The Creative Artist’s Survival Kit

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.
Embedded above is a useful video for keeping your creative juices flowing.

When you run into one of those off days when nothing you draw seems to turn out right and your work feels lackluster compared to your peers, it’s helpful to remember you’re not alone! All creative individuals feel their energy rise and fall. On days like that be sure to check out these fantastic posts on art, creativity and the creative life. Inspired by this Artist Survival Kit I found regarding painting, I present my favorite links dispensing advice for the artistic soul!

How to Steal Like an Artist
I love the sentiment behind this because the author acknowledges the flaw in pursuing completely “original” ideas. He mentions how artists can take cues from your inspirations and idols to create your own work. The author compares the idea to genealogy whereby each artist is a unique product of his own artistic influences and preferences.

“Persist” A Letter from PIXAR artist Austin Madison to Aspiring Artists
Austin stresses the fact that all artists have to work hard to get to the easy parts of creating. The key is to persist and never give up on yourself! You can read other inspiring letters from animation industry professionals at the Animator Letters Project blog.

Super Obvious Secrets I Wish They’d Teach in Art School
There are lessons about making art you get in a classroom setting and then again, there are some you end up discovering on your own with some experience behind you. Lucky for us beginners, other people are willing to share their wisdom!

This American Life’s Ira Glass on the Skill Gap
I am always grateful to have stumbled onto this wonderful video because it’s the first time someone discusses the frustration between how you want to see yourself and your current skill level. Again, the important takeaway is to just keep at it!

The 50 Things Every Creative Should Know
All very useful advice for beginning professionals in the creative field.

The Complete Guide to Not Giving a F*ck
Remember this advice when you find yourself paralyzed with anxiety and worried people are not going to like your work. Spoiler: Stop worrying!

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