For almost a year I’ve been struggling with an art style crisis. I had been yearning to draw like the artists I admire like Yuniiho, K1ruse, Suiika, Chaisia and more. I knew what I found beautiful in their semi-realistic, beautifully rendered styles (SOO PRETTY), but couldn’t seem to achieve it no matter what I tried doing. I accredit my failure to replicate their work to a lack of mastery and experience in digital painting and a large gap between my usual styles and what I was trying to achieve. There was too huge a difference and I often didn’t know how to bridge the gap. So this week, I decided I wanted to lean into and develop my strengths instead of trying to copy how my art idols did their art, and make a name for myself with my own unique branding.
The week prior, I had watched “How to progress SO Fast in Art it feels like Cheating” by Artwod. It was the first time I heard of the Dunning Kruger effect (depicted below). Some main pointers from the video are:
- We tend to switch focus or give up when we hit the valley of despair
- Staying on the slope of enlightenment and being consistent is what achieves mastery
- Most people stay on the slope of enlightenment but on the lower end and don’t move up.
- Mastery is when you can repeat this (area of expertise) over time easily.
- Being wary of this process and pushing through it will help to reduce burnout and manage expectations in progressing our art.
For many years, I was cruising along the plateau of sustainability. Earning side income from my YCHs, art commissions and being somewhat comfortable with where my art was, despite sometimes wondering how I could develop it more. (There is so much room for improvement in my eyes!)
The inconsistency in my art was also highly visible with the monthly art of my Vtuber that I did up for the Carrot Club. I felt hopelessly lost in the artistic choices we could go with, and tweeted about it numerous times over the years (gee, its been years huh-)
My latest illustrations featuring Hime from month to month all looked different. Different eye styles, proportions, lineart styles. It was a mess ;; I like all of these illustrations, but the lack of consistency was bothering me. I wanted to find my own artistic voice.
Thus, I began a reflection on what art styles I love that are also comfortable for me, and how to make my own mark. Part 2 is up! Meanwhile, look at the state of my Procreate library! XD I was in a CRISIS (up until the latest 2 pieces)
