How To Stay Motivated As An Artist
Art is the one thing that belongs to everyone, regardless of background, culture, or skill level. Anyone can be an artist, whether they sing, dance, paint, or take photos.
Some days though, the muses just seem to leave you. Here are some of the best ways to stay motivated as an artist… even when you don’t feel like it.
10 Steps To Keep Creating:
Everyone has artistic, creative ideas. Artists are those who can implement them in reality.
Whatever your medium, you should be able to create and complete your masterpiece. Here’s how to stay consistent and power through your art block.
1. Make Art a Habit
As with any skill, the best way to get good at art is to keep making it. Practice is everything. Develop a regimen where you can find time for your art daily.
An hour a day or thirty minutes a day, what matters is you make your skill a part of your life.
Devote time to honing your craft, and I promise that the results and building excellent working habits will give you the push you need to stay motivated.
2. Develop Short Term Goals
Discipline beats motivation every time because discipline means that growth comes consistently. If meeting daily goals isn’t enough to keep you going, set monthly goals.
Put concrete, actionable missions before you, and you’ll find yourself looking to accomplish them. Have your drawing done in 3 days; record that song by the end of the week.
Whatever your goal is, make sure it can be done within your timeframe and get it done. This will keep you going for as long as you have a target, so keep reaching for goals.
3. Create a Motivational Space
As cliche as it is, surrounding yourself with affirmations can change your mindset instantly. Leave positive messages in your studio space you can stare at when you feel down.
Every once in a while, it’s also good to spoil yourself. Few things are as motivating for an independent artist than knowing you have the right tools for the job.
BPMSkills, for example, is an excellent ally for new music producers. Start there. Surround yourself with an environment that will breed success and make you want to work.
4. Enjoy Others in Your Medium
When the urge to make art leaves you, it’s best to revisit what got you into art in the first place. If you’re a comic book artist, pick up your favorite graphic novel.
If you’re a musician, listen to the bands or artists that got you to pick up your instrument. Reinvigorate your interests by reconnecting with the artists that introduced you to your medium.
5. Do any Amount of Work.
Scriptwriters are encouraged to bring a small notebook everywhere they go to be able to jot down ideas when creativity strikes. They didn’t need to sit down before their computer to force an idea out.
Take a break if you cannot bear staring at a blank canvas or strumming your guitar endlessly. Go for a walk. Listen to the sounds of nature. Draw what you see in the park.
Some days, it’s best to find inspiration elsewhere. What matters is to put it on paper, no matter how short or simple it may seem. It may just get your creative juices flowing.
6. Learn New Techniques
If you do the same thing consistently for an extended period, you may lose motivation and find your passions repetitive and monotonous. In this case, do something challenging.
Learning a new skill related to your niche is an excellent way to progress as an artist. It gives you a sense of achievement, making you more well-rounded.
If you’re into drawing, try painting. If you’re a guitarist, maybe learn to play bass. Take photos of different subjects than what you’re used to. Keep spicing it up you can also read about: A Guide To Improve Your Drawing Skills
7. Get Positive Feedback and Constructive Input
Art is meant to be shared. Start by sharing your new composition or painting with someone whose opinion you value and respect. Listen to their critiques and advice.
It’s a significant boost for morale to see people appreciating your art. If you want to share a work-in-progress update on social media, you can reach many people.
While these potential fans can increase your following, external validation shouldn’t be your only fuel. They’re a crutch, not the legs you need to run with.
8. Work on Commissions
Money isn’t everything. A good artist doesn’t make art for the money, although it does help. If you can’t bring yourself to make art for yourself, make it for someone else and earn some cash.
This is an excellent way to get concrete rewards for your work, and clients who appreciate your work will sing your praises with others. Your renown will grow, and so will your pockets.
9. Push Your Creative Ability
Do what scares and excites you. Do that ambitious project you’ve been dancing around your short-term goal. Turn that script into a short film. Commit to the bit.
Artists constantly grow in their field when they rise to the occasion. Don’t settle for monotony. Break out of your current skill level and do something daring.
You’ll appreciate the experience.
10. Enjoy the Creative Process
The reason artists make art is because it speaks to them calls out to them. It moves them. Drives them. Art should motivate you because it speaks to something more profound.
Most of your time will be spent doing a sedentary activity alone. Learn to appreciate that your imagination flows from your head and heart to your hands.
Make art you like, even if you aren’t the best at it. Learning to enjoy the process makes the struggle worth it.
Conclusion
Overall, consistency and innovation are the two primary sources of motivation an artist should draw on.
Keep pushing boundaries and keep yourself honest, and you will find that motivation will strike you like a lightning bolt.
