Flying Time

It's simply amazing to me how time slips past so quickly. I started this Blog basically as a place to collect my thoughts concerning all things Art and Artwork-related. What little I have up here is a good start to help me remember the foundations of my work, but there is so much more to cover. Still, I have had little time to reference or return to compile. It is with this thought that I return here. I hope to place here additions as a part of my new morning routine as part of my daily warm-up process. I may miss here and there at first, but I plan to make it a habit. We shall see how it progresses.
For now, however, I will simply post some notes on Inspiration. A very, very important word to the Artist, but ultimately a crutch if we are not cautious. Inspiration is, in no small part, inherently linked to drive and determination. I have had to ask myself, "What do you really want out of your work?" It's a tough question. Earlier this year I took a Technical Illustration position that has blossomed into a wonderful, steady gig. It's decent work, but a bit limited and restricted creatively. Still, it has taught me a good deal about deadlines and working to brief. With such boundaries around my work I have had to find new ways to get motivated. Inspiration has been difficult to come by on some days.
In Freelance work, which I do miss to some extent, Inspiration comes with each new project. As long as the project doesn't linger it's a breeze to get from concept to completion and never loose steam. Movies, music, comics, blogs, forums, games, and so much more (usually visual media for me) allow a great deal of mental spark to take place. However, with very specific and regulated work, an Artist has to look deeper. This is what I have settled on.

First, Take small bites.
This job is rather large, but it can be broken up into small portions. For instance there are several characters, objects, and environments. I typically set milestones for each week and sometimes days that I wish to achieve. These help to block out the work and make the job seem like several small jobs one after another. This allows me a sense of completion as I work through the mire of a really large job.

Second, Consider the End Goal.
The End Goal for me here is a job well done and a weekly paycheck. The job well done part is essential because it will lead to more high-end work and a great resume padding. Every Artist should definitely consider this. Reputation is everything for an Artist. If you have a recommendation or return work, you are golden. The other part is a given as well. A steady paycheck is a wonderful thing. It's simply amazing what you can do with a working budget as compared to the ebb and flow of Freelance work.

Third, Getting There.
Part of my problem is distraction. My mind wanders constantly and since I love to write as well as Illustrate I tend to get carried away with what I call Seed Ideas. The first thing I do here is clear my mind every morning. This is a series of checking emails, Facebook, News, and online games that I play (I try to limit this to no more than an hour total every morning, and usually while I eat breakfast). Once this is accomplished I have usually consumed a good deal of visual media and have already fired up the creative juices. I open Photoshop and try to get to work. I also dial in to a radio station, put on a CD, or even pull up YouTube to listen to prerecorded radio shows. Movies also work as long as they are out of sight. If nothing else I open a Word document and jot down any stray thoughts I have, date them, and then save it for a later look.

Forth, Rewards.
Several times a day I allow myself breaks. These are small breaks and are usually coupled with bathroom breaks and a trip to get a drink. I also check emails throughout the day and eat lunch on a semi-regular shedule. These little breaks help break up the monotony and give me a system of reward to look forward to for all the hard work I am putting in!