If You're Asking This Question, Then You're Not A Selfish Artist

Is making art selfish? And does this stop you from creating? If so, then join the club! Also, this means this video might be helpful for you, as I reframe the thinking around why we feel this way in the first place.
The best thing you can do for this world is to show up as your full self, and if you're watching this, you're probably an artist, so we need you to make your art. It is a public service (even if you don't share your art with anyone... ).
Thanks for watching, you’re the bee’s knees!
Learn about my 100 day drawing journey and see all the illustrations and collages up close, some of which I hint at what they are about.. ooh. Drama.
View the video: • Learnings by an Artist...
View the e-book: ko-fi.com/s/98...
© Copyright, Rhiannon James, 2024.

[@yvehooson9262]

The biggest disservice social media has done to anyone wanting to make art is that there are so many sharing their "Sketch books" as though they are pieces of art. A sketch book is something you keep with you and scribble ideas down into whenever those creative thoughts stray through your head. It looks a mess, it's purpose is to keep sparking those creative urges. Start doing this and you will soon find that the half baked whips of ideas in that sketch book will set the gears turning next time you sit down with time to create. You should NEVER think you are about to create 'a finished piece' either. That phrase should only be tripping through your head after a long period of trying all sorts of experimentations, then, one day, you put down the tools and know you are looking at a finished piece. There were probably many discarded versions before you got to that. Social media puts too much emphasis on the finished pice because it's something TO SELL and everything has become about selling. Forget the finished pice and you will find the creative process so much more enjoyable... and along the way you will encounter many 'finished pieces'

[@rhiannonjamesart]

Seeing people's sketchbooks is my favourite part! I love learning about other artist's processes and seeing how they got to where they are now. But yes, I hear you on the pressure to sell or have a finished piece every time you pick up your pen. Thankfully, we still get to decide when a piece is 'finished art'. Appreciate your thoughts and for sharing!

[@teresazade7496]

Rhiannon, you DID add value to my world through this video and your thoughts. Thank you. I have watched this video several times, taken notes, am continuing to reflect and ponder on the many points which really resonated with me... "We all need someplace to put our thoughts, expressions.... by making art, i am giving to others the fullest version of me...." Thank you for this video . Truly. 🎨❤

[@rhiannonjamesart]

Oh yay! This comment is so beautiful, thank you. So pleased it resonated!

[@dorotheakenneweg]

Today I came across a journaling prompt that resonated with me: "If I loved myself enough, I would ...." Your video is very encouraging. Thank you. It's important to make some selfish art. 💕

[@rhiannonjamesart]

Ooh this is a great prompt, would love to hear your answer to it. "If I loved myself enough, I would... create my art"

[@quin073179]

you’re really good- such sentiment and character in your work. ❤

[@rhiannonjamesart]

Thank you for such kind words!