So What Is The Gap In Your Craft?
One step, two steps and there’s your gap step!
So here’s the thing, one day I bumped into an artwork online from a favorite artist that I follow. It was a really good looking, realistic rendering of an interior of a house. I aspired to create such artwork, a realistic-looking one, right on that spot.
I flipped my laptop open and begin preparing for my project. Some drafts here and some ideation sketches there. Then I turn to where everyone heads these days, the internet for more inspiration. Specifically, social media.
And there I was, scrolling through other artists’ works. I smile, seeing so many possibilities of good looking outcomes. I started saving them for references. And soon though, this daunting thought starts creeping in. I started comparing what I have and what I can achieve so far with the references that I have collected.
My heart sank. I became demotivated. I can never be that good. Can I? I closed the browser down moved away and let my excitement to create an artwork agonizingly fade away.
And this dear readers is “The Gap”.
The Gap
It is not something visual, nor physical. The Gap is this idea of a missing piece; a bridge if you will, in connecting your understanding of a certain subject. In my case, the understanding of achieving a realistic rendering. So right at the end of my search, I have a bunch of really good looking references to inspire and motivate me. But that’s just it, I have no way of knowing how to achieve them. I do not have the skills, the technical know-how.
Without this understanding, the more I see artworks with good realistic renderings the more demotivated I got because, in my mind, I would assume that I won’t be able to create such a good render! Not that this is happening to me every time mind you. (That would seriously means that I should reevaluate where I am) But in those certain times that I “consume” or “see” too much, for the lack of better wordings.
This could, in time, lead to burnout. And burning out soon leads to giving up on your craft. Oh, what a shame will that be.
But how would you get out of this gap then?
My advice? Step back from the search, take a deep breath, start working on your ideas with what you have found, (lay the groundwork) and research and learn what you’re missing. Start searching for more ideas and references as you go. How does this help?
Stepping back from the search gives you an idea of the big picture. It puts all the pieces of ideas and images that you’ve found together. As a designer, this has helped me understand how far along have my search for ideas has been. And to avoid me drowning in them and to finally take a breather.
Which brings us to, taking a deep breath. Yes. Ever found yourself being engrossed in a plot of an exciting movie and once it ends, and all you do is taking in a big huff of air? This can happen too when you’re in the deep end of your search for inspiration. (Yes, there is such thing as having too much of references)
Next, start laying down the groundwork. Start drawing, sketching, or noting down important points and get some visuals going. This is important because if you don’t, procrastination; the bane of humanity will be replacing your motivation to work.
Finally, and most importantly, learn the skill that you need to achieve the results that you want. Once I started learning the bits and pieces of realistic rendering, they help chip away the daunting, impossible thoughts that I have.
So have you managed to bridge your gap yet?
