It seems fitting that, for my first post on this site, I should give an overview of some basic tips for all categories. In the future, I will usually post on one topic at a time.
Art
There is so much that could be said about art, but here are five of the most basic tips I can give:
1. Never be afraid to take a leap of faith- All projects require that you first take that leap of faith. You know that the project may fail, you know you may hate it, you know others may criticize it, but you set out to complete it nonetheless. In the end, all your fears may be confirmed, but at least you will know that you tried and usually will have learned a lesson or two in the process.
2. Never be afraid of safety- while it is good to go into a project despite the possible outcomes, it is also always best to know your abilities. You can teeter on the edge of your knowledge if you wish, in fact I encourage it, but to take one step further will lead to an inevitable crash of your own design. If you do not believe you fully understand how to work with oil paints, at least look up some tutorials online.
3. Never be afraid to ask for help- whether it be talking to a teacher, or a friend, or the internet it is always acceptable and indeed preferable to ask for help. If you want to improve a certain area of your artwork, but don't know how, then at least google it- I guarantee it will be profitable.
4. Never be afraid to throw a piece away- I know a lot of artists find this hard, or maybe even a bit too easy, but don't think you have to keep a piece to learn from your mistakes. It may be helpful to do so, or it may simply be holding onto your mistakes and being bitter about them. Don't be afraid to take a huge pile of paper and dump it in the trashcan- it's alright!
5. Never be afraid to keep a piece- this is, I know, the exact opposite of my previous tip. And yet, sometimes, there are pieces that should be kept to learn from. Or maybe, just maybe, it's not as bad as you think. Just don't rush straight to the trashcan without thinking about the items in your pile. There could be something of value. Don't be afraid to keep it.
Photography
Unfortunately, I do not consider myself a great photographer, so I don't have as many tips. Besides that, you may find that 1-3 in the art section may also cover photography.
4. Look for the ordinary- the ordinary is your best tool. Make it extraordinary!!! The best way to make something unique its to surprise by showing the beauty within something seen every day. Don't be afraid to focus on simple things around the house, they can be your best tools.
5. Use everything- everything can be your tool, anything can be your guide. A layer of masking tape over the flash can make for interesting effects. Experiment with whatever you find, and don't think you have to buy expensive equipment.
Writing
Writing is one of my favorite things to do. I always like to say that writing is like art in that it is an expression of emotion and beliefs. However, where writing differs is that you can say something plainly and still know that the world will see, but never understand. It's like telling everyone your secrets and resting comfortably in the knowledge that no one will ever know them. So, here are five tips for the aspiring writer.
1. Don't write from experience- I know it is contrary to everything you've heard, but don't try to write from experience. Experience will find its way into your work whether you try for it or not. Trying will only produce a overworked feel that is never pleasant to read.
2. Do write from imagination- Even if you are writing a piece of non-fiction, imagination is essential. Non-fiction runs on imaginations, because how else are you expected to draw the reader in to a description of a clock or a table. It's even more important in fiction- but you knew that.
3. Follow your dreams- yeah, I know that sounds like a Disney movie, but it's true. The best ideas usually come to you while you sleep. Don't write your dreams alone, but use them as a starting point. They are the greatest inspiration usually as they remove the restrictions of the real world and allow your mind to wander through unlimited possibilities.
4. Never forget reality- this may seem to contradict the previous tips, but it doesn't really. While you shouldn't write from experience, you should write from imagination, and you should follow your dreams, you should also keep one eye on reality, so that you don't find yourself wandering into insanity.
5. Use your family and friends- not just as guides either, try to use them as inspiration as well. If you have a character who has a sibling, use your sibling to help write that character. Just remember to let them know that the character is inspired by them, not exactly like them. They may get offended otherwise by the faults of the character.
Art
There is so much that could be said about art, but here are five of the most basic tips I can give:
1. Never be afraid to take a leap of faith- All projects require that you first take that leap of faith. You know that the project may fail, you know you may hate it, you know others may criticize it, but you set out to complete it nonetheless. In the end, all your fears may be confirmed, but at least you will know that you tried and usually will have learned a lesson or two in the process.
2. Never be afraid of safety- while it is good to go into a project despite the possible outcomes, it is also always best to know your abilities. You can teeter on the edge of your knowledge if you wish, in fact I encourage it, but to take one step further will lead to an inevitable crash of your own design. If you do not believe you fully understand how to work with oil paints, at least look up some tutorials online.
3. Never be afraid to ask for help- whether it be talking to a teacher, or a friend, or the internet it is always acceptable and indeed preferable to ask for help. If you want to improve a certain area of your artwork, but don't know how, then at least google it- I guarantee it will be profitable.
4. Never be afraid to throw a piece away- I know a lot of artists find this hard, or maybe even a bit too easy, but don't think you have to keep a piece to learn from your mistakes. It may be helpful to do so, or it may simply be holding onto your mistakes and being bitter about them. Don't be afraid to take a huge pile of paper and dump it in the trashcan- it's alright!
5. Never be afraid to keep a piece- this is, I know, the exact opposite of my previous tip. And yet, sometimes, there are pieces that should be kept to learn from. Or maybe, just maybe, it's not as bad as you think. Just don't rush straight to the trashcan without thinking about the items in your pile. There could be something of value. Don't be afraid to keep it.
Photography
Unfortunately, I do not consider myself a great photographer, so I don't have as many tips. Besides that, you may find that 1-3 in the art section may also cover photography.
4. Look for the ordinary- the ordinary is your best tool. Make it extraordinary!!! The best way to make something unique its to surprise by showing the beauty within something seen every day. Don't be afraid to focus on simple things around the house, they can be your best tools.
5. Use everything- everything can be your tool, anything can be your guide. A layer of masking tape over the flash can make for interesting effects. Experiment with whatever you find, and don't think you have to buy expensive equipment.
Writing
Writing is one of my favorite things to do. I always like to say that writing is like art in that it is an expression of emotion and beliefs. However, where writing differs is that you can say something plainly and still know that the world will see, but never understand. It's like telling everyone your secrets and resting comfortably in the knowledge that no one will ever know them. So, here are five tips for the aspiring writer.
1. Don't write from experience- I know it is contrary to everything you've heard, but don't try to write from experience. Experience will find its way into your work whether you try for it or not. Trying will only produce a overworked feel that is never pleasant to read.
2. Do write from imagination- Even if you are writing a piece of non-fiction, imagination is essential. Non-fiction runs on imaginations, because how else are you expected to draw the reader in to a description of a clock or a table. It's even more important in fiction- but you knew that.
3. Follow your dreams- yeah, I know that sounds like a Disney movie, but it's true. The best ideas usually come to you while you sleep. Don't write your dreams alone, but use them as a starting point. They are the greatest inspiration usually as they remove the restrictions of the real world and allow your mind to wander through unlimited possibilities.
4. Never forget reality- this may seem to contradict the previous tips, but it doesn't really. While you shouldn't write from experience, you should write from imagination, and you should follow your dreams, you should also keep one eye on reality, so that you don't find yourself wandering into insanity.
5. Use your family and friends- not just as guides either, try to use them as inspiration as well. If you have a character who has a sibling, use your sibling to help write that character. Just remember to let them know that the character is inspired by them, not exactly like them. They may get offended otherwise by the faults of the character.