When I feel bad about my art...
IlloGuild Question #8 + Zoom Link
Click “Listen to Post” to hear me read it. I record every Weekly Artists Newsletter just for you.
Hi all! Click the button below to join the Zoom meet-up today, February 8 at 11 AM EST / 4PM London. I’ve written a list of prompts and can’t wait to see all of you!
Each month members of the
answer a question together, and this month it is: How do you feel good as an illustrator?Be sure to check out the
page on Monday to read everyone’s responses.This month’s question originated from discussions about mental health as an artist. Many artists create alone, but they see so much art from others on social media. It becomes hard to not compare yourself. And art is not often viewed as a lucrative, stable, or “real” career (I know, I disagree too!). So I think this is a great question to discuss.
Before I can think about how I feel good as an artist, I want to think about the situations that make me feel bad as an artist. Then I can think about how to approach them in order to feel good instead. So, here are some ways I feel bad as an artist:
When I get rejected from an agent or for a job
When someone uses my art without permission
When someone thinks I overcharge for my art
When someone doesn’t give credit to the amount of work it takes to be an artist (I had this feeling when I was a teacher, too)
When I feel stuck (like my art isn’t improving, a creative block, my social media isn’t creating engagement, etc…)
Now that I have pinpointed how I feel bad, let’s think about how to handle these situations and feel good about them…
(This is how I think about these situations, so if some don’t resonate with you, that’s ok! We all process differently. Feel free to share your perspective in the comments. It’s always an open conversation here, and I’m sharing my “bad moments” in hopes of showing that you’re not alone!)
So here are the ways I either reframe the situation or go into it proactively after learning a lesson in a previous situation:
When I get rejected from an agent or for a jobI let myself feel sad about it. Then I set the next goal and work towards it. It feels so good to reach that next goal and make more art!
When someone uses my art without permissionI always go into a project with a signed contract that outlines the appropriate use of the art. That makes me feel good since both parties are on the same page. This is a bit of a boring one, but honestly it makes such a difference.
When someone thinks I overcharge for my artI have a pricing brochure ready to send. It makes me feel good that I am prepared to share the rationale for the price and break it down for potential clients. The clients also feel good, because they can pick and choose from different options based on their budget. Win win!
When someone doesn’t give credit to the amount of work it takes to be an artist (I had this feeling when I was a teacher, too)I’m still figuring out how to deal with this one. Anyone have tips? There are so many supportive people in my life, so I’m lucky that this doesn’t happen often. But it cuts when it does happen.
When I feel stuckI go to social media with the intention of brightening someone’s day. You can build relationships over social media, so set out to do that! Maybe you decide, “I’m going to leave 5 thoughtful comments on profiles of new illustrators.” I remember people doing that when I was starting out and it meant a lot. Or maybe you’re taking a class and you can devote 10 minutes to providing really thoughtful feedback to your peers. Spread the kindness and see what comes back to you. Plus having that connection with other artists might spark some creativity.
What are some ways you feel bad as an artist? (such a weird question, I know…) If you’d like, you can leave them in the comments, and others can suggest ways to feel good. Or share your own ideas about turning around the bad moment. We’re not alone with these feelings, so let’s make each other feel seen!
Bonus ways to feel good as an artist:
Make a plan for your goals and know that one tiny step everyday is enough
Set a goal to have x rejections - it means you’re putting yourself out there which is hard to do
Participate in a dytis challenge
Join a meet-up in person or online with other artists
Draw for fun! Not everything has to be for your business or for making money
Know your worth
in terms of pricing… not everyone should say yes to your quoted price. If everyone is accepting your quoted price, it’s time to raise it. Your work is really valuable and people will pay because you have a talent. It feels good to raise your prices! You’ve earned it!
in terms of your art on social media… your worth is not defined by likes. I know an artist who never posts their art unless it’s been finished for at least few days. That gives the artist a chance to value their own art rather than rely on likes from social media to determine its worth. And that has to feel good. I should try this one more.
What else…? Feel free to share in the comments! I’ll add it to the newsletter and tag you if you’d like. Then we’ll have a whole list to share with others :)
…
…
See you next week for a chat about children’s illustration,
and see some of you in just a few hours for the zoom meet-up,
Katie