Would you like to improve your artwork faster and with maximum impact? Open your mind to the power of comparing.
Everywhere on internet people say:
“don’t compare yourself to others”
It seems like, by comparing your skills with others, you are going to hurt your feelings and mental health. But not having references to improve is going to hurt you even more in the long run.
If you already recognized your standards are higher than your skills, now we are going to understand how to identify the first skill to improve.
1. Comparison can be a powerful tool
Internet is full of amazing artists and from time to time you may have some toxic thoughts while navigating:
- “I’m not good, I’ll never be like them.”
- “There are way too many good artists, there is no space for me”
But one question can make you think deeper:
- WHY is their work so good?
2. Comparing can be the best way to find where to start
At first, all you can see is how other artworks are overwhelmingly better than yours.
They are so much better you feel defeated.
I know it’s upsetting. Take a good breath!
If you can handle just one thing at a time, you will reach your goals much faster.
All you need to remember is:
One. Thing. At. A. Time.
3. Create a “dream board” of artists and artworks you love
When you create this board of artists, companies and artworks you admire, pick at least 5 artists.
Choose images that makes you think:
- I wish my work was as good as this
It’s very important that YOU love the works and artists. Don’t put anything on your board because someone else says it’s good. This is your dream board.
4. Search for what attracts you
Look at each image and ask yourself:
- What do I like about this work?
- What are they doing right?
Search carefully for things they have in common and attract you. Listen to your heart, make notes.
Try to identify a pattern.
5. Discover what do they have in common
If you are not sure about what is good on these artworks, you can analyze each criteria separately.
The 7 Magical Art Qualities are:
- colors
- theme
- texture
- composition
- complexity
- storytelling
- message
Does your favorite artworks have some of those qualities in common?
6. Now compare to your artworks
Time to be brave!
Place some of your current artworks beside your “dream board”. Cry a little, it’s ok!
Now back to work!
Do you feel your artworks don’t “belong” to the “dream board”?
Ask yourself why.
7. Discover where to start improving
Identify which quality is lacking on your artwork in relation to your dream board.
Sometimes the answer is obvious. Immediately you can see your colors are not attractive or your texture is too plain.
But if you are not sure, start comparting quality by quality using the 7 Magical Art Qualities.
8. Start improving right now
Your goal is to make your artwork belong in your dream board.
By giving priority to the skill you missing the most, you will cause maximum impact and achieve faster results.
All Photos: Inga Seliverstova, Cottonbro
Understanding what is meaningful for you will help you take better decisions to reach your goals.
On the next #learnwithjonara I’m going to speak about the 7 Magical Art Qualities. Follow for more!