Artists: How do you just GET STARTED?

Question

I really need to do something creative....write, draw, paint... anything. I just can NOT get started. I have a problem with not feeling good enough, just painting by myself.

How do I shut off the critical voices and just do it?

I already have a collection of unfinished works because I reach a certain point and decide I don't want to go any further in fear of messing up the whole thing.

Answer 1

Most artists - good artists- are very critical of themselves at first. The trick to overcoming that feeling of not being good enough is to create, create, create! Constantly remind yourself that there are no mistakes in art. I have created what began as mistakes that actually evolved and eventually turned out to be better than I expected.Stay open minded and flexible...go with your creative instincts...move with your artistic nature...blast some music...close the window and doors...pour some paint and release your creativity freely. Another thing that helps is working on more than one piece at a time. Try setting up two or three of your unfinished pieces and work on them at the same time, This helps to keep the creative juices flowing by mixing it up a little. Also, find what purpose your art serves. Are you painting to please yourself or are you painting to please others? We can never please everyone and great artists are usually ahead of the times so do not feel bad that others do not understand your creations just yet. Just create as you are moved to create and as soon as you finish a piece you will feel a sense of accomplishment that will drive you to create more.
You are not alone. Every good artist goes through creative blocks. Do not focus on the problem...focus on the solution and go. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I'm a painter, since I retired in 2001 (you remember, September 11 ?)
I started with a 5-days seminar about watercolours. Teacher told me I was a colourist but watercolour just wasn't my thing.
After some time, going to an art's shop I found a local person who would teach me drawing and oil painting. It was not too expensive because she took up to five "beginners" at a time, it costs about 15 dollars for a two-hour session.
Soon, being a painter herself, she found I had "something" and since then she guided me through composition, drawing (studies, attitudes, etc.) painting, and expressing my feelings through it.
Expression is the essential : if you feel some emotion in front of a person, a landscape, a still life, a scene or anything, PAINT IT, or write it, or put it in music I don't know ... but DO it.
Of course you will not make masterpieces in the beginning, nor would you produce masterpieces every time. But better is to be an "all or nothing" person (as I am) in arts than to be just average ... average does not pay, not does it no pay YOU back.
Dare to have a try! I give you my own site below. And good luck !

Answer 3

You need to train yourself to follow through once you have started a project. Artist make it seem so easy, but the secret is in the planning. All artist plan their projects out, either on paper or in their minds. Having unfinished work around you is not good. I myself got rid of alot of my ''old stuff'', both finished and unfinished works, finish them or give them away. Start fresh with a new project and don't start another untill you are done. If you are lucky enough to have someone hire you to do a painting, they are not going to care if , you are not feeling good enough and if you don't get pass the fear of messing up, your in for a very short career as an artist. I don't think i've met an artist who at one time didn't feel the same way you did, including myself, but learning to following through gave me the confidence i needed and made me a better artist. My work can be seen at hellosanantonio.com

Answer 4

I had the same problem. Just keep doing it eventually the whole worrying that you are going to mess it up will go away and things should be alright. Im a painter among other forms of media and te thing is you really wont mess it up you will know when to stop. The best thing to do if you dont want to mess it up is to put it to the side and go back to it at a later date. You may just need a little time apart from it and that is normal and sometimes going back to it makes you see things that need to be done to it that you didnt see before. I hope this helps you. If you have any questions feel free to email me.

Answer 5

Find some cheap paper and cheap materials and just start creating.

The fact that you're using cheap paper and materials tells yourself, "Hey, no big deal, I can throw this away if I want to". So with no fear of underachieving under your belt you'll get the those creative juices flowing. Best wishes.

Answer 6

Take some classes at your local art center. You might learn some fun new techniques, meet some cool people, and be able to get motivated to finish something. It will get you connected in the art community.
I spent four years at art school, and it was really rewarding, mostly because it taught be how to be disciplined about creativity.

Answer 7

Just have FUN. That's the great thing about art - there is no such thing as "wrong" art. Whatever you create is your own and unique - which makes your art VERY special.

Don't listen to critical voices whether it be art or life. Only listen to words of encouragement and love.

Cheers

Answer 8

you have to decide if "messing up" is the end of the world or a new path. remember, there are no mistakes in art. apply that to your own work and see where it takes you. and try, try again..? practice makes perfect, right?

Answer 9

Just get materials and start, there are no bad drawings, they (drawings should just have meaning) are all good.

Answer 10

Just start. If you mess up just throw it in the garbage!! even big artists "mess up" :)