I think I've talked about this before but one of the best things you can do for your art is to help someone else with theirs. I don't care if you're a rank beginner or a veteran there's really no substitution for the knowledge and ability you will gain by breaking down what you've learned to spoon it out to someone else - oh yeah and there's a side benefit - YOU'LL FEEL AMAZING WHILE DOING IT! Again, you don't have to be that far along the path - just a little farther than the person you're teaching. All of us have something to give.The other day I was in a position to avoid a person who had avoided my help in the past. We'll call this person the "artist". I had been annoyed by the artist's "unteachable" attitude and somewhat abrasive personality but due to certain circumstances it just worked out - I found myself sharing what I had learned to be true. The artist was different that day - approachable and willing to listen. Before I knew it we had accomplished quite a bit and I could tell that the artist had learned a few things that could potentially change his/her life. It was very rewarding and very unexpected that day.
But we both won! I was able to question and carefully re-think my method therefore solidifying my knowledge and reinforcing my skill, while the artist gained a gift. If you want to become a better artist you need to teach what you know to others. Even if you're reluctant to let your light shine - do it! You'll only get better!
I love your sharing on this topic,Will! It is so true about it. I am a beginner and a self-taught artist in illustration filed. However, I am always eager to share my mistakes,and experiences to anyone who needs them. I am not great yet,but I know that my experiences will be able to help other beginners to get into this filed. I have learned so much from you,and other amazing artists online,and in person. So, I am passion them all onto next person who I can help-even just a little bit. It is a great rewarding feeling like you said. ^_____________^ I will keep doing it!
ReplyDeleteGood Post~I've volunteered with little ones teaching art, such fun! Yet there's nothing better than shared information, being steered or steering someone else! You have such a fun style :D
ReplyDeleteYou have helped me so much Will! Thanks for teaching me about art and life.
ReplyDeleteWell said Will! I think that's why my blog roll is so long... I love absorbing all that information. Hopefully I'm teaching people some things on my own blog too!
ReplyDeleteThe match is great. Love the faces in the fire. Love what you have to say about paying it forward.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Will. In my experience, whatever I've been able to pay forward has come back to me tenfold. Not the reason for doing it, just the way it is. I've encountered a few people over the years who were either closed minded or paranoid about sharing information. I don't think I ever saw any growth in their work. This was a rare few out of hundreds. I think they really missed out.
ReplyDeleteAmen brother Will. I get way more out of teaching than I think I give. It's nice to see the wheels turn inside someone's head when you explain something well. I think one of the main reasons I blog is to share with anyone willing to listen. I feel sorry for those artists who are cryptic or evasive in the way they answer (or don't answer) other artist's questions. It's like they are so afraid that someone will steal their trade secrets and somehow steal their market share. It's sad. I don't care how well I teach someone, they will never be able to do art exactly like me. It's impossible and silly to even try. Just be the best you!
ReplyDeleteI think you have such a great motto! I believe we can always learn and only be the better for it. I've found a wonderful give and take with artist friends and it's a wonderful thing! Cheers to you!
ReplyDeleteWonderful share and very true. I have developed many relationships with creative types through blogging and social networking and do find it to be (mostly) positive/rewarding and educational.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I was told by someone close more than once, "Why do you help so many with their art??? Aren't you afraid of the competition?" This is a scaresity mentality. The idea that there isn't enough to go around. But I believe that there's more than enough to go around and that it goes around much easier if people are charitable. That you'll attract more of everything good through attitude and action. So far it's been a great way to live :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement and answering a silent question in the back of my mind as to why you would help someone and whether I, as a novice, could help anyone else. This is wonderful advice and I take it to heart <3
Deleteyou are awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteLove your art and artistic ability as much as your always inspiring words! I've been in a bit of a slump this past week for some reason, and can't seem to get motivated or inspired to create drawings but after reading this a burst of inspiration jumped in and I now feel a need to keep moving forward. Thanks a million Will!!
ReplyDeleteTimely post, Will. Just received a packet from an eager and hopeful author - illustrator asking for advice. Time for me to hone my constructive commenting and encouraging words skills that I learned in those dreaded critique circles in painting class. There is always something good to say and there is always a way to point out what needs to be looked at. I am so grateful I learned this in art school. And, I know how good it feels when someone takes the time to share. We can all share a little. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Will. Thank you for sharing this and for sharing so much with all of us in this community.
ReplyDeleteAwesome advice. Thank you!
ReplyDelete