Anyone else uphold themselves to this very high standard that keeps them from enjoying almost anything they make? It really keeps you from liking the things you draw and makes you think nothing will be good enough. I cant really explain it, but Ive had this standard for myself since middle school. Some people I know get a amateurish level and are satisfied with that, but I can't stop until im at a master level. Hope that makes sense and others can relate. Friends say "just draw" but its not a drawing problem, its a not meeting this high standard problem. And the worst part is, you set it and the bar keeps rising.
It is called the artists curse where you're never happy with your result
It works like a carrot on a stick, almost reaching it but never there
It is good and healthy if you want to grow and if you know about it and use it you can push yourself really far
>but I can't stop until im at a master level
You will probably feel like you will never get there, and even the people you look up to have the same issues. They just learn how to deal with it and look at it objectively
It is natural
>>2579753
I don't know if anybody else has this. Though it's the internet, I'm sure someone out there will feel the same. I do hate when I'm drawing off, and will bail on drawing that day if it's simply out of control.
I do have a procrastination or perfectionist problem. I struggle severely with seeing a project to the end. However, I have most a very creative "in the zone" mood during these throw away stages, where I don't feel committed to a picture.
What I'm driving at is. I occasionally look back and say, you know that drawing wasn't so bad. Wow. i did that? Perhaps this is not a true artists mindset. But I feel warm inside occasionally seeing an old drawing and seeing some improvement, or perhaps an idea that was never further explored. Basically, I am not spiteful seeing some of my old work. That is not to say the art wouldn't get ripped apart with critiques, simply I'm not unhappy with a drawing.
I don't know what it is, maybe I got better? Maybe I'm delusional? I frequently hate failing on a drawing, even though It's a required stage. It's a bad habit and has severely slowed my progress.
>>2579753
yes, the standard is what makes you decent. if you were satisfied with the stuff you made while being aware that it's much worse than the average pro, you'll never get to that level.
but that being said, recently i really realized how important it is to draw with absolute confidence regardless of doubts. it's almost like while drawing, you have to be completely and utterly delusional and believe that you are a master of your craft in order to execute everything you've learned properly.
you have to kind of "just do it™"
this mental side is really interesting. thanks for the anon who recommended that jazz book some days/weeks ago. it was helpful.
i'm starting to believe that this paradox is something artists need to have in order to succeed.
Yes. I dont like anything i do, never did since i began taking it more serious 3or so years ago. Everytime i am done i feel a mixture of despair about the fact that it is no where near as good as i want it to be and a subtle relieve that i managed to finish it up as a conpleted work. Yet i Cant give up since that would be weak and its somewhat addicting
>>2579846
same here. No matter how shit I think I am or despise my work, I can't stop. Ive tried giving up drawing several times figuring it just wasn't for me, but I always come back doing it eventually.
>>2579776
Jazz book?
Can you give a name or link please?
>>2579776
That's a pretty interesting mind set although im not sure I can delude myself like that. It usually works with autists or very narcissistic persons though.
>>2579753
Ah yes, the artist's curse.
This means you are critical of your work - which means your eyes are improving, faster than your hands. That's a good thing, certainly better than the opposite.
What you need is to find a balance, look back on your old art when you need to and use the frustration to push further, study more and improve because that is the way to fuck that frustration in the ass.
>Anon don't call your drawings shit, you're being very rude as fuck when I compliment you
People can't even let artists be self-critical anymore
>>2579898
Effortless Mastery probably.
>>2579759
>master level
Master level is
"You can draw everything from imagination, realistic or not, it will look perfect or at least 'believable'. There is nothing else you can learn".
>Game over.
>Start new game, SP mode.
>>2579943
It's fine to be critical of yourself but don't waste other people's time with work you think is shit. Plus it just sounds like you are fishing for compliments or some self-pitying faggot. Everybody is their own worst critic, but there is absolutely no need to go on about it.
>>2579950
I don't mean when you show people stuff, but when they come up to someone when they're just aimlessly drawing/practicing/nothing very serious.
The issue has been popping up a lot these past few years though, and it can really confuse younger artists and people with really bad mental issues honestly. Thin line between confidence & narcissism and all that junk.
>>2579753
Yeah, I've been there for a long time. I have a friend who's a graphic designer who just suggested that instead of drudging painfully to competence that I do what he does and use photoshop to its full extent, by doing more photobashing and manip. It took me beating the shit out of my pride to do it, but I did it and made a painting I liked (I mostly painted over the photos I used anyway, they were more ref. points than anything). It gave me the feeling of actually being there without being there, and knowing I could make a whole portfolio that could fool the average eye and low-profile illustration employers relieved tons of stress.
I've only done that once, now I'm back to drawing and studying furiously to get better. And I'm not restricted by dissatisfaction at my age and skill level because I created (and also experienced creating) something that was good in my eyes. Sometimes, all you need to do is experience being at the mountaintop to keep going.
>>2579946
but thats the thing, and another curse
the more you know, the more you know you don't know
>>2579901
>im not sure I can delude myself like that. It usually works with autists or very narcissistic persons though.
yeah i'm sure you're keeping it very real anon.
but really, to put it in another way, i'm basically just saying to have confidence in yourself and not worry too much while you're working and focus on the task instead.
at some point you'll need tostop second guessing yourself and pull through.
that is of course after you have the technical stuff down. i'm strictly speaking about mental barriers like "perfectionism".
>>2580051
That's called lack of self-esteem.
Draw what you love, draw it with love, and you will love your work and love yourself. That's the way to break this curse.
Obviously you need to practice.
