What's your "why" for doing art? For some reason, this question was scary for me in the past year. I've been lost without an artistic routine: trying different colors, brushes, and studies, never satisfied with the end result. I was starting to become tired, distracted, and discouraged. Sometimes, I questioned the purpose of my art. I was more focused on how far I was from my goals instead of just enjoying the process.

This is all easier said than dealt with. I asked myself over and over, "Why am I doing this? What if I just don't have enough passion for this?" Yet, I knew I wanted to improve...but again, why? To draw pretty things, right? But that was never completely satisfactory....until I came across someone in an interview asking "What's your why? Your creative purpose? Why are you here?" Simply put, why did this never click with me before? All of a sudden I scrambled for my notebook and started jotting down what inspired me and why I'd like to draw them.

It's not just "what" I liked, it's WHY I liked these things that gave me my sense of purpose back. As humans, we want to have a purpose, especially in the things we do. We want to be able to reach people and make a difference, and that's a great thing.

Here are a few things that were slung upon the page in a whim of excitement:

What: Medieval themes and Architecture

Why: Nobility, Loyalty, tall ancient buildings that bring a sense of awe and beauty and appreciation of how we are a part of something bigger...(AKA it's really nice to look at lol), fighting with purpose to protect or love, overcoming the self (turning self-doubt, laziness, weakness into advantages and fuel, going against all the odds (all hail the underdogs), heroes/knights, honing skills and training for self-accomplishment, a sense of responsibility and loyalty to what is right and true. (I've always been a huge fan of noble, proud traits. I can go on about these. Truth is my passion, that's why I chose to major in philosophy, so I could learn to better think for myself.)

"Neuschwanstein Castle" photo from Pixabay

What: Fantasy Genre/Mythical Creatures

Why: A sense of wonder and story telling, curious new worlds, discovery, risk and awe of powerful creatures of all sizes big and small, escapism, appreciating variety in races and creatures, discovery of new animals and the relationships in which they would effect the world they live in or the characters themselves (basically, the mysterious and mythical science of it all is quite entertaining).

I'm a huge fantasy fanatic, so this came to mind first. Doing this little writing exercise reminded me what I wanted my art and characters to reflect, and I have a very long way to go to get there. That's okay though because this is that same mythical journey of new discoveries, honing skills, and helping people along the way...maybe traveling together boldly where no man has gone before, on the backs of dragons and gryphons, through the wardrobe, to bring the one ring to Mordor, and defeat the darkest wizard of our time, in a galaxy far far away.

P.S. Don't forget to pack some pokeballs, a paper with your name on it so you don't forget it as your work your hands off in a Japanese bathhouse to save your parents, and a toothbrush.

P.P.S. I don't believe every art piece should have a "why" necessarily! There are moments, though, I feel stagnant in my art, and I feel that having some sort of purpose or interest-driven project helps me get out of a slump. :)

Writing Exercise Summery:

1.) List what you like.

2.) List why you like it. The elements that make you smile or peak your interest in it. Things that make you relaxed or just make your jaw drop in awe. The values, characteristics, or virtues the concept holds, or is it just pretty or refreshing to your soul? (Usually there are reasons to why it refreshes you, so try prod your mind about that.)

I suggest this exercise because it helped me identify values I considered important in my heart a little more clearly, and if you ever want to grow your community or following, it'll tell you about yourself and the types of people who might like the same things that you do for those same reasons! :)

3. Smile, take it all in and let your heart burn as it takes in all these fantastic concepts that you may have not visited for a while. Now, go make some art for yourself!

4. Feel free to share in the comments, what puts you in your happy place??

Weekly Inspirations:

Artist I'm watching: Emily Hare - She's a UK-based artist who makes amazing fantasy art with a very unique style. It's whimsical and classy at the same time! Find her on Instagram here: @artbyemilyhare

Movie I'm watching: "Sherlock Holmes" (2009) - Some art is definitely coming from this. I caught way more witty comments than the last time I watched it a few years ago. I love this movie!

Music I'm Digging: "Too Cool" by Rudimental Feat. Ella Eyre. Good upbeat song, positive outlook

Quote: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Artists: What's your "Why"?

Here are a few things that were slung upon the page in a whim of excitement:

Writing Exercise Summery:

Weekly Inspirations: