The soul is in the specifics

Your path isn't supposed to look like theirs

Hello lovely souls,

Is it just me or as soon as April/May comes around life feels like it’s on 2x speed? Everything feels accelerated. The days might be longer but they feel shorter.

Recently I've been feeling like time is passing me by. I’ve found that when I feel like this I come down with a case of comparisonitis - ones condition to relentlessly compare themselves into a pit of self doubt… (if symptoms persist please seek professional medical advice #NotADoctor).

In my most recent Youtube video I received an abundance of queries around my working methods, but also many folk fretting that they “can’t” paint like this or that they are struggling to build their art style. Lemme tell you, what I share now hasn’t happened over night. It hasn’t even happened over a couple of years.

My Youtube audience reminded me something…we all compare no matter what, but It’s what we do with that comparison that counts.

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Extinguish or encourage

When I first set out on this weird career path, better known as, illustration, I remember being so consumed by the talents of other illustrators. Comparison would lead me to mimicking their style (albeit very crudely). It would leave me feeling so inadequate, ultimately extinguishing the fire in my belly to pursue my own artistic goals.

I was forgetting that these artists have probably gone through the exact same emotions and inner dialogue I was experiencing; “How do I find my style?” “How do I find the materials that works for me?” “Will I ever make a living from creating?”

However, after many failed attempts to become the next Oliver Jeffers I realised, what got them to where they are now is their ability to hone their own craft - not mimic that of another. Their success is built on layers upon layers of trial and error, mistakes and iterations but, above all - time.

Layers upon Layers

Although I often feel like I’m falling massively behind my peers, I take comfort in knowing that everyone’s story has unseen layers. Sometimes our own path can look so abstract, tricking us into believing we’re stagnant or behind. Take it from me; fretting about time, or lack thereof, comparing your day away or attempting to skip vital steps just to appear “successful” - trust me when I say that will come back to bite you in the a**.

The layer you’re currently in or working on might appear a little dubious or vague, but you have to trust the foundation you’re building. When I’m working on a painting I can’t leap ahead onto the next layer without a period of patience whilst I wait for this layer to dry. Do you get where I’m going with this silly little metaphor?

Believe me when I say I understand the frustration of waiting. The ambivalence of the “layer” you’re in, whether that’s career, artistic path, self growth - all of the above… can feel uncomfortable, static even. However, it goes without saying these layers are often the most important. Without them you can’t continue to build a clearer picture. You can’t get specific.

The devil is in the detail The soul is in the specifics

Before I begin adding details to my illustrations they often look unclear and a little messy. To bring it to life, to give it a little soul I need to get specific. However, specificity? Well, that’s specific to you.

There was a time I’d look at a fellow illustrators work and be in awe of their technique, from use of material to character style. In an attempt to be as good as them I'd scour the internet to find exactly what they did and how they did it. It’s all well and good learning the specifics of someone else’s achievements, but until these are put into practice, stripped back, rebuilt and specified to suit you, they are meaningless.

Social media makes it easily accessible for us to follow the exact infrastructure, process and protocols to build anything and everything; our careers, style… life. Obsessing over the details of someone else’s success hinders our ability to build our own and that’s why I say the soul is in the specifics because it’s how you do something that gives something meaning.

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I share all the layers in this video along with some honest chats - come join this ever-growing little family ❤

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I hope this is a gentle reminder that your path is supposed to look different. That the success of others should encourage you not extinguish yours. I hope it reminds you to always, always, honour your pace.

Until next time lovely souls,