Why keep going when there's no support?

Photo by Lukas Zischke on Unsplash

As you get older, there's no guarantee you'll have another chance. The world is changing, and so are trends and generations. I'm relatively new to this industry and I'm not a professional artist because I don't have any experience working with clients yet. However, I have many years of experience in fictional writing. I started out in 2011 by creating a personal blog where I shared manuscripts and stories that I'd been eager to read since my high school and university days. 

I'm a published author and writer who's been drawing since I can remember.

Changing careers from writing to art was a big move for me. I didn't think it would be as risky or challenging as it has been, at least not in my entire life. But I'm glad I made the choice I did. Putting your ideas out there even when you don't have a lot of support can be a great way to make a difference. Let me explain why.

Self-expression is a great way to show your personality at work. Creativity is a form of self-expression. Even if others don't see or appreciate your work, it can still be really fulfilling to express yourself and explore your ideas.

Personal Growth: The process of creating helps you develop skills, learn about yourself, and grow. This growth often extends beyond the creative work itself and can enrich other areas of your life.

Legacy: Even if your work doesn't get immediate recognition, it can contribute to a larger legacy. Your creations might influence others in unexpected ways or inspire future generations.

Intrinsic Reward: There's a lot to be said for the intrinsic rewards of creating. There's nothing quite like the joy of making something, the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, and the thrill of seeing your vision come to life. These are valuable experiences in themselves.

Changing Circumstances: It's not always easy to predict how support and recognition will play out. What seems like a lack of support now might change over time. Sometimes, sticking with it can lead to some pretty surprising opportunities and connections.

How you affect other people: Sometimes, your work might end up being exactly what someone needs, even if they're not the first person you think of. Your work could end up having a big impact on others in ways you hadn't expected.

Ultimately, creating can be a way to find meaning and purpose, regardless of whether or not you get external validation. How can we keep making art in this digital world and social media landscape that's so saturated and fast-paced?

It can be tough to keep up with the art world these days, with everything moving so fast digitally. But there are ways you can make art and find fulfillment on your creative journey.

Focus on what you're passionate about. Make a list of all the things that excite and motivate you about art. Let your personal interests and passions guide your work. Don't worry about trends or trying to gain approval.

Set some personal goals for yourself. Think about what success means to you, beyond what you see on social media. No matter what your goal is—whether it's mastering a new technique, finishing a series of pieces, or exploring new themes—setting your own goals can provide direction and satisfaction.

Make it a habit to create consistently. Set up a routine that allows you to create regularly. If you're consistent, you'll improve your skills and stay connected to your art, even if you don't get immediate feedback.

Keep your social media use in check. Use social media in a way that works for you, rather than letting it get in the way of your creative process. Set some limits to make sure you don't get overwhelmed by comparisons or distractions. Make sure you're sharing your work in a way that's true to your values.

Get involved with communities: Connect with other people who think like you, both online and offline. Look for groups or forums that align with your interests and offer mutual support. Connecting with other artists can be a great way to get encouragement and inspiration.

Try new things and think outside the box: Don't be afraid to try new techniques, styles, or mediums. Trying new things can help you grow as an artist and keep your work fresh and exciting.

Get feedback: It can be really helpful to get constructive feedback from people you trust. Find mentors, peers, or critics who can give you thoughtful insights to help you grow.

Keep a record of your process. Keep a record of your creative journey, whether through journals, blogs, or social media. Documenting your process can be really rewarding and give you a sense of accomplishment that goes beyond the final piece.

Practice resilience: The creative path often involves hurdles and challenges. Building resilience and a positive mindset can help you stay motivated and keep pursuing your art despite obstacles.

It's important to find a balance between sharing your work and keeping some things private. Share your work in a way that feels right for you, balancing exposure with privacy. There's no need to follow every social media trend. Find what works for you and supports your creative process.

At the end of the day, if you stay true to your vision, find joy in creation, and maintain a balanced approach to the digital landscape, you'll thrive as an artist in today's world.