The high school art room was my sanctuary as a teen.
It had immaculate vibes complete with splattered tabletops, soft music tittering in the background, and the faint odor of acrylic wafting into the hallway. I spent four years taking various classes ranging from art basics to photography to pottery.
Then I went to college, developed impostor syndrome, and have dealt with creative hardships ever since.
The pressure to create "aesthetic" art manifested like a kaiju emerging from the sea. It stifled my motivation and left me feeling sad, stressed, and stuck... until, one day, I had an epiphany.
Why aim for aesthetic when you can aim for messy?
So that has become my new direction over the past few months. Messy sketches, messy watercolors, messy ink bleeding onto scrap paper.
The art that I have started making is not meant to garner likes on social media or hung in a museum. Don't get me wrong... I still share things across platforms and blush when my friends leave me sweet comments. However, social fame is not the driving force. Instead I have started focusing on self expression, enjoyment, and stress release. If 2020 has taught us anything it's that life is far too unpredictable to hold yourself back because you're afraid. Especially if that fear is dominated by hits, likes, and comments.
I know, I know... it seems like this ancient millennial is spewing the same social media bad nonsense that you have heard all of your life, but that's not my intention. I have found lifelong friendships through social media when it was AOL forums and Myspace bulletin posts. It can be a wonderful place where you connect with folks who share similar interests and beliefs.
Instead, I'm encouraging you to follow that desire to get creative! Make art that makes you happy even if it lacks finesse. Don't be afraid of mistakes or imperfections. And don't feel like you have to use pen and paper. Find the medium that interests you and just go for it. Make jewelry, solder stained glass, or glue together miniatures.
Ultimately: do what you dig!
Happy Creating!