Art Advice for the Anxious!

Hi I'm Sugar and I thought it would be neat to create an art advice thread that people can add onto! I deal with art anxiety (some call this artblock) and created a few helpful words this past week. If anybody wants to comment, or add onto my advice list (or reword it in some way that clicks in your brain) let's do it!

1) If drawing is frustrating, you may be dealing with some kind of disconnect between how amazing you think your art skill is (/is supposed to be), vs the objective level that it is at. Try lowering your expectations from your best work, to the level of your most frequent work. Expectations can be CRIPPLING. And if you can't feel good about any piece, you will train your brain to not like drawing! And then no improvement will happen at all!

2) If you can find happiness in making nothing (of "importance"), then you will also be free to make anything.

3) If drawing is taking too long or getting frustrating, just put down the "bad" lines and move on!! Improvement doesn't happen in a single drawing.

4) A finished drawing is more rewarding than a good drawing.

5) The point of drawing is subjective, and positive. The point is NOT to find worth in your existence. You are worthy, you already exist.

6) Making art today is a record of your existence in this point in time. It is a time capsule of your whole self, strengths, weaknesses, and all. Wear them all proudly and equally. DRAW BAD ART!!!

7) Just because art stopped being fun, doesn't mean it's gonna stay this way forever. Sometimes healing helps. Sometimes time helps. You will not forget, and you can always start where you left off.

8) Find new ways to interact with the type of art you love. Find some aspect that excites you to explore. Surround youself with supportive people. Say the mantras in the mirror that you want to eventually think without them.

9) Do it afraid

You got this!!!!!