Stumped? Switch Mediums
The other day I was what some may call "obsessing" over a subject. Pfft, I call it "determination." Either way, I was definitely stuck. I wanted to draw a cute jackalope; nothing looked like the vision in my head; and I probably drew about 15-20 different jackalopes all together. I was becoming so frustrated with myself, and I was losing confidence.
Confidence is part of mindset. The topic of mindset will appear frequently throughout my blog posts! Mindset is key to survival and perseverance in the face of weariness and doubt; it's extremely important for your health, mentally and physically!
I was working digitally in Photoshop. After sketching at least 10 of those elusive bunnies, I decided that I needed to take a step back. I got in my car and drove to pick up lunch, and on the way back I had an idea to try switching the medium up. When I arrived home, I pulled out my sketchbook and inking pen and started inking jackalopes or blobs with antlers. I was allowing myself to be very lose with it.
Suddenly the pressure was off, and I found a few cute ideas. I was having fun! I switched back to digital, and in no time I had a new sketch. After it was colored I still wasn't happy with it. It wasn't the style that I desired (even though I really liked the under-sketch!) I quickly started sketching again and found one that I was pretty happy with.
1st colored jackalope
Switching to ink for a little bit gave me practice in a new area, but also flicked a switch in my brain like I was starting something new and fresh. It refreshed me and gave me some energy back. If you're feeling stuck digitally, try switching to traditional mediums! If you're working in traditional mediums try digital. And if you don't have access to digital, switching throughout traditional mediums such as from India ink to marker ink or markers to watercolor or acrylics will help your mind refresh just the same.
Each medium will offer you new challenges, but exciting ones! The car ride did help me take a step back as well.
Final jackalope
**My inspirations of the week!**
Artist I'm following: I.S. Kallick
I get a sense of pure wonder when I look at her illustrations. You'll find fantasy creatures, medieval themes, and detailed architectural structures in her work. Absolutely wonderful!
Find her on Instagram here: @i_s_kallick
She mentioned to me: "I think we need more alternative worlds than ever." And I can't agree more :)
Music I'm digging:
Clair de Lune - by Flight Facilities and Christine Hoberg
This song makes me fly. I love it.
Quote:
"Don't let yesterday take up too much of today." - Will Rogers (Oklahoma actor, 1879 - 1935)
