WHY MOST ARTISTS NEVER GET GOOD

Summary

This video script addresses common pitfalls that hinder artists from reaching their full potential, including risk aversion and the 'pedestal problem.' The speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges, expanding one's visual library through references, and setting clear artistic goals. They also stress the need for artists to overcome stubbornness, embrace inconsistency as a sign of growth, and ultimately, to value individuality in their creative journey.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Avoiding Risk: Many artists never improve because they fear failure and avoid taking risks, which stunts their growth.
• 🏆 Overcoming the Pedestal Problem: Artists should not put others on pedestals, as this can create unrealistic expectations and hinder personal growth.
• 🌟 Embracing the Unknown: To improve, artists must be willing to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges.
• 🎨 Developing Blind Confidence: Artists should have confidence in their abilities and believe in their potential for growth.
• 📚 Importance of References: Using references is crucial for expanding an artist's visual library and improving their skills.
• 🔥 Overcoming Stubbornness: Letting go of old habits and being open to change can significantly improve an artist's work.
• 🎯 Setting Goals: Having clear artistic goals can guide an artist's progress and help them achieve specific improvements.
• 🖌️ Process Over Perfection: Focusing on the process and setting small, achievable goals can lead to significant improvements over time.
• 🌈 Embracing Inconsistency: Inconsistency in an artist's style can indicate growth and experimentation, which are valuable for development.
• 🧠 Mental Blocks: Overcoming mental barriers is essential for an artist to evolve and improve their craft.

Q & A

What are the four biggest mistakes artists make according to the script?

The script outlines four major mistakes artists make: risk aversion, putting other artists on pedestals, a lack of input, and having an aimless process.

Why do some artists stop trying altogether?

Some artists stop trying because they fear potential failures and the judgment that might come with it, leading to a negative attitude towards their potential as artists.

What is the 'pedestal problem' mentioned in the script?

The 'pedestal problem' refers to the tendency of artists to idolize other artists to the point where they equate their work to godhood, which can hinder their own growth and perspective on what is achievable.

How does the script suggest artists overcome the notion of unfairness in art?

The script suggests that artists overcome the notion of unfairness by letting go of any such notion and embracing the unknown with open arms, focusing on hard work and self-improvement.

What is the importance of having a strong visual library according to the script?

A strong visual library is crucial as it allows for more flexibility and efficiency in creating new and believable images, and it is built from the accumulation of everything an artist has seen, studied, and experienced.

Why is using references considered mandatory for improving as an artist?

Using references is considered mandatory because it provides a lesson and expands the artist's visual library, which is essential for creating unique characters and designs, and it is not considered cheating.

What is the 'Masterpiece equation' mentioned in the script?

The 'Masterpiece equation' is a metaphorical equation that suggests that creating a masterpiece involves more than just talent; it requires life experiences, references, and a balance between work and personal growth.

How does the script define the purpose of art?

The script defines the purpose of art as a means to make something internal external and to express oneself in ways that words fail, suggesting that art is an extension of the artist's self-expression.

What is the significance of setting yearly art goals as per the script?

Setting yearly art goals is significant because it provides a clear direction for improvement, allows artists to make targeted adjustments in their work, and helps in achieving a consistent evolution in their artistic style.

How does the script describe the process of artistic improvement?

The script describes artistic improvement as a process of identifying a starting point and a desired endpoint, focusing on specific pain points with each piece made, and allowing experimentation to lead to automatic improvement.

What does the script suggest about the value of inconsistency in an artist's style?

The script suggests that inconsistency in an artist's style is a sign of growth and experimentation, and it is better to have inconsistency than stagnation, as it reflects the artist's evolving vision and creativity.