My observation and personal experience show that art is a very solitary activity. We spend hours in our studio or work areas, without human contact. What drives us? What gets us going and wanting to create? Is it for everyone?
The hardest challenge to being an artist is you do not have anyone driving you. No boss standing over you. In many cases no deadlines. No one waiting at the counter for their order. It is just you facing a blank canvas. So what drives us to just get up and get excited about creating?
I draw inspiration from so many sources and will list a few here. If you have other things that motivate you please send me a message. mike@mikeadkins.info
* YouTube - there are so many great artists on YouTube and great tutorials. I watch so many of them, and many I follow regularly. Here are a few that inspire me. SLEW, TEN HUNDRED, JESS KARP, JONI YOUNG ART, and so many more. Each time I watch one of their new episodes I get re-energized.
* Books - I have grown my art library to over 100 books. Each one is full of ideas and inspiration. I love the ART OF books that show the development of Disney movies. The background paintings, and character development. I find that inspiring.
* Sale of Art - I do not make a great deal from my art but when someone buys something from me it means a great deal. It is the greatest showing of application. And that inspires me to create more. It may be a little stroke to my ego, but everyone needs that to continue to create.
* Friends - A good support system is so important. Having artist friends that you can confide in, get inspiration from, and get feedback that helps quite a bit. Having a mentor who understands what it is like being an artist will go a long way for one to continue creating.
* Having goals. - Setting yourself goals will inspire you. Self-imposed projects or art styles you wish to master will surely inspire me. I continue to create new goals and then set forth to meet that goals.
* Play the Role. I have said this about many things in my life. Playing the role gets you the role. Ever imagined you were a Disney Artist? What it would be like going to work every day and creating great art. But with purpose. And what you create needs to be the top of your game. No half-done are, you need to put into it 100 percent. This is a great motivator and a way to impose self-inspiration. Now if it came down to it, I really do not think I would enjoy re-entering the corporate world but it sure is fun playing the role.
* Reviewing your old art. A good form of inspiration can come from reviewing your older artwork. Seeing the improvement is a great motivator.
What is your inspiration?
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