3 Rookie Art Mistakes I Still Make

Even though I’ve been consistently creating art and following this passion for over 10 years now, I still have times where I struggle and run into problems. No one’s perfect, that’s for sure. This post will serve as a reminder to myself of things I can still improve for my art journey - and also I hope you will find it helpful for your own journey.

Creating Only When I Feel Inspired

When I started creating art when I was younger, it was something I only did when I felt that I wanted to. At this time, I had many interests. I liked to watch cartoons, play outside, play Super Mario World on my Super Nintendo, and spend time with my friends.

But I also found a love for drawing. And I did it a lot when I wasn’t doing those other activities I just mentioned. It was something I immersed myself in. I would lose track of time while doing it. It became a passion which stuck with me over the years.

But even then, it wasn’t something I did everyday. I would do it when I felt inspired to create - which was okay at that time. Now I’ve realized that I need to create more consistently if I want to get where I want to be. It needs to be a daily routine, part of my habits. And sometimes, I don’t feel like doing it. And I get into the trap of following my mood, rather than just doing it.

One of my favorite quotes is from Rich Roll:

“Mood Follows Action”

I’ve put this quote into action a few times over the years and it’s so true. If I don’t feel like painting, but I do it anyway - I almost 100% of the time feel better by the end of the painting. I feel that inspiration that I’m always waiting to come.

Inspiration and motivation come in the process of creating. This is something valuable I’ve learned and I’m still struggling to put it into practice consistently. But at least half the battle is won - I know what needs to be done. I just need to do it.

Comparing My Journey to Others

In today’s world full of endless, social media posts and pictures, it’s incredibly difficult for me not to compare myself to other successful artists and their work. I’m sure I’m not alone on this one.

I used to be quite bad at this and always compared myself too much. I wondered why I wasn’t successful like them yet, or why I haven’t found a style for my art. I still have some of these thoughts sometimes, the only difference is I just don’t care as much anymore. I’ve learned to ignore the thoughts and worry only about myself and my journey.

I’ve learned that everyone is different. Everyone has a different journey to go through, a different path to take. Some people are successful from the very beginning and are able to do their art full-time, always. Others can only do art once they retire. And some artists like myself, do it part-time while struggling to go full-time. It is what it is.

I’ve found one way to limit these thoughts is to just get off of social media. I don’t go scrolling for hours looking at other art. I follow less people and limit my time. I hardly ever look at social media anymore - I just create a post and exit the app. I don’t get notifications for any social media. And my life is way more pleasant because of it.

I just have to learn to accept it and focus on what matters. Focus on what I want to create and achieve, let everyone do their own thing. I’ll create the art I want to create.

Relying on Photo References Too Much

Lately, most of my recent paintings are painted from photographs. There’s nothing wrong with that really. But I feel that sometimes I rely on photos way too much. The best practice and studies I’ve done are usually always painting from life. I always learn a lot when drawing or painting from what is actually in front of me.

For me, painting from photos all the time becomes boring. I like to get out and find something new to paint. Feel the wind and smell the fresh air. Really absorb the environment where I’m painting. There’s something about doing this which is way different than just painting from a photograph.

I do find it easier to paint from a photo that I’ve taken myself from a place I’ve been to recently. At least in that scenario, I know what it really looked like when I was there. I can remember some things about the place.

But when I find a random photo online and use that - it just feels so... uninspiring sometimes. It’s lacking something. The intimacy of being there or knowing the place.

So for me, I like to get out and need to do it more often.

Do you feel you have any mistakes that you see yourself struggling to correct? I’d love to hear from you :) I hope you found this post valuable.