Escapee Speaks: Try to Hate Your Work in the Future
Have you ever found yourself looking back on past work in your portfolio, only to cringe at the thought that you included something of such low quality?
I propose that this is a good thing, because it means that you have evolved as an artist.
Many Illustrators tend to be discouraged when they notice some old relic in their portfolio that they despise. Personally, I rejoice at the thought that my best piece today will be my worst piece tomorrow.
So today, and every day, I encourage you to look at past work as mileposts that prove that you are moving forward on your journey as an Illustrator, and try to improve in such a way that you will hate your current work in the future.
Escapee has spoken.
Have you ever had a similar experience? I invite you to share your experiences in the comments below.
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Try to Love Your Work in the Future
Be Willing to Destroy Your Work
Thank you for your insight! I have looked at my portfolio and go “ewwww… what was i thinking?!”
Now, I will reframe it and think “wow, I’ve evolved!”
Now you’re talkin’! Keep evolving Tina.
Believe me, this is the easiest challenge you’ve given us. LOL!
I feel like I’ve been improving so much this past year I can barely stand stuff I did just month or 2 ago, let alone the first half of the year. That’s why i stopped sending out the PDF portfolio I built this summer. (incidentally, I still really like the custom layout, http://bit.ly/NBPortfolio09 )
That’s great, Nate. This is the best path to mastering your craft, in my opinion.
All the time I look at previous work and think “Maybe this is why I have difficulty succeeding as an artist and designer.” However, I also always feel a sense of pride in whatever piece I accomplished, even when hated by myself and others. These pieces are relevant to your particular growth and development and are crucial to the learning process. You yourself are standing on the shoulders of your own work, good or bad, and the serve as new starting points or jumping off points to different, new and excellent work.
Thanks, Anthony. Some really great thoughts there. I especially like what you’re saying about maintaining pride in the work you might hate. Thanks for sharing.