Why do I lose my motivation when doing artistic things?

Question

I like to do artistic things that involves drawing, painting, taking pictures, poetry, etc, but I lose motivation and stop doing it. Every year I had a different interest or hobby. I would take tons of pictures of nature, I started to learn how to draw realistic people, I even wrote 2 poems once that for a beginner it wasn't bad. For 6 years when I was a kid I even played an instrument similar to a guitar and I also left it.

I like doing these things but I am kind of lazy because I think why am I going to spent time doing this if not everyone is not going to see it and I'll probably hide it and keep it for myself which is like not doing anything at all.

and when it comes to poetry I get a little ashamed of showing it off to the world because it's very personal stuff ,and probably I may be good at it if I put effort on it.

How can I change my way of thinking and get motivated to do this kinds of activities when maybe I can be very talented if I try harder and don't know it?

Answer 1

Your experience is not uncommon with artists.

I know I feel the same way myself. I’m frustrated because I can’t seem to stay with something long enough to “get somewhere,” even while I have obvious talent in a few spots and even some possibility of success.

Part of it, I feel, is lack of discipline on my part. Another piece is that I’m a bit passive – when I don’t know what to do, I sort of give up on that one and pick up a different art to learn. I usually need opportunities dumped under my nose, in order to seize them.

Another part is something positive: You are probably a jack-of-all-trades type, who likes to explore different things and learn new things. Rather than becoming specialized in one, you are probably more a generalist. This is temperament, and a gift in some ways, but it will be hard for you to pursue something doggedly in order to get to the goal.

A few ideas:

1. Set small goals for yourself. “I will paint something each day for the next month,” or “I will practice my guitar 5 out of 7 days this week, for at least half an hour each day.” Pick something small that you can do, that will add up over time.

2. You need to get someone involved. Find someone you trust to show your poem(s) to. Show your other art to people who care. Part of getting somewhere involves having other people know about you, so they can find opportunities for you. (It IS partly about “who you know.”) The more people you share with, the more people who will be working for your success.

3. Use your gifts in small ways. It’s someone’s birthday? Write a poem for them. Paint a picture. Find little ways to use your gifts that help the people you care about.

This is just the beginning, but it’s a start. Just think about how good and productive you will feel by finding some success by sticking with something.

Don't be ashamed that your stuff might not be as good yet as you think it could be -- show it now. Many people will still be impressed, they will appreciate you, and you will be sharing your gifts with others.

Answer 2

Take it just as a suggestion, since you don't seem to keep on trying your stuff because fear of rejection (I might be wrong) why don't you try this: subscribe to a blog but don't write down any personal info, and let the people watch it, (write the address in a advice mural wherever people can see it), after you see the comments about your work, you can feel better with what you do or retire completely without exposing yourself.

If the comments are positive (that I don't see a reason why can't be positive) you can start exposing your work: photo, drawings, poetry whatever you do.

Give it a try.

Answer 3

Why don't you show some of your work to others? Post your nature pictures on a website, join a photo lab or something like that, read your poems to a friend, etc The more feedback you receive, the more motivation you get. As you get motivated, you get better at what you're doing. It's a self-perpetuating cycle. Just get it started, you'll find your talent soon enough.

Answer 4

My guess is that it is easy to get bored and unfocused if you're not completely committed to doing the best work you can do. This is why you become unmotivated. Next time try your very best with complete focus and commitment in producing the best work you can. When you see the finished product (it doesn't matter if others see it, but compliments are a motivating factor), your pride in your work will motivate you to press on. Works for me.

Answer 5

maybe because theres noone there to motivate u or u may need some inspiration. plus u may not really be into what your doing. So talk to someone you know and trusta nd watever ur doing artsy do it with them. and remember to talk...i dunno y...it helps to eatup time...expeically to eat up the time...cause before u kno it ur done. if u like artsy stuff buy some of that paint stuff for ur shirt and get a new dhirt and decorate it. or get gimp and braid. if u don't kno how get a friend who does kno how.

Answer 6

honey, u dont lose it until u hav been married to a low life hag that looks like trailer trash for 75yrs. trust ur instincts darling. when the time comes it comes in full blast. Now sugur cakes i know ur discouraged but dont fret god loves u. hug a tree. and know no matter how far u fall nothin can ever reach the bottom.