General wisdom for artists No.1

Lately I’ve been trying to think of ways that I can improve how I work as an artist. There’s a lot of specific tips and techniques out there for all sorts of different disciplines and media and with the internet to help it’s never too hard to find out how to do some specific technique or learn a new skill, but of late I’ve been more interested in ways to improve at being an artist in a more general sense

You know, ways to get better at actually making yourself sit there all day continually pumping out brilliance like some sort of tireless art robot? My main interest in this stems from the fact that I spend an embarrassing amount of time scratching myself and wondering where all the time went.

So, I’ve decided to create a series of extremely wise wisdom for any artist or creative looking to improve at being an artist in a more general way. I shall add new tips over time as they occur to me.

1. Put your glass of water where you can’t see it.

No really. You may be surprised at just how suggestible you are, but if you’re anything like me (I’ve been told I’m suggestible, so I must be.) you may feel the need to compulsively sip any refreshment or beverage within visual range simply because it’s there. Also, if you’re anything like me you’ll always have a glass of water on hand to sip incessantly.

Being adequately hydrated is of course highly important for optimal brain functionality, but constantly needing a wazz will only ruin your concentration and increase the chances that you’ll wander away from your work and completely forget about it. It essentially comes down to limiting distractions but it’s not quite as obvious as “turn off your email” and “close facebook” though it always helps to do those things too.

Tip No.2 coming soon.

Also, observe this thing I painted recently:

I think it needs no explanation.