It's been quite some time since I have updated this blog. Mostly because I have been far too busy working in 3D/uni work to do regular paintings like I used to but also because I've been having (another?) crisis with my art.

At the moment I'm really starting to enjoy working in 3D especially since using Zbrush; the program is the perfect balance for me. I have taken a big interest in improving my skills in that program and have come to terms with concept art and illustration not being the be-all end-all of my career.

Regardless of this, I still want to keep working on my painting skills as that really is where my main interests lie. Plus the satisfaction you get from a good painting far outweighs any feelings I get from 3D.  For my current university project I tried to produce some really good 2D concept and illustration work, and I didn't quite hit the high standard I'd set for myself. I know I'm certainly not the best but at the same time I did think I could do better.

Fortunately through all this I have been able to identify weaknesses and formulate a plan of action.

• Identify my strengths and begin to work specifically on those, accepting that anything more will have to be learned later in my own time
• Look at other artists that do the kind of work I like and study them
• Do more master studies
• Learn more about composition and lighting
• Work cleaner, especially with my concept art and presentation skills
• Be content but never satisfied
• Rinse and repeat

I really enjoy concept art, but I've began to accept that if I ever want work doing it then I will need to work in a more understandable and polished way; right now my concepts tend to make sense to me more than they do anyone else, so that has room for improvement.


Also the way I present my work makes a huge difference, but unfortunately I don't seem to have that great an eye for graphic design. Again that's just a case of looking at how others do it and translating that into my own work.

Art is a constant learning journey, but I aim to work smarter not harder.