It's Getting Better All The Time
I just finished watching The Beatles: Get Back documentary, which I strongly recommend. The way they work through their songs is fascinating to witness. They come in with a rough idea, the beginning of something. That something has great potential, but it's far from being great yet. Then slowly but surely, through working on it, the song takes shape until finally it sounds amazing (yes, I'm a Beatles fan).
Yes, I know I should have used the same reference photo for a better comparison...
Practice, practice, practice
It's a perfect reminder that even people who have been heralded as some of the best musicians of all time don't create a perfect song at the first try. They have to work at their craft to improve it, which goes for any type of creative endeavor.
Back in October 2016, I hadn't drawn consistently in years and it showed. I was at a point where I didn't want to start an illustration because I knew it wouldn't be great, which meant I never drew. But I willed myself to start a daily drawing challenge for 31 days to try and improve my skills. I drew Tina Fey on the first day of the challenge, then again at the end of it. Lo and behold, there was a clear improvement!
That's the encouragement I needed to start illustrating again. I hope it's also an encouragement to anyone who wants to start doing something creative: it's never good at first but it WILL get better.
Maybe I should draw her now, 6 years later, to see the evolution of my style?
Another reminder I got from the documentary is that nothing is created in a vacuum. It was clear from the band's dialogue they were very much inspired by some of their contemporaries. I'm obviously a big proponent of talking about what inspires your creative work (see my blog name 😁).
Judith xx
Mentioned inspirations
For the 2016 daily challenge, I decided to draw a series of women I admire. I chose Tina Fey because I wanted to be like her: clever and funny.
This poster poster made for the documentary looks great! Also the lads seem to be enjoying themselves (Get Back spoiler alert: they don't always).
Book recommendation
I think Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance fits well with what I'm talking about this month.
The book presents the idea that to succeed at any task/skill/job you need learn to work through obstacles. The more you do that, the more you'll understand the only way to eventually accomplish something great is through perseverance, not talent.
The author psychologist Angela Duckworth calls it "grit."
The book presents the idea that to succeed at any task/skill/job you need learn to work through obstacles. The more you do that, the more you'll understand the only way to eventually accomplish something great is through perseverance, not talent.
The author psychologist Angela Duckworth calls it "grit."
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