[Awetopsy]

Im going through a dry spell creatively. Partly because of the type of work Im doing... and partly because i dont have time to sit and sketch/draw lately.

I have one image I just posted which took me a while.. moslty because i forced myself to do it...

but im wondering.. How do you, who are working professionally in design and illustration, keep yourself motivated when doing something you dont find interesting/fun/stimulating?

This has been my biggest problem and Im seriously searching for answers and tips on this.

thanx.

[liv the fish]

Deadlines.

That's my secret. Usually towards the end of a long project I lose interest. Especially if the client or my boss can't make up their minds. Whoops, don't want to make this a rant Some people say they work well under pressure. I don't about well (I'm my own worse critic of course), but I do work when the deadline is clearly stated. You may not be that kind of person though.

Short, this-ad-is-due-today things are pretty easy. Just go with a template or what I've done before with slight modifications.

I haven't really done that much self-interest drawing since I started working in advertising. But lately, I've decided that I'd rather follow my childhood dream of being an illustrator. It's been hard getting back into a drawing groove, but I just made up my mind and said I'll draw everyday. Even if it's just a doodle and even if I don't feel like drawing, I want some kind of image on paper. So far it's working. For me at least, I think even when I don't feel like it, I have to push my self, because what I love or my dreams are not coming to me.

I established an everyday-goal, and even if I hate what I drew or painted, I feel good that I've completed my goal for the day. I've met my own personal deadline. And I think that's what I need to build my motivation.

Maybe you can identify with some of that, or maybe you're completely different from me, but I hope that helps some.

Good luck,
Brian H.
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[Frog]

I think that the best way to keep motivated is to set personal challenges for yourself and do as much of your own work as you have time for. Even as an illustrator you don't enjoy stuff that you're paid to do as much as doing your own thing because other people's ideas and art direction can never be as inspiring to you as what comes from within yourself.

Find something that inspires you and go with it
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[eyewoo]

Professionally, I freelance, which may be a bit different than working for a company full-time. Freelancing generally brings in a variety of different jobs... and the motivation is keeping a good reputation and producing on schedule and on budget - it puts food on the table.

Personally, my motivation is less clear to me... I'm not really sure why I do my own stuff and I'm not entirely sure I need to know. At one time I thought it was because I love to do artwork, but I think its more of a need than a love. I do certainly get burned out at times and totally blanked on what to do. Then, it's time to step away... until some idea simply gets me back at it... I have no idea why it is so important to me...
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[R a n d i s]

i have a fixes job, tonns of other jobs, tonns of hobbies and not enough sleep.
In my free time i practice.
My motivation is simple.
I want to become immortal.
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[tilokani]

I'm not working, still in school, but I personally find creative solutions from music and ironic events and situations I encounter or notice in life.
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girls like shining

[Gort]

I know how you feel. I do graphic design for the most part, and a lot of it is the same ol' stuff - day in and day out. There are times when I just can't get the juices going; I'll "hit the wall". The pressure of a deadline sometimes helps, but I hate waiting till the last minute - it's often easier to overlook glaring errors.

So...

I meditate on relaxation; I really try to just clear my mind and start thinking from a clear slate. This might be in the form of a walk around the block or just sitting quietly somewhere away from work (park bench, etc). I will actually stop what I am doing and sketch a little. The point is that I have to completely detach from the task - momentarily break away; I try to make myself step away from it and observe from a remote location.
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"You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf" - Jack Kornfield