Reply To: Does anyone else feel constantly dissatisfied with their work?

[Thibaut Bourbon]

@thecabbagedetective It’s perfectly normal Aaron, it’s part of the process. You only see the end result of artwork that inspires you, not the struggle artists went through doing it.

What you’re pointing, that the cycles continues, is very relevant and might be one of the biggest challenge to grow, not only as an artist actually but as a person. Here’s some stuff that helped me in the process:

– alternate between big and small projects: a complete vehicle – some Boolean practice – an interior scene – sculpting a hand etc. Small projects go faster and boost your confidence. In each of these project, try to get to learn something new, and use it better for the next project (or the one after).

– In some project, you sometime need simply to pause. Just let it idle for a couple of days and come back to it with more relaxed eyes, that will help you finding flaws faster.

– Sometime it’s OK to move on and give up on a project. Every artwork, finished or not, is a step closer to the goal you set. Don’t beat yourself up 🙂

– Be clear with what your goal is: if I tell you You need to work better without telling how better or what to achieve, you will legitimelly be frustrated. Set your goal clearly, and if it can be split in smaller objectives it’s even better.

– Have fun ! Don’t start a project that you find boring or that requires skill you’re really not into. Learning should be fun, you get more positive vibes on you project and you’ll be more likely to enjoy your final work.

It’s a difficult path to go through, but again, don’t beat yourself up. Practice, practice and practice, share your work here and there. Keep it up Aaron, you have all it needs to be a great artist! I’d be happy to know other’s tips as well 🙂

/Thibaut.