Expert: Gianina L. - 6/18/2010

Question
Well, I've been drawing for most of my life, only seriously starting in the seventh grade. Though, I feel as of late that I am stuck in some sort of cycle of discouragement when it comes to my art, and thought maybe you could offer some advice to help me break out of it, at least, I hope you could. I just remember how much FUN I had looking back freshman year of high school, and now I look at myself, twenty years old, don't pick up a pencil for weeks or months at a time, and when I do, I begin to draw things I find myself getting far too frustrated with because they don't look how I want them to in style and correctness. Then I get discouraged and don't draw for another two or three weeks and it keeps going on like that. I really don't know what to do. The past two or three years have passed, and I have nothing, absolutely nothing to show for it. I see other people my age who are far better than I am and think if I had kept to it, I could be as good. I beat myself up for all the wasted time. I don't know If I ever really asked a question, so, sorry. But If you have anything you think might help me, from personal experience or just words of encouragement on a subject that nearly brings me to tears of frustration, thank you.

Answer
Hello Chris!

Geez, I completely understand what you're going through. I've been there. Many artists have been there, so know you're not alone. Art can often be frustrating because it's not just work but something tied to our personality and emotions.

First, take a deep breath. Think back to what you used to draw in the days when you thought it was fun. Begin just doodling for the heck of it. Pick up some crayons. Somehow, crayons always help you return to a child-like state of mind. I highly suggest you do some blind contour drawing - drawing the lines/outlines of still-life objects without picking up your pencil and without looking at your drawing AT ALL. That way you can work on your hand-eye coordination without judging yourself.

Second, stop comparing yourself to others. That is a slippery slope and will bring you to no good. Enough room exists on this planet for all the artists living on it, and what makes you special is that no one can provide your perspective but you. So, concentrate on developing your individual skills and artistic perspective and only compare yourself to your own past work.

Keep at it. Just draw and draw and draw some more. It takes practice just like anything else. Don't dwell on the fact that you didn't use the last couple of years to work on your skills; it just wasn't your time. If you're ready, just practice, practice, practice! Art isn't a race. :)

Also, when you find yourself frustrated, take a step back and try to figure out what is bothering you about the drawing. This is the only way to learn. That's what mistakes are for - to teach us how to improve. If you still can't see through your frustration, the most valuable action you can take is to step away. I often cover up or flip over a drawing or painting that's driving me crazy and refuse to look at it for 24 hours. This provides some distance and allows me to approach the artwork with a fresh outlook the next day.

As with so many things in life, trying too hard just ruins it. You need to just let it be. Just enjoy the simple act of putting pencil to paper. Who cares if it looks like crap! You don't have to show anyone the crappy ones, and eventually you'll have an awesome drawing that you'll be proud of. You're MAKING art, and that's the important part. That's what art really is about...the process, the act of creating. You can do no wrong.

I know I have looked at some older drawings, drawings from college and before, that I thought were hideous at the time, but now I look back and think, wow, those were actually pretty great; why the heck was I beating myself up over these?! You will do that one day. Cut yourself a break. The fact that you care this much makes you a great artist.

A little bit of faith goes a long way, and remember that every artist has a had a crappy drawing or two or fifty that they kept secret! Good luck!!
Sincerely,
Gianina