CG-Hub

kjax89 · 07-24-2012, 08:45 PM

If you have a non-art related job (labor/retail) and living on your own but you want to break into an artistic field, how can you put the time in to make a good portfolio? I'm not satisfied with my portfolio, I draw when I can but my job is taking up most of my time. It's a labor job so I'm tired when I get home and nothing comes out right when i'm tired. I gotta eat so i can't quit, any suggestions.

absorbentghost · 07-24-2012, 11:13 PM

I thinks it's best to join weekly challenges to build ure portfolio ,u can basically get good work done that way.Me and my friends get our done cause we are freelancers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjax89

If you have a non-art related job (labor/retail) and living on your own but you want to break into an artistic field, how can you put the time in to make a good portfolio? I'm not satisfied with my portfolio, I draw when I can but my job is taking up most of my time. It's a labor job so I'm tired when I get home and nothing comes out right when i'm tired. I gotta eat so i can't quit, any suggestions.

happyfish · 07-25-2012, 02:05 AM

I think you have a want to learn new knowledge heart is a good start.and you should insist to complete it.Every day you can squeeze out a little bit of time to learn, time is long, will accumulate a lot of.You have to temporarily to overcome the difficulties.keep it up .come on!!!

Zentrope · 07-25-2012, 01:28 PM

It is impossible to win the race unless you venture to run, impossible to win the victory unless you dare to battle.
Work hard and utilize every minute of your life.
Every path has it's puddle but it is you who has to dodge it. Keep a sketchbook handy and use it during the time of travel and
any free time available. Use your holidays wisely and Cut down on other non-Sense stuff like social networking, Partying , Chatting etc. because you have to work hard. (For few years till you are in a pro league)

I don't know if you are happy with your retail work but if you want to be a professional artist then use the non-working time
in pushing yourself to achieve your dream.

Life is hard on some but it is you who chooses what you want to be. Success don't come to you but you have to go to it.
Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.

LGrey · 07-28-2012, 02:52 AM

I do love Zens answers.

Here is my very personal take on it.

A few years I was doing the call center thing and tired all the time and it was eating my soul. One day I realized if I didn't do something now I never would. Got up walked out and never looked back.

On another note, a somewhat famous musician once said...

"If you really want it you have to go at it like a machine til you get it."

Or something like that.

Look at the advice these people have given you and ask yourself one question.

What are you willing to do to get to where you want to be.

Good luck.

d13598 · 03:19 PM

I'm pretty much in the same situation as you. Good thing is I got the weekends off. It can get tiring sometimes. I guess it depends on how much you want it and how far are you willing to go. No matter what, it's best to find a balance in your life. Is it worth it? Sometimes just wanting something is not enough. I see your work is good

. So take it easy and focus on small steps to learn something each day and not worry so much about ''making it big''. Be open to other options/opportunity available..

Zentrope · 07-30-2012, 06:52 AM

@LGrey..

Funny thing is that i have a very similar story

Strange coincidence

@zuruicynewulf...A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.(Shakespeare)
I am not a wise man but a man of my own experience.
Wise is a person who learns from everyone, which makes you a wise person as well..

TamagoO · 07-31-2012, 08:04 AM

Well more or less what zentrope said. Sleep when you are dead, would be my addition.

For inspiration, even on the days when I feel really depressed or tired, I come on cghub and browse the galleries or sketchbooks and I get so excited that I can't contain myself. ;P

A monster Drink occasionally can help, of course don't over use it :P

Well its 2am here, time to sleep :P
Cheers and best of luck.

MichaelJanzen · 08-16-2012, 08:47 PM

I don't think this is a satisfying answer...."just work harder!" or "work more on your art!"...or "get less sleep"...no...it's more complex than this.

I've been in this situation as well. Finished my degree in Illustration, worked random jobs for about 6-months and somehow landed a job at a game studio later.

But during that time... I worked 40-hours a week and sometimes weekends. It's tough, and you come home exhausted. Exhausted not only from the physical energy you've used all day, but the emotional energy it takes to drudge through a place you don't want to to be.

If you want something so bad that it shakes you down to your very core, then I have a few suggestions.

Become an efficient machine.

Maybe you've done this before, but when I was working my random jobs I would schedule out my life by the hour so that I had an efficient week and could optimize the time I had to work on art.

This is just like any management in life. Whether you want to manage debt, your work-out schedule, or your career progress.

I suggest looking at everything you do in the week as events. Groceries, friends, travel, relaxation, work, etc.

Are there things you can cut down on/sacrifice? What can you prioritize or decrease time to so that you can increase your time for art production.

Yes, you can cut down on sleep, but if your job is labor intensive, than I would suggest not cutting down on sleep. Staying healthy gives you more energy...contrary to popular belief!

It's hell. But if you want something, you gotta power through it and be smart with your time. Because when you do sit down to do art, give it all you've got. Treat every free minute with importance!

Good luck, would love to hear about your progress as time goes on. :)

kjax89 · 09-03-2012, 02:01 PM

Thanks everybody I've been drawing alot more now when I get the time (travel, before/after work). Its hard but im doing it. painting is what I have trouble with, they look undone but I can't figure out what to change/make better. I don't look at it for a while then come back and see the painting suffers but I still don't know what to fix. everybody around me tells me how good it is but they dont really critique. If you can help me out and comment on my portfolio that would be appreciated. If you think im good enough I will do the same for anyone else who needs it.

Drackonos · 09-10-2012, 11:43 PM

I think Zen and MichaelJanzen both gave you very good advice. The best thing you can do is look at your life and see where you can work your practice time in. It's there if you want it. I currently have a 15 yr old stepson, twin girls and a full time job at a dryer plant. We have a lot of things going on between band/activities the girls decide to take part in and just the gota play with the kids time at home. Either way, the last few weeks I have started making myself find time to draw just about every day. It may only be for my last hour after the girls are in bed or I may get lucky and have more time to play around, but I do find time. Everyones situation is different of course, but I'm sure you can find a way if you really want to work on your art. Keep at it, DONT GIVE UP! Take er easy sir.

Drackonos · 09-10-2012, 11:46 PM

Oh and after looking at your portfolio, you are already well on your way man. Pretty good stuff in there, just dont give up and keep at it

Drackonos · 09-10-2012, 11:51 PM

This is my last post for now lol, I promise. I hadn't read your last post at first so I decided to take a closer look at your work. Honestly your better than me at what your doing but if it helps any I would say, try to pick a focus on each piece, and add more detail to it. It looks like each piece is a concept and not necessarily quite "finished". They are all great IMO, but they dont look like you took them as far as you might have wanted. I hope this helps...again, your better than me I believe so, lol, I may not be the best to give crits hehe. Laters

kjax89 · 10-03-2012, 04:03 PM

Thanks a lot Drackonos, knowing how much detail to put is a hard one for me because the picture tends to become a little dead if I work it to much or unfinished if I don't so I decided to go back to school. I've been working on this on my own, kind of need someone over my shoulders with constant feedback, you know.

HandcuffJockey · 10-06-2012, 04:29 AM

I agree with the other comments above. Sketch book for sure. Draw on your lunches and breaks at work. Who knows you may get so excited about a drawing that you wont feel tired when you get home, you will just want to get there to start working on it.

Also, maybe join an art guild in your area. I live in a smaller sized town and we still have several, so there should be some in your area. Most of them meet on regular basis, which may push you towards motivation, if you feel that is what you are lacking after work. It will also surround you by people of all skill levels who will all share input on eachothers work. Alot of them become friends outside of the meetings and classes and meet sperately whenever they can.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

CG-Hub

Members login

General

Challenges

2D Corner

3D Corner

Something I need to know

well in your situation

Another suggestion

Site Map

	Permalink #1
kjax89 Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 21 Member Thanks: 21 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Something I need to know 07-24-2012, 08:45 PM If you have a non-art related job (labor/retail) and living on your own but you want to break into an artistic field, how can you put the time in to make a good portfolio? I'm not satisfied with my portfolio, I draw when I can but my job is taking up most of my time. It's a labor job so I'm tired when I get home and nothing comes out right when i'm tired. I gotta eat so i can't quit, any suggestions.

	Permalink #3
happyfish Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 107 Senior Member Thanks: 0 Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts	07-25-2012, 02:05 AM I think you have a want to learn new knowledge heart is a good start.and you should insist to complete it.Every day you can squeeze out a little bit of time to learn, time is long, will accumulate a lot of.You have to temporarily to overcome the difficulties.keep it up .come on!!! __________________ Happy life can't apply colours to a drawing of the render farm !

	Permalink #4
Zentrope Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 794 Moderator My Mood: Thanks: 41 Thanked 387 Times in 350 Posts	07-25-2012, 01:28 PM It is impossible to win the race unless you venture to run, impossible to win the victory unless you dare to battle. Work hard and utilize every minute of your life. Every path has it's puddle but it is you who has to dodge it. Keep a sketchbook handy and use it during the time of travel and any free time available. Use your holidays wisely and Cut down on other non-Sense stuff like social networking, Partying , Chatting etc. because you have to work hard. (For few years till you are in a pro league) I don't know if you are happy with your retail work but if you want to be a professional artist then use the non-working time in pushing yourself to achieve your dream. Life is hard on some but it is you who chooses what you want to be. Success don't come to you but you have to go to it. Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.

The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Zentrope For This Useful Post:
d13598, kjax89, Shorinji_Knight, Vinicam

	Permalink #5
LGrey Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 31 Member Thanks: 1 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts	07-28-2012, 02:52 AM I do love Zens answers. Here is my very personal take on it. A few years I was doing the call center thing and tired all the time and it was eating my soul. One day I realized if I didn't do something now I never would. Got up walked out and never looked back. On another note, a somewhat famous musician once said... "If you really want it you have to go at it like a machine til you get it." Or something like that. Look at the advice these people have given you and ask yourself one question. What are you willing to do to get to where you want to be. Good luck.

The Following User Says Thank You to LGrey For This Useful Post:
kjax89

	Permalink #6
d13598 Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 207 Senior Member My Mood: Thanks: 37 Thanked 72 Times in 68 Posts	07-28-2012, 03:14 PM I'm pretty much in the same situation as you. Good thing is I got the weekends off. It can get tiring sometimes. I guess it depends on how much you want it and how far are you willing to go. No matter what, it's best to find a balance in your life. Is it worth it? Sometimes just wanting something is not enough. I see your work is good . So take it easy and focus on small steps to learn something each day and not worry so much about ''making it big''. Be open to other options/opportunity available.. __________________ Sketchbook My Blog Deviantart Last edited by d13598; 07-28-2012 at 03:19 PM.

The Following User Says Thank You to d13598 For This Useful Post:
kjax89

	Permalink #7
Zentrope Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 794 Moderator My Mood: Thanks: 41 Thanked 387 Times in 350 Posts	07-30-2012, 06:52 AM @LGrey.. Funny thing is that i have a very similar story Strange coincidence @zuruicynewulf...A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.(Shakespeare) I am not a wise man but a man of my own experience. Wise is a person who learns from everyone, which makes you a wise person as well..

The Following User Says Thank You to Zentrope For This Useful Post:
kjax89

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

	Permalink #8
TamagoO Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 16 Junior Member Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	07-31-2012, 08:04 AM Well more or less what zentrope said. Sleep when you are dead, would be my addition. For inspiration, even on the days when I feel really depressed or tired, I come on cghub and browse the galleries or sketchbooks and I get so excited that I can't contain myself. ;P A monster Drink occasionally can help, of course don't over use it :P Well its 2am here, time to sleep :P Cheers and best of luck.

The Following User Says Thank You to TamagoO For This Useful Post:
kjax89

	Permalink #9
MichaelJanzen Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 8 Junior Member Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	08-16-2012, 08:47 PM I don't think this is a satisfying answer...."just work harder!" or "work more on your art!"...or "get less sleep"...no...it's more complex than this. I've been in this situation as well. Finished my degree in Illustration, worked random jobs for about 6-months and somehow landed a job at a game studio later. But during that time... I worked 40-hours a week and sometimes weekends. It's tough, and you come home exhausted. Exhausted not only from the physical energy you've used all day, but the emotional energy it takes to drudge through a place you don't want to to be. If you want something so bad that it shakes you down to your very core, then I have a few suggestions. Become an efficient machine. Maybe you've done this before, but when I was working my random jobs I would schedule out my life by the hour so that I had an efficient week and could optimize the time I had to work on art. This is just like any management in life. Whether you want to manage debt, your work-out schedule, or your career progress. I suggest looking at everything you do in the week as events. Groceries, friends, travel, relaxation, work, etc. Are there things you can cut down on/sacrifice? What can you prioritize or decrease time to so that you can increase your time for art production. Yes, you can cut down on sleep, but if your job is labor intensive, than I would suggest not cutting down on sleep. Staying healthy gives you more energy...contrary to popular belief! It's hell. But if you want something, you gotta power through it and be smart with your time. Because when you do sit down to do art, give it all you've got. Treat every free minute with importance! Good luck, would love to hear about your progress as time goes on. :)

The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to MichaelJanzen For This Useful Post:
kjax89, MC1986, Vinicam, Zentrope

	Permalink #10
kjax89 Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 21 Member Thanks: 21 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	09-03-2012, 02:01 PM Thanks everybody I've been drawing alot more now when I get the time (travel, before/after work). Its hard but im doing it. painting is what I have trouble with, they look undone but I can't figure out what to change/make better. I don't look at it for a while then come back and see the painting suffers but I still don't know what to fix. everybody around me tells me how good it is but they dont really critique. If you can help me out and comment on my portfolio that would be appreciated. If you think im good enough I will do the same for anyone else who needs it.

	Permalink #11
Drackonos Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 19 Member Thanks: 1 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	09-10-2012, 11:43 PM I think Zen and MichaelJanzen both gave you very good advice. The best thing you can do is look at your life and see where you can work your practice time in. It's there if you want it. I currently have a 15 yr old stepson, twin girls and a full time job at a dryer plant. We have a lot of things going on between band/activities the girls decide to take part in and just the gota play with the kids time at home. Either way, the last few weeks I have started making myself find time to draw just about every day. It may only be for my last hour after the girls are in bed or I may get lucky and have more time to play around, but I do find time. Everyones situation is different of course, but I'm sure you can find a way if you really want to work on your art. Keep at it, DONT GIVE UP! Take er easy sir.

	Permalink #12
Drackonos Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 19 Member Thanks: 1 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	09-10-2012, 11:46 PM Oh and after looking at your portfolio, you are already well on your way man. Pretty good stuff in there, just dont give up and keep at it

	Permalink #13
Drackonos Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 19 Member Thanks: 1 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	09-10-2012, 11:51 PM This is my last post for now lol, I promise. I hadn't read your last post at first so I decided to take a closer look at your work. Honestly your better than me at what your doing but if it helps any I would say, try to pick a focus on each piece, and add more detail to it. It looks like each piece is a concept and not necessarily quite "finished". They are all great IMO, but they dont look like you took them as far as you might have wanted. I hope this helps...again, your better than me I believe so, lol, I may not be the best to give crits hehe. Laters

	Permalink #14
kjax89 Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 21 Member Thanks: 21 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	10-03-2012, 04:03 PM Thanks a lot Drackonos, knowing how much detail to put is a hard one for me because the picture tends to become a little dead if I work it to much or unfinished if I don't so I decided to go back to school. I've been working on this on my own, kind of need someone over my shoulders with constant feedback, you know.

	Permalink #15
HandcuffJockey Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 7 Member Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Another suggestion 10-06-2012, 04:29 AM I agree with the other comments above. Sketch book for sure. Draw on your lunches and breaks at work. Who knows you may get so excited about a drawing that you wont feel tired when you get home, you will just want to get there to start working on it. Also, maybe join an art guild in your area. I live in a smaller sized town and we still have several, so there should be some in your area. Most of them meet on regular basis, which may push you towards motivation, if you feel that is what you are lacking after work. It will also surround you by people of all skill levels who will all share input on eachothers work. Alot of them become friends outside of the meetings and classes and meet sperately whenever they can.