Tag: fear

When we create something we always come into contact with fear. Tagged articles on this topic try to get this fear under control.

Updated Creative Work Problems Posts

Creative Work Problems failure
One of my Creative Work Problems Comics.

I have updated all of my Creative Work Problems Comics Posts on this blog!

I uploaded them for a while to Instagram and my blog as solo posts. When I did them, I mostly just posted the comic itself, and rarely some more information about it. Well, now I’ve updated them all and added additional help and knowledge for almost every topic. I’ve also updated the name of the post so that it’s no longer named after the comic. Each topic is now more easily identifiable by the title of the post. You can now search the hell out of this site if you are looking for a topic you need help with.

I have listed below every post I have made with these comics in it. So if you’re interested in more information about a topic you see at the bottom of the list, don’t hesitate to go there.

Creative Work Problems old projects
One of the last comics I did of this series.

Afraid of Change

afraid of change comic

Are you afraid of change? Afraid to change your artwork, afraid you might ruin it? There’s a liberating approach to overcoming this fear – creating variations.

Extract lessons from variations
Every variation is a lesson waiting to be learned. Analyze what works and what doesn’t. Through this process, you gain insights that contribute to your artistic evolution.

Explore incremental adjustments
Start by making small, incremental changes. Whether it’s adjusting colors, experimenting with textures, or adding subtle details, these small adjustments can gradually build your comfort with the idea of change.

Think of change as an exploration
Think of change as exploration rather than modification. This shift in thinking allows you to approach your artwork with curiosity, encouraging you to discover new possibilities and unlock hidden potential.

Embrace the unpredictable
Art thrives on spontaneity. Instead of fearing the unknown, welcome the unpredictability of variation. Unexpected adjustments can lead to unexpected beauty and creative breakthroughs.

This topic was suggested by Ostersocke.

Break up Tasks

Break up Tasks Illustration

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively break up tasks:

  1. Define the Main Task
    Identify the main task you need to accomplish today or over a few days or weeks. Make sure you have a complete understanding of what success looks like for the overall goal.
  2. List the Subtasks
    Break down the main task into smaller, more manageable subtasks. These subtasks should represent specific actions or steps that contribute to the completion of the main task. They should be as small as possible. If you think you can make them even smaller, do it!
  3. Prioritize Subtasks
    Evaluate the importance and logical order of each subtask. Prioritize them based on dependencies, deadlines, or any other relevant criteria. This will ensure an efficient approach.
  4. Estimate Time and Effort
    Estimate the time and effort required for each subtask. This step helps you allocate resources effectively and prevents underestimating the overall workload.
  5. Focus on One Subtask at a Time
    By breaking down the work into smaller components, you can maintain focus and avoid feeling daunted by the larger goal.
  6. Review your Work
    Periodically review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. If certain subtasks are taking longer than expected, reevaluate your plan to make changes without feeling stressed.

Cycle of Fear

Cycle of Fear illustration

What is The Cycle of Fear?

  1. Not Doing Enough
    The cycle of fear begins with not doing enough. This can come from a lot of sources, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, or the perception that one’s efforts are not enough. As a result, creatives may be afraid to take the necessary action.
  2. Fear
    This unwillingness to take sufficient action is often driven by an underlying fear. Whether it’s the fear of failure, judgment, or not living up to expectations, this emotional barrier acts as a powerful deterrent, hindering progress and maintaining the cycle.
  3. Lack of Results
    As a result of not taking appropriate action due to fear, noticeable results may be lacking. The early hesitation or procrastination contributes to a cycle of unfulfilled potential, resulting in a noticeable lack of desired results.
  4. Fear (again)
    The cycle comes full circle as the lack of results intensifies the original fear. The lack of progress reinforces the initial fears, creating a self-perpetuating loop of not doing enough, increased fear, and continued disappointment. And so we begin again at number 1 with not doing enough.

Breaking out of this cycle means realizing that you should just do what you can. That will be enough and it is okay! Try not to judge yourself too harshly. When you begin to realize that you have your own pace and that not everything goes according to plan, you will break free from the cycle of fear.

Best of my productivity-themed Inktober

In 2019 I did my Inktober on Instagram about the topic of productivity. A lot of the tips I gave with those posts are helpful for artists and designers as well. Therefore I decided to post a best-of here too. I hope they can help you!

Don't wait till you can do it Illustration
Don’t put something off because you can’t do it. The “can-do” comes after you work on it for some time! Just start what you want to do and the ability to do it successfully comes with it.
Prevent the cycle of fear Illustration
The cycle of fear is “not doing enough => lack of results => fear” repeating. If you are not doing enough there is no result or progress. With no progress comes fear. Fear prevents you from doing work, therefore you lack results again. It is a loop you will have trouble breaking out again. Remember this and work against this cycle if it starts to happen.
write about it Illustration
It helps if you start writing about the problems you have. Keep a little journal or write directly into your sketchbook. If you begin to struggle start writing about what you think right now and how you feel. Do it for like 10 minutes. After that, it will be much easier for you, or you even found the solution to your problem while writing.
Have lazy days illustration
You are not a machine, you need to recharge sometimes, so plan lazy days when you do nothing. The key is not to make those days the norm. Plan them carefully. The best times are after you finish a project or start a new one. Or just in between when you are stuck.
Don't be perfect Illustration
Over the years I realized that I have more fun doing imperfect drawings. If I would try to do this Inktober flawless I probably wouldn’t finish it. Or I would be stressed as crazy about the whole challenge. So be imperfect and enjoy the ride. You will do more and have more fun!
Breaks are important Illustration
Take your breaks! You can work much more if you do them. Don’t see them as a waste of time because that’s not true. It is a part of your working day as long as you don’t take 15 min breaks every 10 minutes.