Pursuing your craft as an artist is a noble and exciting endeavor. Whether your craft involves writing, painting, or anything else within the creative sphere, there are few things more fulfilling in life than working toward perfecting the craft you are most passionate about. That said, the path to perfection is not necessarily a straightforward one.
What works for one person might not necessarily work for the next, and it can be quite frustrating when it feels like you are not making the proper strides despite your best efforts. It can be even more frustrating when you do not have a roadmap of how you intend to improve. Fortunately, there are a few best-practice methods that can help you hone your craft as an artist no matter your chosen industry.
Efficiency and skill through practice
While it might seem like the obvious route, improving through practice is not necessarily something that everyone understands. For example, some people might have incredible stories to tell, but due to their lack of skill with writing, they end up being too discouraged to continue. The same thing goes with painters who have a clear image of what they want, yet they somehow cannot translate it into the canvas. Efficiency and skill can only grow through practice, and they cannot be attained if you are too hard on yourself.
The importance of finishing any work
One of the most significant breakthroughs you can make when it comes to practice is to accept your failings. Even if it might not look like your work is shaping as well as you would like, continue writing, continue painting. The more you get used to the idea of practice and coming up with any finished product, the easier it will be to figure out which techniques work for you. Many people tend to underestimate the mind’s natural tendency to find the ideal and most efficient method through practice.
Practice makes perfect, and the only way to practice and get results is by seeing a project through. Not only will it help you grow, but you also receive valuable feedback from those who might just be able to nudge you in the right direction.
Push yourself, even if it feels like you are not getting any better
Last but certainly not least, the only difference between full-fledged artists and those who fail to realize their potential is a lack of passion. It is highly likely that one of your favorite painters or writers started out even worse; only picking up their stride past a certain point. The difference between success and failure is as simple as quitting. Keep in mind that no matter how much you stumble, you never truly fail unless you quit.
When it comes to honing your craft, keep in mind that you cannot foster your talent overnight. Even if the result of hard work might not be ideal, trying again practically ensures that you improve as an artist and as a person. Stay positive, and stay passionate!
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://pixabay.com/photos/painting-pencils-pens-watercolour-911804/
2nd image from https://artanddesigninspiration.com/tips-for-the-self-taught-artist-honing-your-skills/
