Behind the Scenes: Calm Abstract Illustration (Patreon)

When you're searching for ideas, the best thing you can do is to go look around for some. And if you're not inspired by the world or your surroundings, you can always just browse and save other artworks, that scream "I should have made that" at you.

Over time you build up a list and you're able to pick the theme you're in a mood for on a regular basis. That's more important than any strike of inspiration. A lot of great works were achieved by consistency, rather than by a sudden muse. We just don't get to see the whole process. But there are always 99 unremarkable unsung heroes for each great artwork.

Showing up, picking and item from a list and getting to work is the true path to your success, even if it doesn't sound flashy at all. 

This week I stumbled upon "abstract diorama" item on my list.

Visit the full Pinboard here

I made a half-abstract calm and meditative environment before. It was a new style for me at that time and when something like that happens, I put it in the list as a series for the next time. So I don't end up with a bunch of one-shots, going from one style to another all the time.

It can be very tempting. You're browsing around and there can be a lot of those "I should have made that" artworks lying around. It can be always a valuable learning lesson, but when you eventually start building a portfolio, it can hurt your style consistency and send you all over the place.

Whether you're trying to get freelance gigs, or searching for a job, as a candidate you will be evaluated based on your portfolio and how it fits the style they're looking for. If your portfolio has 20 artworks and each is very different, they won't be able to determine your fitness.

That's why, when I try something new and like it, I put it as a series in the list.

So the next time I'm searching for an idea, I check my ongoing series if I see something the inspires me, and only then start looking for something new.

This helps me to keep practicing and evolving only a few distinct styles and build much more consistent portfolio.

This was more of a general thought, than a project insight, so I hope it will help you narrow down your focus if you have a similar struggle.

As for the latest project, you can watch the process video on Youtube. Download the Blender scene file on Patreon.

See you in the next one! :)