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View Full Version : Self teaching, and the fear of "spinning wheels"...


Costau
October 20th, 2009, 02:04 PM
The one thing I'm finding very difficult about self teaching is which way to go, and for how long. Or maybe it could be a character/personal flaw? I can learn what I want, and tackle where I think there are mistakes, but what about the things you don't see yourself or recognize?

I feel if I don't study the things I'm told I need to study all I'll be doing is spinning wheels, but where the problem comes in is paralysis by analysis with my studies and where I'm suppose to go with things. I know I need to relax, take my time, and follow through with plans, but how do you get rid of that nagging doubt that~ the way you're doing things right now is not going to lead anywhere?

The only reason I can come up with for why I'm being like this, is similar to that analogy about your cup being full and you need to empty it. I've read so much stuff on every topic I've been interested in in art, the fundamentals, what to study, how to practice etc. To the point where I know so much that I lack action to start, since my ability doesn't measure up with what I know. I've messed around in everything, and although it's fun I actually want to become good at something for a change.

I've been in school for computer animation, I like Modeling, Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Animating, Level Design, Sculpting etc. The only thing I've narrowed my interests down to, based on where I want to go, is having to do with environment design, asset design, modeling, illustration, and concept design.

Am I stuck only because I can't make a decision specifically on which way I want to go overall? Or am I just thinking way too damn much as always?

I don't want art to become painful for me due to all of this, that's what I want to make sure doesn't happen. This way of thinking is turning me into a robot...

Thanks for reading.



Cole

Black Spot
October 20th, 2009, 02:52 PM
I had a quick look through your SB and you're still in the early stages of learning. Leave it a while longer to explore all areas before deciding where your strengths lie. Just keep drawing and learning, the penny will drop in front of you.

OmenSpirits
October 20th, 2009, 03:18 PM
I know what the OP means because I'm in a similar boat. I'll take life drawing classes, but could use the structure of schooling to achieve a greater level. I'll keep working on it.

Costau
October 20th, 2009, 03:46 PM
Writing this out though made me think about it better, so I answered my own problems I suppose. I just have to make a decision and go for it.

Sanarit
October 20th, 2009, 04:13 PM
Im self-teaching as we speak, and been doing that for around 2-3 years actively now, though i have a group of people i know who will inevitably tell me what to do differently. Hence one being my personal colorer and other one just willing to help me out with my art, give or take. Its a rocky and a long road, and im not even in the middle yet.

j.s. sabastian
October 20th, 2009, 04:58 PM
don't do that.....like so many people here do..... art is what you make of it... just do it....like NIKE......pick a second major in life..who nose i'ts a toss up .....self tuaght or not. take this for example i started acrylic painting last year....and for once in my life i felt like i was better than most at something....becuase damn i'm good at painting people.....but wow i've done seven paintings this year and they where almost all falliers... except for my two portrait ones........hell i tried somthing as simple as flowers and failed horribly...art is like a gamble and the odds are always in favor of the house!!!!etc losing battle!! eh i have no idea what the fuck i just said!!!!!!

Pigeonkill
October 20th, 2009, 05:24 PM
"Am I stuck only because I can't make a decision specifically on which way I want to go overall? Or am I just thinking way too damn much as always?"

http://www.mikepaulblog.com/blog/media/Ethics%20Real%20Fork%20in%20Road_02.jpg

It sounds like you are bumping into one of these...a fork in the road. You can learn Modeling, Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Animating, Level Design, Sculpting or 100 other skills all at once...but how good will you be if you spread your water too thin?

If you focus on just a few, progress will be much faster.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK87ejPDZOk