E33: Without Tracking... Your Art Progress Does Not Exist.
This is The Thirty Third Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.
Let's look at how Tracking relates to your artistic progress!
(Yeah this can sound a bit analytical.... but trust me it's critical for overcoming many of the natural pitfalls we can fall into as aspiring artists!)
Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!
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Artistic progress can often feel elusive, especially when you're just starting out or deeply immersed in your work. It's not uncommon to struggle with recognizing your own development, which can lead to frustration or even a loss of motivation. However, tracking your progress visually can significantly change this dynamic.
This simple yet effective practice involves collecting images of your work over time. By creating a visual timeline, you can more clearly see improvements, changes in style, and the evolution of your skills. This isn't just about confirming that you're getting better; it's about understanding the nature of your growth and the specific areas you've improved in.
For many, the benefits of this practice become particularly clear when comparing older works with more recent ones. This comparison can provide a tangible sense of advancement and can be particularly encouraging during periods of self-doubt or stagnation. Moreover, this visual record can serve as a valuable tool for reflection and learning, highlighting both strengths and areas for further development.
By making this a regular practice, you establish a habit that not only motivates but also deeply informs your artistic journey. It serves as a personal archive that you can refer to, learn from, and draw inspiration from throughout your career.
CHOOSE A STORAGE MEDIUM
Decide where you will store your images. This could be a digital folder on your computer or cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive. The key is to choose a platform that you find easy to access and reliable.
COLLECT REGULARLY
Make it a habit to save images of your artwork regularly. This could be daily, weekly, or whenever you complete a piece. The important part is consistency.
ORGANIZE BY DATE
Arrange your images chronologically. This helps in easily seeing your progress over time. Most digital platforms automatically record the date an image is saved, which can help in organizing.
HIGH-QUALITY IMAGES
Ensure the images are of good quality. If you work digitally, save JPEGs or PNGs directly. For traditional media, take well-lit, high-resolution photographs of your work.
CONSIDER PUBLIC SHARING
For additional motivation and feedback, consider sharing your progress on social media platforms like Instagram, ArtStation, or a personal blog. This not only creates a backup of your work but also allows you to engage with a community that can provide support and constructive criticism.
REVIEW REGULARLY
Set a routine to review your collected images. This could be every few months or at least once a year. Use this time to reflect on your growth, identify trends in your work, and assess areas needing improvement.
KEEP EVERYTHING
Include both your successes and failures. Every piece of art, regardless of its quality, is a step in your development and provides valuable insights into your artistic process and growth.
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This Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.
We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.
Learn more about Tim Mcburnie:
Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex: www.thedrawingcodex.com
Check out this podcast with video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tim-Mcburnie
Spotify Link: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411
www.thedrawingcodex.com/podcasts/the-visual-scholar
Check out The Drawing Codex Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDrawingCodex
Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
www.artstation.com/tim-mcburnie
www.instagram.com/timmcburnie
twitter.com/timmcburnie
