As an artist, one of my favorite things to achieve through my art is a reaction. Oh, how I crave the attention to my pieces, as my audience studies the details of my work that I so meticulously perfected to create an effective concept or technique... or both. If you're an artist, then you know what I'm talking about. As artists, not only do we enjoy working on a piece that's satisfying and appealing to look at, but unless you're abnormally uninterested in a reaction, you probably show off your work to receive that reaction, as well. It's especially true if you're subscribing here after reading my ad from any one of my online art galleries. If we post our artwork, then it's most likely (and normal) that we do it to receive some kind of insatiable reaction.
Insatiable... now there's a word artists can agree upon. We're insatiable, and even more so, perfectionists. Each piece must be better thank the last. Each technique must become perfected, each concept must be more powerful. It often gets to the point where we look at the pieces of famous artists (particularly those in the genre that we follow) and become frustrated with our own work. "Why can't it be as good as this other artist's work? Why am I not as popular?" These questions plague everyone. Everyone, regardless if they have denied this, has become tormented by these questions at some time or another. If these questions have not affected them, then it becomes apparent through the lack of improvement in their pieces and they are usually dismissed as individuals who create art simply because it's just a passing phase or a means for entertainment.
I have read on the journals of many online artists the same story of anguish on the severity of ignorance or negative reaction that meets their artwork. It has even gone so far as the artists themselves submitting some kind of journal entry or even art piece describing some kind of reason to defend their art. "I draw what I want! Don't tell me what to draw! Art is art no matter what! Art is my escape--don't take it away from me!" These pieces scream in unison, gaining the support of literally thousands, possibly millions, of artists experiencing the same kind of response to this part of their own lives. In truth, why do artists need to defend themselves?
Let me start with an explanation of my own experience. Growing up, I always loved art. Even as a child I would make original characters and stories and even design fashions. When I was a teenager, the world of Japanese animation consumed me. From that moment on, no matter what I drew, it could not be anything but Japanese style characters. As time passed, it came to the point where I wouldn't even draw anything but my own original characters.
It took me literally years to realize that by limiting myself to the same reel of characters, I was also limiting my ability to not only improve my skills, but to broaden my talent so that every piece I created was something to be truly admired. I want to share this with you because, like me, there is a possibility that you still struggle with the frustration of wondering if you will ever be like the artists who's pieces you gape at for hours, trying to make out the techniques in each piece because of the intricacy of it all.
More and more I realize that it's not just about creating characters that would be ideal in your mind, which probably wouldn't hold the same meaning to someone else who naturally has a different mindset. More and more I notice that a figure standing on some random background has no meaning. Those two things, when considered simultaneously, impacted one thought into my mind: my art isn't meaningful to me if it cannot be meaningful to others.
Usually, if it's not some kind of fanart or a piece of intricately exquisite art, a person will not give the desired attention to a piece that you may hope for. This can be discouraging, I quite agree. This is when artists usually tend to become defensive of their art, even aggressive to others simply because they don't know how to respond to a negative reaction. I've seen a few before who placed such importance on their personal galleries that they insisted that their art was the only thing they had that was important to them, or that no one cared about their talent but them. This is more than likely an exaggerated and untrue statement, thrown into the headline of the subject at the heat of the moment. At the same time, those who are passionate about art also tend to show their bias towards the skill.
But what are we doing to share our art with others?
Let me elaborate on this question. This is in no way proposing that we're not showing our art to people. "Look what I drew, mom!" This is probably normal of most artists. If it's something we're proud of, then it's something we will most likely show off to our relatives and friends, and maybe even submit our artwork for review to be possibly displayed on a more public level. Rather, as artists, particularly the ones who are creative in making stories and characters, we usually have little to do with what happens outside of the world of our creation. My own original character, Kichiro, a priest with magical powers who has been chosen to protect the world, has little to do with the world outside of the novel I wrote. As artists, we are more often than not forgetting of the power we have to give others a visual of a world that they can delve into and enjoy for themselves; moreover, one that nearly anyone can appreciate because it's so diverse in the target audience. So what are we doing to satisfy those needs other than satisfying ourselves? If once again, you feel that you should not be hounded by such words, then at this point, it may be wise to realize that there is no reason to stress over receiving no reaction as you are creating your art only to satisfy your own needs of entertainment. However, if you're looking to create the art that you dream of creating, I offer these ideas to contemplate.
If it's not a popular known story, let the picture tell the story.
"A picture's worth a thousand words." That's the popular saying, but what most people fail to mention is that this is not always the case. If you're looking to create something effective, sadly, a standing individual or two is not always going to invoke much talk. A reference sheet and no more is probably what it would be considered, at best, unless the piece is glamor photography. Unless you're willing to depict an entire scene for your audience to contemplate over, what world are you offering your audience to relate to?
Don't let him seem too good to be true.
If your character seems to be perfectly ideal to you, it's probably not going to appeal to anyone else but yourself. This is not just the case of a "Mary Sue" character, as such ideal and unrealistic characters have been labeled by pop culture these days. Whether written or drawn, a character and the other elements playing into the scene of the picture to demonstrate its personality should strike the audience's imagination in a way that they can relate to a character and interact his or her world at a realistic level, even if the world is a fantasy world.
NEVER compromise yourself.
This is probably the most important factor in creating your art. Regardless of the style, the medium or the concept, one should never ever place their values aside simply in desperation of a reaction to their artwork. When an artist pushes the envelope and disregards their values due to their impatience for a reaction, the artist will then have lost the meaning for their art and quite possibly any support they may have held, whether or not they realize it. Doing so also poses as a dire threat to the good morals that an individual has held.
Know why you do what you do.
Enjoying your talent for design is one thing. Wanting a particular reaction is another, and surprisingly far more yielding. A cause is followed by an effect, so make sure you know your cause. Again, if you're only looking to satisfy your needs, then you should be aware that the only audience you require is yourself; however, if this is the first time that you are aware of the need for a cause and have not yet realized what the purpose of your artwork is, then it's time to define the purpose.
To create pieces with your own characters is fun, and it's a blessing to have this wonderful God-given talent and this kind of outlet. These are the ideas that I have realized after years of making the mistake of being biased toward my art and my little fantasy stories. I urge each of you to make the most of your art; make it valuable not only to yourself, but to others as well. Make each piece a collectible gem that passes on not only beauty, but also wisdom. For just as Paul stated, "We each have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:6a.) I feel that it's safe to say that we should use our valued gifts to give valuable gifts, as well. I encourage you to try employing these concepts, and in a month or two, evaluate your work and compare to see how the change in your newer art may be as enriching as it is beautiful to others and to yourself.
Insatiable... now there's a word artists can agree upon. We're insatiable, and even more so, perfectionists. Each piece must be better thank the last. Each technique must become perfected, each concept must be more powerful. It often gets to the point where we look at the pieces of famous artists (particularly those in the genre that we follow) and become frustrated with our own work. "Why can't it be as good as this other artist's work? Why am I not as popular?" These questions plague everyone. Everyone, regardless if they have denied this, has become tormented by these questions at some time or another. If these questions have not affected them, then it becomes apparent through the lack of improvement in their pieces and they are usually dismissed as individuals who create art simply because it's just a passing phase or a means for entertainment.
I have read on the journals of many online artists the same story of anguish on the severity of ignorance or negative reaction that meets their artwork. It has even gone so far as the artists themselves submitting some kind of journal entry or even art piece describing some kind of reason to defend their art. "I draw what I want! Don't tell me what to draw! Art is art no matter what! Art is my escape--don't take it away from me!" These pieces scream in unison, gaining the support of literally thousands, possibly millions, of artists experiencing the same kind of response to this part of their own lives. In truth, why do artists need to defend themselves?
Let me start with an explanation of my own experience. Growing up, I always loved art. Even as a child I would make original characters and stories and even design fashions. When I was a teenager, the world of Japanese animation consumed me. From that moment on, no matter what I drew, it could not be anything but Japanese style characters. As time passed, it came to the point where I wouldn't even draw anything but my own original characters.
It took me literally years to realize that by limiting myself to the same reel of characters, I was also limiting my ability to not only improve my skills, but to broaden my talent so that every piece I created was something to be truly admired. I want to share this with you because, like me, there is a possibility that you still struggle with the frustration of wondering if you will ever be like the artists who's pieces you gape at for hours, trying to make out the techniques in each piece because of the intricacy of it all.
More and more I realize that it's not just about creating characters that would be ideal in your mind, which probably wouldn't hold the same meaning to someone else who naturally has a different mindset. More and more I notice that a figure standing on some random background has no meaning. Those two things, when considered simultaneously, impacted one thought into my mind: my art isn't meaningful to me if it cannot be meaningful to others.
Usually, if it's not some kind of fanart or a piece of intricately exquisite art, a person will not give the desired attention to a piece that you may hope for. This can be discouraging, I quite agree. This is when artists usually tend to become defensive of their art, even aggressive to others simply because they don't know how to respond to a negative reaction. I've seen a few before who placed such importance on their personal galleries that they insisted that their art was the only thing they had that was important to them, or that no one cared about their talent but them. This is more than likely an exaggerated and untrue statement, thrown into the headline of the subject at the heat of the moment. At the same time, those who are passionate about art also tend to show their bias towards the skill.
But what are we doing to share our art with others?
Let me elaborate on this question. This is in no way proposing that we're not showing our art to people. "Look what I drew, mom!" This is probably normal of most artists. If it's something we're proud of, then it's something we will most likely show off to our relatives and friends, and maybe even submit our artwork for review to be possibly displayed on a more public level. Rather, as artists, particularly the ones who are creative in making stories and characters, we usually have little to do with what happens outside of the world of our creation. My own original character, Kichiro, a priest with magical powers who has been chosen to protect the world, has little to do with the world outside of the novel I wrote. As artists, we are more often than not forgetting of the power we have to give others a visual of a world that they can delve into and enjoy for themselves; moreover, one that nearly anyone can appreciate because it's so diverse in the target audience. So what are we doing to satisfy those needs other than satisfying ourselves? If once again, you feel that you should not be hounded by such words, then at this point, it may be wise to realize that there is no reason to stress over receiving no reaction as you are creating your art only to satisfy your own needs of entertainment. However, if you're looking to create the art that you dream of creating, I offer these ideas to contemplate.If it's not a popular known story, let the picture tell the story.
"A picture's worth a thousand words." That's the popular saying, but what most people fail to mention is that this is not always the case. If you're looking to create something effective, sadly, a standing individual or two is not always going to invoke much talk. A reference sheet and no more is probably what it would be considered, at best, unless the piece is glamor photography. Unless you're willing to depict an entire scene for your audience to contemplate over, what world are you offering your audience to relate to?
Don't let him seem too good to be true.
If your character seems to be perfectly ideal to you, it's probably not going to appeal to anyone else but yourself. This is not just the case of a "Mary Sue" character, as such ideal and unrealistic characters have been labeled by pop culture these days. Whether written or drawn, a character and the other elements playing into the scene of the picture to demonstrate its personality should strike the audience's imagination in a way that they can relate to a character and interact his or her world at a realistic level, even if the world is a fantasy world.
NEVER compromise yourself.
This is probably the most important factor in creating your art. Regardless of the style, the medium or the concept, one should never ever place their values aside simply in desperation of a reaction to their artwork. When an artist pushes the envelope and disregards their values due to their impatience for a reaction, the artist will then have lost the meaning for their art and quite possibly any support they may have held, whether or not they realize it. Doing so also poses as a dire threat to the good morals that an individual has held.
Know why you do what you do.
Enjoying your talent for design is one thing. Wanting a particular reaction is another, and surprisingly far more yielding. A cause is followed by an effect, so make sure you know your cause. Again, if you're only looking to satisfy your needs, then you should be aware that the only audience you require is yourself; however, if this is the first time that you are aware of the need for a cause and have not yet realized what the purpose of your artwork is, then it's time to define the purpose.
To create pieces with your own characters is fun, and it's a blessing to have this wonderful God-given talent and this kind of outlet. These are the ideas that I have realized after years of making the mistake of being biased toward my art and my little fantasy stories. I urge each of you to make the most of your art; make it valuable not only to yourself, but to others as well. Make each piece a collectible gem that passes on not only beauty, but also wisdom. For just as Paul stated, "We each have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:6a.) I feel that it's safe to say that we should use our valued gifts to give valuable gifts, as well. I encourage you to try employing these concepts, and in a month or two, evaluate your work and compare to see how the change in your newer art may be as enriching as it is beautiful to others and to yourself.
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