When it comes to our art, we all get frustrated about how we can succeed in what we are working on.  I know I am discouraged at this very moment, despite having a few successful commissions I cannot stand looking at anything I create.  Thankfully, I recently read an article about how to succeed in the work place and I took a few things from that article to make me feel a little better about the progress I've made.

I know I haven't been producing as much as I should be, and sometimes that hurts.  But, I have been slowly improving.  And that is very important.

What are you better at than you were six months ago?

If something is getting worse, how can you address it to fix the situation?

Set goals for yourself – several small and simple, as well as a few larger ones too

Figuring out how to spend your time and what questions to ask will help a person become a better artist.  I know I've been practicing color theory more, working on my compositions and shadows.  I've also been marketing and trying out new mediums that I used to dislike.  I'm now a huge fan of charcoal and oil paints.  I've figured out several new ways to utilize Acrylics and I'm happy with my color choices when it comes to planning pallets.

I'm unhappy with my drawing technique and finesse, which makes me think I should be taking a class or just stepping in and doing some figure drawings in order to get better at my preferred craft.  I also need to plan out my drawings and do pre-mixing on my pallet in order to get the most authentic colors I can possible achieve.  I also want to practice photoshop more… which means I need to stop fiddling around on the computer and just work.

So, my four or so watchers that read my journals, I hope this helps you think a little more clearly next time you put yourself down about your progress in art.  It's not going to make it better of course, because only you can do that, but, it should lift you up just a little bit.

EDIT: If anyone is interested in receiving color critiques or anything else for that matter, I'd be happy to help you out.  Just hit me up