Couple of months ago I started drawing. Something I never thought I’ll do — simply because I didn’t believe I was born an artist. Why even try then, right?
I convinced myself I suck at drawing probably as early as middle-school. There were kids that were drawing so much better and art lessons were boring and tough — nobody really taught us how to draw. You either can draw a swan or a poppy from your imagination or you can’t. Which I couldn’t. I’d ask my mom to do my art homework, as she is a little of an artist herself.
I’ve picked up a tablet and tried drawing in July and I never put it down. I think I already learnt a lot. From believing I couldn’t draw a stick figure, I challenge myself with various projects. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m enjoying the journey.
Despite the fact drawing brings me a lot of joy, sometimes I get upset and angry. If I can’t draw something how I imagined it or I just it seems impossible to figure out the correct proportion of a face the inner joy destroyer wakes up and tells me I should drop this for good because I’ll never be good enough.
However, instead of listening to it and yeeting my (boyfriend’s) tab through the window, I try to do focus on these simple things and facts to yeet the negative thoughts instead.
1. If you want to be good at something, you have to work for it
That’s goes for everything. I believe that we are born with certain capabilities. I still don’t think my brain was made for solving complex Math problems (perhaps life will prove me wrong sometime). Despite being naturally talented at something, that something still needs nurturing.
Even if you think you are naturally good at writing and naturally bad at physics, the writing still needs some practice. You most likely read other people’s blogs, books and articles, write in your blog, journal and in other ways learn the subtleties of producing that nicely flowing text. And most likely you don’t look back at your 5 year old writings, if you have been consistently writing and reading, and think “yeah, that was the shit. I’m so much worse at writing now”.
If you are, maybe it’s time to up your game?
Hence, whenever my inner hater comes up, I try to tell them see you in five years. I’m learning now.
2. Enjoy the process
As long as process excites you, you’ll get there. And if that your critical self arives the moment you pick up a pencil to draw, open your laptop to write or start doing anything else creative, just say: “I’m just having fun. Lägg av (eng. knock it off).”
3. Stop comparing
Seriously. However, old this advice is, that evil voice telling you are” and “you’ll never write/draw/play/design as good as they” and “you’ll never have as many followers/readers/listeners/buyers” is hard to kill.
It’s as useless and damaging to compare your work with others’ as comparing your life to other people’s lives. Maybe they worked very hard for whatever they have or maybe they just got lucky. Regardless, all you can do is just thank those artists for showing what’s possible with enough determination and buckle up for your own journey.
If you’re determined to put in the time and stay original, you’ll get there.
4. Take a break
Not long enough to forget everything you’ve learnt so far. If you really can’t make this design look the way you want it to look or this blog post is just not getting together — take a break.
Make yourself a peanut butter & jelly sandwich or focus on another activity until the angry person inside of you goes to sleep. Most of the time they do. Sometimes it is enough to lie face down on a sofa for fifteen minutes for new motivation to arrive. Or maybe it’s just me. One way or another, taking your mind away off something you can’t do at this moment really helps.
To end this, there is my favorite quotes of, probably, whole time:
If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent Van Gogh.
On another note, it’s November! I hope had a spooky Halloween and have some nice goals set for this month. It’s almost time to play Christmas songs y’all!
What creative goals have you set for November?
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Thanks, I needed this today!
Thank you for reading! ❤️
Those inner critics can kill the fun of any project. I put mine in a jar, screw on the lid, and put it outside the door to absorb a little sunshine and improve its attitude. For some reason, that helps. If I feel like being cranky, I can always go get him.
Hahaha love this!! I’m trying this next time the angry critic arrives.
Sound advice on how silence those pesky inner critics! And great that you’ve found your way to drawing! Have fun!
Thank you so much! 🥰
Great post 💖 i’d love to see your creations 💖
Thank you a lot!! You can see some of the things I draw on Instagram @toma_ruh ♥
Beautifully written! Comparison can be the thief of our own creativity and individuality. Thanks for sharing!
Totally! Thanks for reading. ♥
Lovely tips, and very encouraging. It is really never too late to pick up anything. I have always been interested in painting but just never tried. All the best with your art and may you always win over the inner art critic!
Thank you a lot! It is never too late to start something. This is a sign that you need to try painting! ♥
I can massively relate to those feelings of frustration – I love to draw, but honestly hate how everything I draw turns out which then turns me off the whole thing *deep sigh* I will keep these tips in mind xx
I’ve seen this girl sharing a tip on TikTok, that you should start painting or drawing with a thought that it’s not gonna be perfect or that it’s gonna be total crap. Then you’re not afraid it won’t turn out as you imagine and you can draw totally free. And she says you can really surprise yourself, hihi. Wish I saved that video! Maybe something to try? Best of luck and don’t let the inner critic eat your happiness. ♥
Yes! I’ve just started learning simple drawing & watercolor as an adult. The “you are not good at art” so so loud the first few nights.
I can imagine! Tell that angry troll inside of you to shut up. You’re totally good at art. ♥
Thank you. 💙
I love this! Sometimes I feel like I’m not very good at writing, but when I look back on my old blog posts that I wrote 2 years ago, I realise how much I’ve progressed since then! Good luck with your art, I’d love to see some of it some day!
I know right!! It’s so good to look back and be like “damn, I really improved huh”. Thanks a lot. ♥ I share my drawings on Instagram @toma_ruh ♥
Really motivative! Thanks for the great post 😊
Thank you so much!!
Wonderful write! I really needed this as I’m trying to get into art more. I’d love to see your works here!!👏💕
I’m glad!! I hope you never doubt your creativity.
Absolutely! I will be posting some in the future. For now, I post some of my drawings on my Instagram (@toma_ruh). ♥️
Happy to follow your blog 🙏🏻
Thanks a lot!
Always welcome Toma