So this was originally gonna be a poll but my question got waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy too long so I decided to put this here!

As an artist, we go through several ups and down within the span of our time creating content. Inspiration comes and goes, artblocks frustrates you to hell before finally lifting, the whole shebang. But what I want to know is this:

What is one of your pivotal moments as an artist? Or as my professor once called it, an "A-ha!" moment?

It's a moment where something just... clicks in a way it usually doesn't, a sudden realization of sorts, and has a lasting impact on you and your artwork as a whole. Maybe you finally found your understanding in something you've struggled with, maybe you had an artblock that was suddenly broken by something that inspired you more than usual, maybe you looked at your own artwork and saw something in it that wasn't there before. Maybe it's the moment you saw or witnessed something that made you stop and say "I want to be an artist. I need to be an artist."

For a more personal example, here's a couple of mine: first one was when I saw How To Train Your Dragon 2. I've always loved animation but something about this movie made my heart stop and something in my head legit felt like it slid into place. It was the opening scene where Hiccup and Toothless are flying together over the ocean with the reinvention of the original theme and outta no-where I suddenly had the epiphany of "this is what I want to do." That was the moment I fully committed to the idea that I wanted art to be my career, and I am so glad that I did.

One more example, and a pretty recent one too! Some of you may know that I wasn't uploading a whole lot in 2018, specifically in the months between June and October. It was a really rough time, to the point where I legitimately stopped enjoying doing art; I just couldn't bring myself to do it and when I did it felt more like a chore than anything else. Fast forward to November: I was in a much better place and drawing was finally enjoyable again, but then I made this piece:

 

And as simple as it is, this is the moment something changed. I don't know how to describe it but I guess the best way I can is that I rediscovered my utter adoration for creating. I finish this drawing, and like the time in the dark movie theater 5 years ago, with me staring teary-eyed as Hiccup and Toothless soared through the clouds, something clicked. I fucking love drawing, art, animation. I love seeing and hearing it as much as I love creating it, I love it with every inch of my being, and no matter what happens I will always have it. From then on I dare say I created some of the best works I've had in a while.


So with that said, would you indulge me with sharing your pivotal moment as an artist? I'm not limiting this to just drawing either: if you write, if you make music, if you make sculptures or plushies, sew, whatever your medium of creativity is, we've all had at least one "A-ha!" moment. And I'd love to know yours!


And if you feel so inclined, share the work that is linked to that pivotal moment/AHA moment like I did. <:

So with the next PWYW commission stream coming this Sunday I wanted to reopen the slots for the one scheduled to happen after it, which is Feb 10th! A bit later than what I usually do but that's because I had a long think about how I presented these commissions and while the PWYW model worked well enough, I think there's enough justifying me to just change everything into a flat rate instead. Easier to keep up with pricing, cheaper for everyone involved in the long run, and just overall more organized and simple. SO, with that I present to you Mini Commissions, or what I've been calling them: Comm-Minis!

Prices and Rules:

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UPCOMING COMM-MINI STREAM:

(Sunday) Jan 13th

TIME: 12 PM EST: held all day until completion of every commission of the scheduled day

Where: picarto.tv/Earthsong9405

Jan 27th Slots: (closed)

1. robbieierubino

2. okami-chan227

3. Foxxies

4. Australian-Senior

5. sweetspea

6. Iowasi