Motivation, where do ya'll get it?

loggie24

Ok, so after trowing away files after files, folders after folders, scenes after scenes i'm starting to get a bit clueless. I have no idea where to go, what i want to do, all i know is that i want to make something without giving up or trowing it away because i'm not happy with it.

I'm a perfectionist sadly, and with expectations i have realized a long time ago i can't hold up. I have been doing environment art for about two years, and at this point i know i have the skills to make practically anything given the right motivation.

But i can't find any...

jfitch

It's not about motivation man, it's about discipline and habits. Start working on stuff every day, give yourself rewards for accomplishing goals, learn and get better by doing and stop worrying about being "perfect" because you never will be. You'll never hit a moment where you go "Damn, I'm done here, don't need to learn anymore."

I don't mean to be harsh here but motivation has nothing to do with it. Is inspiration important? Of course, you should try to find some inspiration--find a game with gorgeous art that you want to replicate, travel (even if its just around the city you live) and find interesting things that you'd want to make in 3d. Learn a new toolset (sometimes this can be more inspiring than anything!), sketch everything you see for a day (or every day!), listen to a new album, or go view an art gallery that has nothing to do with environment art. Sometimes that inspiration is all you need to get started. The hard part is the finishing.

If you're curious about building habits and working that way, this [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424103465&sr=8-1&keywords=building+habits"]book[/ame] is really interesting.

loggie24

Your probably right saying it's more of a habit thing. For the past years i have been a bit "wild", constantly doing things i tell myself not to. I should probably smack myself and get straight. But not being motivated makes this much harder sadly.

SuperFranky

glottis8

http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148676&highlight=motivation

Fuiosg

I wouldn't throw your old stuff away. I'm a perfectionist too, and seeing my old work is a reminder of how I've improved.. and sometimes it's surprising because you find a thing you made a year ago or so and it's actually pretty good. But I agree with the other response, the main thing is to just keep chugging along, give yourself harder and more varied tasks. It's like being at the gym, you don't make gains if you're always lifting the same weight.

WarrenM

I'm a perfectionist

I thing perna pointed out in another thread that "perfectionist" is often a synonym for "procrastinator". In other words, you'd rather spend time noodling on a tiny little piece of detail or working out an unnoticeable error than start something new or just FINISH the piece you're on.

Do work. It's the only path forward.

loggie24

Great stuff dustin, will read it tomorrow.

WarrenM spot on!

Thanks everyone

jfitch

dustinbrown wrote: »

http://www.dustinbrown.com/getshitdone/

Watched all of these, they're awesome! Thanks man.

AtomicChikkin

I'll be echoing the idea of "discipline" you gotta be able to steel yourself to sit for hours. I think we all suffer from this idea that we have to "be a pro," and continue to marginalize, rather, than strive for improvement.

Case in point on my traditional art, I sink anywhere from 4-20 hours on a single piece (call it insane, but it's discipline).

Other thing: take breaks often and work on different objects, flexible subject matter and workflow. Or, if you don't feel motivated, take a small break and try the sketchbook. And final word of advice? Draw in a sketchbook a lot.

Tobbo

I'd echo what everyone else has already said.

Also, try doing one of the monthly noob challenges.