I gave up on my personal art projects + why you struggle too

[@rcguy2175]

The valley of death has been a struggle for me

[@rocketbird1]

Very good advice all around. I feel like "clinging" to our first idea is SO damaging to the potential quality of the project. Many times I come up with better ideas along the way, but I've already "locked" myself up by starting the final process too early, without iterating. So I want to underline the same advice, ITERATE, ITERATE, ITERATE! 😄 And I want to say something to y'all: it's good to have hubris. It's good to think that your ideas are good, and worth showing to the world. Believe in yourself until everyone believes you.

[@Uhhhhnope]

I wonder why you're not a viral KZbinr on the art section, your advices and insights are GOLD, it's not hard to see all these teachings and reflections you share come from years of growing as an artist and a person. What I've noticed is that you tend to focus a lot on mentality more than anything and I love it because having the right mentality is everything. It's better than technique, skill, work, practice... and it's something I've come to realize relatively recently thanks to you and other self-improvement youtubers. This video came at a perfect time, I've never really had any art project, most I'd do would be some fanarts or maybe OC's, but that's it; until recently where this idea of creating an RPG/visual novel type of game has been stuck on my mind. As you said, this project comes from a very deep and special place, since I'd be basing the plot on a dream I had 6-8 years ago (I still remember it lol, that's how much it struck me) when I was deeply depressed on my teenage years. I've been thinking about how to polish the plot and made one character design for the MC, I haven't been able to really go in ham as I'd like since art commissions and university got me occupied (also, I started art comms thanks to you too, and it's been going so well, thank you! ♥). I'll make it a task to make iterations of the designs, since I usually tend to go with the first thing I do. I'm sure I would've stuck with the first one if it wasn't because I watched your video right now. Since there's no deadline, taking the time to explore more ideas and concepts shouldn't hurt.

[@thistlearts5161]

OMG this is SO TRUE. I've been a full time artist for 4 years so far, and I struggle so much with personal projects now.

[@rcguy2175]

I didn't know about the slope.ive been going through this.picking color is a challenge at times.finding colors that compliment each other

[@nikolettatuzko5223]

Sadly my strugle is mostly mental stuff. I still working with my psychologist to found the roots for some of those problems too what poisoned a bit my art jurney. And not gonna lie some of your videos are still giving those great advices what she gived to me so far. :) And I really, really hope I can finally work on my comics, one remake of an old one and one brand new (I start in small for sure, even if I have a one big compicated project sitting in the corner), and I have one childrenbook in mind (I already wrote down the base stories so it's not gonna disapear). I feeling better now so hopefully in the next year I can finally do more for my comic.

[@Crazy_Sue]

@6:49, I feel that! lol "Death.. take me now.." It happens every damn time to me, then it's such a struggle to force myself to keep working on it.

[@TheArtMentor]

I think we can all relate! lol. What helps get you out of it?

[@Crazy_Sue]

​@TheArtMentor Usually I take a few days off then force myself back at it late at night when I have nothing else to do. A bad habit really, when it comes to my paid projects. Cause then my expected turnaround time is eaten up.

[@WindyLu-m2t]

Thank you for this encouragement

[@jetboyblue4478]

Thanks for sharing as someone who has been trying to get my graphic novel completed

[@Carl_Frank]

Good discussion of the things that impede progress on personal projects, including the very common "valley". I know that the fear of frustration or disappointment in the potential result has caused me to procrastinate on personal projects. Sometimes projects seem to go much more smoothly, and occasionally turn out even better than I had hoped, but there is often a struggle. It helps to accept that it happens, and is sometimes just part of the process. One note: At 7:51 I think you meant something like, "This isn't as good as I *wanted* it to be, but it's way better than I thought it would be", perhaps?

[@brandondelgado7731]

In art school one thing they drill in you is to create many thumbnails for the piece you’re workin in. At least 20-25 to get a good idea and make it better until you get to the best one

[@feenikss]

I made a first draft for book series, there is a publisher that wants to publish it, but now I don't quite like it and I know I must put a lot more work into it for it to be something I'm proud of. And I'm stuck, because that's some hard work awaiting me. And I feel inadequate and stupid. :/

[@kings_art_1010]

What software do you use?