This was fantastic information as well as inspiration. I am in the process of doing a second edition of a children’s book I self published back in 2020. I decided to redo it because I feel it captured too much of every other artist and reference that I liked at the time and it overshadowed my authenticity. Yes we are all art thieves to a certain degree, which is the point of inspiration, but like you said style takes time, refine it, make it yours. I am really excited for what I will learn this year. Thank you for this. 👍🏾😁
Ahh thank you so much for this! I really loved reading about your process it’s such a relatable feeling, looking back at older work and realising how much of it was shaped by what inspired us at the time. But that awareness is such a big step, and it’s amazing that you’re revisiting your book with a fresh perspective. I’m so excited for what you’ll discover in this new version! And yes, totally agree—we’re all a bit of an art thief at first, but it’s in the refining that we really start to sound like ourselves.
Definitely guilty of the brush pack trap. I'd say the best thing to do is just use what you feel comfortable and stretch yourself every now and then. Guitarists don't go out and buy the fanciest guitars when they start out, and they dont play the trickiest tunes. They start with the basics. Same applies with art. If you're trying too much too quickly it's easy to put the pencil/pen/brush down and not pick it up again for years. This happened to me. I place emphasis on FUN now. If it doesn't bring me joy I don't bother.
Same here! If I’m not having fun, it’s just not worth it, whether it’s art or even my job. The moment it starts feeling like a chore, I take a step back and refocus on what actually excites me. It’s made such a difference for me!
I fell hard down the tool trap! I never climbed out either. Digital art is HARD! I have no discipline with the undo button and could never find my groove with finishing something that I liked. I'm glad it's around because it is fun to noodle around on the iPad once in a while!
Your art is magnificent. 💕
Thank you!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This was fantastic information as well as inspiration. I am in the process of doing a second edition of a children’s book I self published back in 2020. I decided to redo it because I feel it captured too much of every other artist and reference that I liked at the time and it overshadowed my authenticity. Yes we are all art thieves to a certain degree, which is the point of inspiration, but like you said style takes time, refine it, make it yours. I am really excited for what I will learn this year. Thank you for this. 👍🏾😁
Ahh thank you so much for this! I really loved reading about your process it’s such a relatable feeling, looking back at older work and realising how much of it was shaped by what inspired us at the time. But that awareness is such a big step, and it’s amazing that you’re revisiting your book with a fresh perspective. I’m so excited for what you’ll discover in this new version! And yes, totally agree—we’re all a bit of an art thief at first, but it’s in the refining that we really start to sound like ourselves.
I feel very targeted in this post. Worst trap of them all!
Hahaha! Didn’t mean to target anyone but I am happy that I am not alone in this experience!
Definitely guilty of the brush pack trap. I'd say the best thing to do is just use what you feel comfortable and stretch yourself every now and then. Guitarists don't go out and buy the fanciest guitars when they start out, and they dont play the trickiest tunes. They start with the basics. Same applies with art. If you're trying too much too quickly it's easy to put the pencil/pen/brush down and not pick it up again for years. This happened to me. I place emphasis on FUN now. If it doesn't bring me joy I don't bother.
Same here! If I’m not having fun, it’s just not worth it, whether it’s art or even my job. The moment it starts feeling like a chore, I take a step back and refocus on what actually excites me. It’s made such a difference for me!
I fell hard down the tool trap! I never climbed out either. Digital art is HARD! I have no discipline with the undo button and could never find my groove with finishing something that I liked. I'm glad it's around because it is fun to noodle around on the iPad once in a while!