An Artistic Identity Crisis

I've been going through one of those angst ridden struggles I think we all go through in our creative lives. Mine focused on style issues.

Mainly, that I've become dissatisfied with my work and the process. I felt as if it had become formulaic...as if I'd been assembling illustrations rather than drawing and painting.

While I'm very happy with the educational jobs I've been getting, I hunger for some picture book work in addition. I really want to tell a story.

So I've been working on some new stuff. I'm sure it's not where it's going yet, but I ENJOYED it. I went without sleep to work on it. This is a good thing.

It feels really good to enjoy working. I got that kind of creative "high" thing you get where you get goose bumps and your teeth chatter. I haven't felt that in a long time.

 

Comments

[Paige Keiser]

Janee! these are just fantastic!!!

[paula]

I sure understand the 'style crisis' stuff and dissasifaction feeling. I feel as though I'm in a constant state of that myself. I was reading some comments by Paul Zelinsky, who basically said he doesn't work in any one style (I liked that), but let's the project dictate the style. I can relate to that as I do several different things. And, Janee, one of the other reasons I do that is so my work will stay fresh to me. I get bored with only doing one style of stuff. Anyway, I say all that to encourage you in your moving about in your exploration of your techniques, etc. : ) (sorry for the awkward wordiness of this; it's late : ))

[wynlen]

I can realate to the style crisis. I'm looking at my own work these days, to see if I like what my style has grown into or if I feel like I've lost something on my way that I need to bring back to my work again. Very difficult. Just keep drawing and experimenting, and it will figure itself out I guess.
I like all the action going on in your fish bowl illustration.

[roz]

It's such an exciting feeling when you tap into that creative high. Hopefully it's my turn next! teehee! Love this new look!

[Don]

Janee, I love your stuff. Another process question. Are you painting over black in Painter? Are you doing complete illustrations in Illustrator and painting over in Painter? And also, and the biggest problem I have with painting in Painter, how do you stay in the lines? Are you using a mask, or using a very tiny brush variant along the edges. I'm going to try this technique on my next newspaper assignment. Today. Any tips would be greattly appreciated.

[Janee]

Thanks y'all!

I think these moments are all part of the creative process -- growing pains. We get bored and dissatisfied with our work so we can and will experiment and move forward.

Don, I sent you a big long email about the process, but for a quick overview: Yes, painted on black. No, no vectors. Just painting right over a reversed sketch. FUN!

Janee

[donna]

Hey Janee,
I like the new look! The images are wonderful. Different, yet still very recognizably you! I hope to eventually have a style to be sick of. The grass is always greener! I would love to just button down one look, but as I progess, things seem to change. I guess at this stage I see that as a weakness, but once I am more consistant, I will probably be feeling what you are. I think it's just an artist thing, the constant process of evolving.
I also had wondered the same process questions as Don :)

[Snowbear]

goosebumps and teeth chattering! You are in the ZONE! And growing -- there is no growth without a little pain and angst.
Good for you to have the courage to try something new and test out the new waters.