From the Drawing Board

Does he need an introduction?

From the Drawing Board

I'm putting together some illustrations in this style:

From the Drawing Board

I thought you might like to enjoy a little painting project I've been working on.  I still have a lot to learn, but I'm happy with the results so far.

3 Excellent Blogs for your Consideration

There is so much to learn from other people.

Think about this:  You are who you are.  You've got a brain that is good at a few things.  You have a temperament and a personality that guide your thinking.

You're stuck in a You Box.

And that's fine.  However, I came to the conclusion long ago that there are deficiencies in my life I won't solve on my own.

Why take more time learning than you have to?  Why look for solutions only in yourself when there are so many others who have conquered your problems?

Hence, I read books, blogs, and articles constantly.

In the spirit of learning, here are 3 of my Favorite Blogs:

Seth Godin's Blog
Seth is a particularly insightful marketer and idea man.  Read his blog.  Read his books.

Gaping Void
Hugh Macleod is a cartoonist / marketer / writer.  He's also wicked smart.  If profanity really bugs you, go anyway.

Raptitude
David sees life in ways that you and I don't.  You'll feel more insightful and creative after reading his blog.

Now, go checkemout.

Tools of the Trade - French Curves

A useful set of tools for the artist-especially one who uses ink-are French Curves.  As you can see, French Curves are templates used to draw ellipses and smoothly curving lines.  They are useful for drawing things like cars:

I highly suggest you pick up a set, which you can probably find at a local art supply store.

Value Blindness

Have any of you had the experience I just had?

I just finished a sketch of a book illustration.  My client loved it...and I was a shocked at the approbation.  I spent some time on the image.  I tried to do a good job.  But, I'm rarely pleased with what I make.

I held up the drawing and thought to myself, "I don't understand why he likes this so much."

And I realized...I've reached the point where I can't see the value in my own work.  I am blind.

I've had this thought before, but it struck me today.

Perspective is funny.  We buy into delusions because we don't see situations as they are.  Every experience we have is colored...is skewed.

When we look at our own artwork, our opinions are warped because of our insecurities.

Some of us underestimate our ability.  We think our work is terrible and don't understand why anyone would like it.

Others of us overestimate our ability.  We're convinced that we are far better than we actually are.

I'm actually glad that I skew towards undervaluing my work.  The result is that I can under-promise and over-deliver.  Those who boast of skills they don't have tend to underwhelm.  I would rather let others brag on me than to brag on myself.

My goal is to look at my work, and everything in life, with an objective lens.  I want to see things as they are, not as I want or fear them to be.  What a rare skill.