Need some inspiration

[baroness_lamia]

What inspires people to create? How do you keep creating? What gives you the chance to grow and expand your knowledge and skill at art? How do you separate constructive criticism and just mean criticism?

Give me answers people, I really need them!

Comments

[princealia]

"It seems like when you run up against a problem, you always think it's just because 'Oh, I'm not good enough', but it's not that. It's just that you've kinda hit the limit of your knowledge and gotta go out and observe, and get, and find, and discover something more. Those are really great. Those are the best times when you feel like you stink, and you can't get it any better, and you're stuck, and you're in a rut. That's like, man, now the world is open and you're ready to learn something new and gotta go. You gotta take advantage of that." - Glen Keane

And to me, constructive criticism depends a lot on the wording. What did someone tell you?

[baroness_lamia]

It's just a lot of stuff lately. I feel like teachers don't just give constructive criticism (save for one) and they don't offer ideas for solutions. Like as if I know what will be the answer to my problem. Pfft.

Thanks for the quote though. I needed it.

[lulu_nobody]

I believe, that people are inspired by their passions to create, even if that passion is something that people might find silly, like one's love or dedication to a particular game series and wanting to write fanfiction (which, I have to say, helped me develop my writing and now I don't feel intimidated by essays and I can better analyze my own writing, ah ha!). I haven't really been creating things lately because of school and whatnot, but I think that not only does passion keep people creating things, but a desire to share with others, a desire to maybe even, I dunno, share a new perspective with others. Or, even if no one cares, because we get some personal satisfaction out of it or it's something that keeps us occupied, something that helps us think, or something that makes the world seem a little less crazy

[baroness_lamia]

Thanks for your comment. I really liked the example you gave about your Japanese class. I definitely need to showcase my art to the general public instead of my classmates and teachers. I need more outside criticism to round me out.

I know there are problem points in my artwork, but sometimes the teachers just don't point it out and say, "Fix it." It's a real mind-bender when they say that. I can't begin to fix a piece of my art unless it's noticeable and I possess the knowledge and tools to fix it.

[lulu_nobody]

Have you ever heard of this website? http://conceptart.org/ If you really want outside criticism for artwork or whatever type of graphic work you do, I really suggest going there. I honestly think it's one of the better artist communities online, and those people will give you the advice that your teacher might not give you. Not to mention it's a great place to go when you're procrastinating and want to see some pretty amazing artwork. I don't post there because I don't draw nearly enough to have an account there, but a lot of the people there are either casual drawers, professional artists, or people going through art school, and I think it'd be a great place for you to develop your skills and maybe get a little extra inspiration :P

[baroness_lamia]

Yeah, I know of the website but I forget to visit it weekly like I should. Thanks!

I would like to post there but I'm doing the whole, "Oh my artwork is not good enough, wahwahwah" spiel. It's something I have to work on, grow the courage to post there and just stop listening to my inner-emo.

[himura_patty]

I've gone through 2 programs that revolve around constructive critism - Fine Arts and Publication Design and Hypermedia Technologies

[baroness_lamia]

Thanks for the long comment Patty. It's taken DAYS for me to figure out what to reply to this. XD joking, joking.

But onto the real reply!

I just find that one of the teachers isn't really helpful for critiquing and seems to pick on me. I'm just frustrated with him because he expects us to do great animation work when we're using a new, unfamiliar program and he even doesn't know how to operate it. *headdesk*

I think the lack of sleep, frustration and stress in life has contributed to my lack of creative energy.

As for working towards a solution... it's a painful task. It's like, "where do I begin when I don't even have a map or compass to help me out!?" It can be very annoying when the teachers don't tell me what's wrong during the process, only after I've handed it in. :S

Thanks for the inspiration bit. I think I'll read some old manga that inspired me in the first place to take up art as a career and maybe get going with fanart fo rit. Might help out. ^_^

[himura_patty]

in regards to the animation software, i wouldn't be much help...
but, if you ever want me to give my input on some works you have done, I'd be more than happy to help you out ;) i'm not the greatest artist but i'm getting rather good at troubleshooting :P and my work area is almost a work area again!!!...for the first time ever...
we could have drawing workshops!! I've got resources gallore... and supplies too :)