Motivation and Distractions

I have a hard time getting anything productive done at home....

With netflix, video games, friends, cats, internet, etc etc, there's just so much I can do besides doing work, art, or anything even somewhat productive.  I'm trying harder to prioritize, but after working 8-10 hours at my day job, it's hard to motivate myself to then go draw and do more "work"...which is actually weird/stupid to say because it's not like I'm being paid for my arts and crafts, so it's actually not work, it's a hobby.

The idea is that I would eventually be paid to do art because it is something I enjoy doing, but at this time it feels like a chore.  I know if I want to get anywhere that I need to continue to work at it and continue to grow as an artist.  And that probably means I'll need to sacrifice some of the gaming and friend time in order to pursue this potential opportunity....I just have to do it now.

I have been having some success with being more productive by changing the scenery and getting away from my house.  I have been going out on the weekends and hanging out at Panera, or this new cafe called Main Street Cafe.  Both are about the same style, lots of tables, no servers, just pick up your food at the counter and go do your thing.  It is pretty perfect for me.  I just sit around with my headphones in and draw.  I have gotten a decent amount accomplished lately while doing this.

It also has the added bonus of people randomly coming up to you and talking to you about what you are doing...which is kind of nice.  It might bug some people, but I don't mind.  In my head a lot of my work is sub par.  I have a hard time telling how good my art is because I see stuff online, and just wish I could be as great as some of the artists that I follow, but I forget that I actually am at least mildly competent in the area of art.  I did go to school for it, so I should know something about it, right?

Anyway, it puts in in perspective for me.  Example, I was sitting working on a comic page the other day, and I just didn't think it looked right.  It wasn't perfect...maybe you get that feeling, too.  While I was sitting there, sulking in my own imperfection, an employee walked up and said, "Wow, that's really good.  Are you a professional?".....It sort of took me by surprise because what I saw was a mess of errors and disproportionate figures, but she saw something that was good enough to be done by a professional artist.

I guess my point is, there is always going to be someone better than me.  They have more experience, more training, more drive to accomplish, but on the other hand, there's also someone "worse" than me: the people that haven't even started.  So I guess as long as I am moving forward with my art, then I am doing well!

Welp, to conclude, I was able to get a little actual drawing done.  I penciled and inked the first page to another story (I'm kind of all over trying to figure out what I want to move forward with).

I'm going to overwrite the text digitally later, but at least it's a start on a new idea.

- Zach