Escapee Speaks: Be Willing to Destroy Your Work
Have you ever been halfway done with an Illustration, only to find yourself becoming too precious from a fear of ruining all your hard work?
This can be the perfect time to let everything go.
Often, we shut off the creative part of our brains after a while and switch to “execute mode”, where we are just doing the busy work of inking, rendering, or coloring. Today I challenge you to carry that creative spirit with you throughout the entire process. This can lead to some surprises that might take you to the next level as an artist. Taking this leap requires letting go of a bit of your original idea, or at least your preconceived notions of exactly how it was supposed to turn out.
Breaking the Chains
The best part about this approach is its tendency to lead you down roads you might only travel in your dreams. We spend so much time letting the world around us place restrictions and boundaries on our creativity that we sometimes forget the whole point of being an artist. Take a look at some of your Illustration heroes, and there is a good chance you’ll find that some of the things that really inspire you about them are unique ideas or approaches to creating that required a leap of faith on their part.
Keeping One Foot on the Ground
Obviously, this won’t be applicable to all of your client work, but your personal work is the perfect time to go as crazy as you dare, because nobody is looking over your shoulder with expectations or needs to be met. In fact, with a little courage you might discover that you have your own needs as a creator that are extremely rewarding to meet.
What do I mean by being willing to destroy your work?
I mean that in order to really take a leap, you need to be open to the possibility of sacrificing the particular piece you’re working on for the greater good of expanding your boundaries as an artist. Being willing to destroy your own work can potentially open the door to a new way of thinking or a masterpiece of Illustration that would have remained hidden under an otherwise mundane approach.
Escapee has spoken.
Have you ever tried this? I invite you to share your experiences in the comments below.
Related Post:
Try to Hate Your Work in the Future
Interesting timing for this post. I was just yesterday working on a personal project, trying out a new way of painting (for me, at least). Right now, I’m not sure things are looking too good, and a small part of me wants to start all over, while the larger part wants to carry this thing through and see what it takes to make it work. It may end up in the trash can, but I’m definitely getting some ideas on how to make it work better the next time!
Yep, I’ve definitely been there. One of the great parts about hitting a crossroads on your personal projects is that it gives you the opportunity to take a leap with nothing to lose. Even if you end up trashing the painting, it’s just one piece in a lifetime of work. In my opinion, what matters is how creating art feeds you as an artist and helps you grow. That’s supposed to be why we’re doing it. Right?
Good luck with that painting, and thanks for sharing! Keep us posted and let us know how it goes.
In the illustration field it’s SO important that nothing become too precious. No brushwork, lighting, “clever” details, technique, or material should ever be as important as effective & appropriate communication. Becoming stuck with a particular method prevents us developing creatively and can hinder our ability in making a client a returning client
If I find myself defaulting to a particular method, I know I’ve developed a crutch. As you noted constant reevaluation and experimentation prevents crutches from forming habits.
Bernie Fuchs is a great example of an illustrator always ready to abandon technique for a more effective communication. Always reinventing himself.
Hey David!
I agree with all your points. While there’s nothing wrong with leaning on a method, it’s so valuable to be open to expanding on that by exploring new frontiers.
Thanks for joining the conversation!
Thanks for this post, really insightful
If anyone is interested, there is a great contemporary illustration blog over at http://apeonthemoon.com – thought I’d mention it :)
Glad you liked it. I actually included Ape on the Moon in my list of 15 Blogs You Should Know About. Great side indeed.