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Answering YOUR Questions!
For this blog session, I invited Patrons to participate in the first ever Spice & Rose Q&A! So let's dive on in and explore these answers together! And don't forget to slide on over to Patreon, if you want to participate in future Patreon exclusive content!
Where do you pull inspiration from?
This is a timely question, because I find my inspiration is currently changing. Fan content is easy to explain away--it's usually a combination of whatever I'm into at the time, old favorites, and the occasional request for training materials. In short, a lot of Nintendo, a dash of D&D, and a sprinkle of magical girls.
In focusing on my personal work, or how I'd like to see my style grow, it becomes a way more complicated question. Since the studio name change, I feel free to explore a softer and more natural side to my artistic style. I often grumble that I feel torn between two styles in life and in art: super bright pop + hip-hop and softer pastel and nature based works. I do bright, pop styles well. Not surprising, since I've had more time to research and explore them. I'm well versed in Lisa Frank, Takashi Murakami, synthpop, and Japanese pop culture. Heck, my university thesis papers were Contemporary Japanese Art. Let that sink in for a second. What I consider Natural styles are new and exciting to me. I want to learn watercolor and gouache. I want to have the time to learn botanical drawings. I want to add sweeping landscapes and Tolkien-esque epic stories to my work. It's something softer, cozier, and far more fantasy driven than the pop-styled works I already create. So, I draw inspiration from Beatrix Potter, Brambly Hedge, Tolkien, Harvest Moon / Story of Seasons and Zelda titles, and D&D. It's fantasy, it's cozy, it's a bunch of well-dressed mice living in a fully stocked kitchen.
How do you find the strength to overcome creative blocks?
Yo, real talk here. Sometimes, you don't overcome the block. Sometimes you get a problem so infuriating or life gets too, well, life-y, that you're not going to get over a block that day.
The thing to recognize, is that there are different types of blocks. Some are caused by outside stress. Some are created because you're hyperfocusing on a problem. Others are caused by fear.
The trick is learning to get in touch with yourself--in a self-awareness way, not in a 90's R&B way.
Unless that works for you, then by all means, keep doing you.
Think of your creative blocks as gigantic creatures. If you can understand what kind of creature you're dealing with, you can plan a course of action on how to either vanquish or take care of it. Here are some questions you can ask yourself when faced with a creative block:
Do I have to work on this right now? Is a deadline causing anxiety?
Do I have all the information I need to properly work on this piece? Do I need to research or ask questions?
Can I step away for a little while?
Are there outside events affecting my overall stress and anxiety levels?
Have I eaten lately? Have I had water today? What is my general health like?
When was the last time I saw the sun?
Have I taken a break lately? When was the last time I spent some time outside of the studio?
Can I talk to someone about my problems with this piece? If I feel I can't take a break, do I have someone I trust who will encourage me to step away?
Will anyone notice my "mistakes"?
If I haven't worked on art for a long time, can I carve out ten minutes today just to draw for fun?
What you may have noticed, is that this list looks very similar to most "self care" checklists, and for good reason. In my personal experience, my blocks pop up when I'm overly stressed and need to step away for a little bit to take care of myself. Even with a deadline looming, self care is the best way to ensure you can work through any creative blocks you might be facing! A relaxed mind works wonders.
And there you have it! This round of Q&A is complete! Do you have any burning questions you'd like answered? Sound off in the comments below, or sign up for Patreon and engage with me and the rest of the family!
