jonwatson87

So, I've been a baaaaaaad boy and neglected my DA profile of late. Sorry!

I've had my head to the ground working on personal projects and beavering away on launch material (P.S. Pencilville jumpstART is launching in the next couple of weeks, new studio brand a couple of weeks after that, and I'm finally getting my Patreon launched before October as well!)

Needless to say, it's been a busy time. I've had ups and downs, as always, but pledge to henceforth post on a daily basis (if not finished work then studies/quick sketches or journal posts).

Now...what can I create for you guys tomorrow...?

Any suggestions? XD

I'm sure you've heard that attending industry events is good for your career as an artist, but what is it about them that makes them so beneficial?

In my experience, a LOT (and certainly more than I can quickly sum up here)! But I'm a rebel, so here are my top 6, regardless:

1. COMMUNITY

As artists we very often work alone, soldiering away at our desks, tucked away in our studios, snuggled up in blankets and staring out of the window at the alien world beyond... (no? Only me?)

It can be VERY easy to get separated and detached from the very thing that best informs our work: LIFE.

One of the most wonderful things about workshops, conferences and other industry events is that they bring all us like-minded artists together and remind us we're not alone.

Every other artist out there goes through the same thing, in one way or another, and when we get together there's a sense of understanding and compassion you don't get anywhere else. 

Even the lecturers, guest speakers and ALL-POWERFUL-GODS of the art world are, first and foremost, artists, and (just like you) they're on a life-long journey to learn and improve. Unlike in the business world, they don't consider themselves above you. They're all artists and human beings first. They care.

This is one thing I wasn't quite prepared for, coming from an entrepreneurial background: there is NO elitism in the art community. It's unique in its sense of camaraderie and friendliness; a true peer to peer community. It's staggering, beautiful and wonderful to experience.

2. H-OPPORTUNITY

When h-opportunity knocks...answer! Or, better yet, learn how to do the knocking!

There's debate on who said it first, but there's a common maxim that goes: "Your network is your net worth". In other words, it's not WHAT you know but WHO you know that determines your success. And you meet a LOT of amazing people at these kind of events.

You'll meet industry sponsors, world-renowned artists and teachers, up-and-comers, students and enthusiasts, and ALL of them have something to offer if you're willing to listen. 

There may be opportunities to get a job, gain a mentor, or to make a friend for life.

The may be opportunity in simply networking, sharing contact details or becoming friends on Facebook.

Perhaps you'll meet someone whose art you adore and has a huge influence on your work.

Or maybe you'll meet someone who'd make a great collaborator on a project.

And there's always the opportunity to learn something new. Which brings us neatly to:

3. TRAINING

The best artists I know NEVER stop learning, developing and striving to improve.

Whether your learn from lecturers, fellow students or housekeeping (I'll never leave my towel on the floor again...) a lifelong quest for education and growth will never steer you wrong.

Events vary greatly in what training they provide, but almost all of them include workshops of some kind run by well-known and successful artists.

Training and workshops will help you to master new tools and techniques better and quicker than struggling at home by yourself. With a master at the helm to steer you in the right direction, offer their wisdom and experience, answer questions and even doodle over your work, it's much easier to make progress and see results.

Even better, these artists have been there and done it, so if you're stuck with what your next step in art education should be they can give you some GREAT advice on books, courses and resources that will help your work level up.

If you get the opportunity to attend a workshop with an artist you admire, never pass it up. If you only learn ONE new thing it'll be well worth the investment.

4. FEEDBACK

Beyond looking over your workshop efforts, the pros are generally very generous when it comes to looking at portfolios. 

Even if you're not looking for a job, bringing along a portfolio of your work and getting feedback on where you can improve, what you need to address, and how, can be invaluable.

I'll warn you, sometimes the advice won't be what you WANT to hear, but it will almost always be what you NEED to hear. A healthy dose of realism can do wonders for your work, and the pros are great at dealing it out without TOO much heartache.

Pros focus on where your work can improve. Students focus on what's good about it (unless instructed otherwise!)

For what you WANT to hear, or a good "Oh my god, that's amazing!" you should seek feedback from your peers!

5. AFFIRMATION

One thing that always strikes me is how affirming these events can be, and not just life-affirming. 

When starting my own work I'm always fighting against the negative flow of thoughts like "Oh my god, I suck..." or "That is the SHITTIEST line in the history of lines, EVER". 

What I find affirming is learning, time and time again, that everyone, the pros included, makes the SAME mistakes. 

Looking at the demos you suddenly realise that what differentiates those at the top of their game from the rest of us (besides experience) is perseverance and mindset.

They draw the same crappy lines we do, almost as often as we do! The only difference is their approach to dealing with them. Instead of saying "I'm a terrible artist" they ask questions life "What angle should that line be?" or "How far away is that in relation to this line here?" and simply try again.

I don't know about you, but I find the fact that the pros struggle with the same things we do incredibly reassuring. It gives me much more confidence in my own work, and much more motivation to push through the crap.

6. INSPIRATION

There's nothing like a good event to fire you up, renew your passion and get ideas flowing. 

The atmosphere, the artwork, and the positivity and passion for what we do are truly inspiring.

Industry events are the very paragon of POSSIBILITY. This is a world full of people doing the thing you want to be doing and achieving amazing success doing it. It proves to you it's possible, and that you don't need to be a rocket-scientist to get where you want to go.

I almost always come back more enthusiastic about my work, more confident in my ability and more motivated to succeed.

It's a wonderful feeling, believing it's possible. It's incredibly liberating, and freeing. It opens us to new ideas and gives us strength putting pencil to paper. And it's something we tend to lose when we're back home on our own again. It's something you need to practice - maintaining that feeling of joy and hope. The more events you go to, and the more you immerse yourself in the art community, the easier it gets.

So, my advice, if you want to renew your zest for life, is to get out and live one! Take any opportunity you can to get away immerse yourself in one of the most positive and inspiring parts of the industry. 

You won't regret it.