen to podcasts and streams while working! Really enjoying the chiustreams right now.
@V_MAN thanks! I just got a free student license for Maya some days ago, and learning modeling has been very fun so far.
@HorizonDweller This doesn't sound like crap to me, I've noticed the same thing as well. I sometimes get so obsessed with one thing, Iso I'm trying to learn to switch between tasks if I feel stuck.