5 EXCUSES why you just can't do better!

You really want to, you've worked hard to develop the skills you have and you enjoy every minute of doing what you love. And besides, people say that your artworks are...nice. Cute. Doesn't that count for something? Sure it does, there is no reason to panic and pointlessly push yourself forward. Enjoy your coffee break!

Besides, even if you didn't like the current level as much, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it at the moment. So many unfortunate happenings stand right between you and your dream. Recognizing any of the following?

1 - You don't have the time

You're right! After all, you are a human being, not a machine, waking up early every morning, heading to school/work, afterwards taking care of the household/kids/your homework, studying, you barely even finish all the tasks during the 24 hours that's been given to everyone.

On the other hand, is there absolutely no way to squeeze in one hour to practice? What about that two hour lunch you have with your friend just to talk through all the pointless news? How about cutting a few minutes out of your gaming/tv time? Think harder, you'll realize that our time is distributed amongst things we WANT to do.

2 - You don't have enough money to buy proper supplies

Sure this is a valid point, I mean look at those artists and their work, they use such fancy paints and equipment that makes them achieve the best results without probably no work at all. Where would you get such material? Without such advantage, there is no point in trying.

On the other hand, have you seen those exceptionally awesome artists who work with nothing but pencil and paper? No the pencil is not magical, I'm sure you have one of those by your side right now. Pick it up, because this excuse has just expired.

3 - You're not talented enough

Of course, famous artists were born with different hands and eyes like yours, you have absolutely no artistic talent swimming inside your veins. You tried your best but your subjects are stiff, coloring just wrong, better to give up now before you make a fool out of yourself.

On the other hand, you still can't be sure whether you have the talent. You won't know that when your mom gives you pencils at 3, you won't know when you're trying to paint at 20 for the first time in years. You might find out perhaps after months / years of continuous training and practice. Only that and nothing but that can release and show your talent. The questions is, do you WANT to find out?

4 - Nobody supports nor likes your work

It gets rough when you're alone with what you do. You want to share your results but nobody seems to care, or - in a worse scenario - you meet the cruel reality of your family telling you that this is simply not your cup of tea. Have you ever had a sibling yell at you that you're just no good and should give it up right now? (I did ) How can one proceed with no support?

On the other hand, good luck basing your decisions on other people's opinions and preferences. Even your family, even if you love them, they have their own hobbies and taste in arts. When you make your peace with this, you are a big step ahead with your work, and you will be doing it only for yourself - this is the best motivation and it lasts whole life.

5 - There is too much competition

So you took the time to practice, obtained material that you can afford, risen above the talent rumors, made your peace with not having your family blessing and keep on making your artworks. However, it doesn't sell, there is no opportunity for exhibition right now, and online world is full of such brilliant artworks beyond compare. Too many great people around you, what's the point in trying?

On the other hand, THIS is exactly the point in trying harder. Competition hurts sometimes but it has one great side effect - motivation to beat it. If you never saw that brilliant illustration and so many people being excited about it, perhaps you would be on your coffee break again, thinking how you've mastered the craft already. And now you are working on yourself instead and that makes the tomorrow's YOU better.