General Art Discussion

[Zhonin]

Hey guys and gals! So I figure alot of you are really involved in the art world in one way or another, and that I should definitely try and get involved with the several hundred art communities that are out there. So, I am going to jump in with both feet and ask you guys a few questions. First off a little background, I am an art student at a state university and I enjoy it greatly. Although, I often find myself a little lost when a lot of the art professors here talk about making all kinds of art, more than just doodling in a sketch pad. (One of my favorite past-times) They emphasize that I should make art with a purpose other than just drawing to make a pretty picture, which this is what I find a little confusing. This is because I aim to try and do game art and illustration and usually, or at least i feel, its important to make a satisfying picture for whomever your making it for. Maybe I am too focused on making good looking works so that I can get a job, and this is what most of the teachers see as an incorrect way to view or use art. As I type this out I can kind of see where they might see that. Also, it is suggested that I try and critically analyze everything that take inspiration from and I produce, which admittingly, I need to do more studying, not only of real objects but of cultures and mythos so that I can keep the design ideas from being stagnant. Anyways, to get down to the question at hand, I am curious, How do you guys feel about art? Is there really have to be a distinction between commercial and art for arts sake? What is important for a piece of artwork to be successful. Lastly, is there an art to video games, game art, and illustration? Sorry for the long post, I hope I can get more involved with the community here as well as make a few friends. ~thanks Zhonin

[Meteorskies]

Hello to you Zhonin! This is something ony you can answer in my opinion. As far as I'm concerned, art is just something I like to do. I don't overthink about it. Art is just art for me. I didn't take the art path as job to be able to keep it as it is: hobby; so I don't have this kind of questions in mind. However I think to make a job out of your passion, you must keep it as you like it or it will be pointless. That may be what your teachers think if I understood well what you said. It is also true not all kind o art can make it into the game industry, so some kind of "formatting" may be needed. Still my opinion, art must be something which "flows". Liking what you paint will always be more satisfying than to please a client. If both can meet, it's a double win, but I wouldn't "restrain" myself to meet a client's taste. The best would be to have no distinction between commercial art and art for art's sake. An artwork must be successful for you above all. If you are satisfied with your piece, then you can choose whether to pay attention to what others say (which doesn't mean they can't have some good points when giving critics). To be successful, I would say you need to like it and to have improved a bit thanks to it. I'm not sure I understand the last question. Again I'm completely disconnected of the art industry so I can only give you my feelings about art and it may not be something you can take into account if you want to make it to the industry. As far as I'm concerned, I know I wouldn't make it to the industry if I had to disregard what I've explained so far. Some of our members are much more qualified to talk about the industry and I suggest you check the other threads in this section, some might interest you.

[Mugshotpro]

Zhonin, Like Meteor say's, only you can decide if your art is successful. there really is no formula for success in art. studies and critiques and practice all have their place in improving skill levels it is true. so if you are not feeling you are succeeding as an artist, then you should push yourself to learn in the areas you think you would like to improve. If you hope to create art for a living, then you must be passionate about it and create a "buisness plan" for yourself, as to how you can create income from making the kind of art you like to make. You can also create art how others want you to make, but you will most likely not be happy with that type of work. here is a resource for you it is a site that asks many of the same types of questions you have. the PODCAST area host interviews with professional illustrators and artists. in these interviews they reveal how they have made a living at doing what they love to do:) http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/podcast/

[Zhonin]

Thanks mugshot and meteor, I will definitely check out those threads and links that you provided! I know for a fact one of my problems when it comes to art is that I tend to over think everything. I think its because I am left brained and initially I was thinking about doing computer sciences instead of art. I switched because I did not enjoy calculus haha. Anyways, thanks again!