For anyone trying to make it as an artist, a creator, or who simply has a creative tug deep in their meaty insides–sometimes, maybe most of the time, it’s difficult to keep going. Either you feel like your work isn’t good enough, or you’re not able to spend as much time creating as you’d like. Because you’re not getting paid for it, and you kind of like eating and whatnot.
Here are a few images, quotes, and videos I’ve found in my Internet excavations that struck a chord with me. Enjoy. Or skip. As you see fit.
The Gap
Ira Glass talks about the frustrating paradox for beginning creators: that your taste level is much higher than your ability–and that it’s no reason to quit. I’m not sure who made this graphic, but you can read the quote and see the full interview it comes from here: Writer Underground.
How to Feel Miserable as an Artist
Pretty self-explanatory, and good reminders of what not to do. Created by Keri Smith.
Embrace the Shake
Phil Hansen was a promising art student, until his dedication to stippling (his favorite technique) gave his hand a tremor. He thought his artwork was over, until he decided to embrace his limitations and see what he could do with them. And what he could do is pretty damn incredible.
Neil Gaiman’s 2012 Commencement Speech
This is just everything. EVERYTHING. It’s a long one, but so worth the watch. Just, watch it. Please. WATCH IT.
He so eloquently speaks about the struggles of creative work, balancing the desire to create with the realities of needing to support yourself, and how to just keep going and keep making good art no matter what.
My favorite bit comes at 3:40 and is kind of my mantra:
Something that worked for me was imagining that where I wanted to be…was a mountain. A distant mountain. My goal. And I knew that as long as I kept walking towards the mountain, I’d be alright. And when I truly was not sure what to do, I could stop and think about whether it was taking me towards–or away from–the mountain. –Neil Gaiman
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