The good ones say the same! ~lol
Probably modesty on their part, and accuracy on mine!
It always comes down to work and practice. Once I understood my purpose I crafted a lifestyle devoted to its mastery. I have digital subscriptions and in-person classes that move me towards that goal.
There are a lot of really good digital training programs out there now days.
I appreciate personal instruction. I’ll muddle through a subject to get my bearings but after that I’ll turn to a professional to further my growth. The muddling enables me to discern where to go and diminishes my dependence on others for recommendations.
I have considered signing up for classes with acrylic. If I were going to do traditional media it would probably be with that. May add it to my list of things to do.
I always preferred the piano but also played the flute and clarinet. I plan to resume my piano lessons when I’m done with my design studies. I enjoy the violin too but my penchant for languages takes precedence.
That is a lot to learn! Baritone and trombone overlap. Basically very similar except you use a slide instead of valves. I only learned the trombone because they needed someone for the jazz band in high school! But then it turns out they needed more trombones anyway for marching band, concert band, etc.
So I’m limiting myself and trading a pleasure for a skill that will benefit my work and mission. That comes first. French and Italian are first since I’ll be in Europe for school. Mandarin will take longer and Hebrew is a matter of practice and reducing my use of transliterated books.
Interesting! Is this modern Hebrew or Biblical?
I have many interests but only pursue the ones I can monetize or make a profit from. This keeps my return on investment relatively high and avoids time wasters. I try to focus on purposeful activities. This helps me to validate how my time is spent and increase my productivity. Even this has its purpose. ;-)
It is good to have a purpose with it.
I have never made a full career out of my art, but looking back I did use elements of it quite a bit. We have had art groups at church that were for social and outreach purposes, and are planning to do one soon again. And I have wound up using quite a bit of vector and layout work for websites, promotional materials for evangelistic meetings, logos, etc.
Still, sometimes it is nice to do something that isn't related to productivity.
Sometimes I can see it in my mind or grasp the concept intuitively. I’d be the first to admit I’m operating in spiritual gifting rather than talent. I don’t always know how I know but I do.
That is interesting. I don't have spiritual gifts in that area, but in the ones that I do, I understand what you mean. It happens without the talent because it is a gift.
One of my daughters seems to have that in art. She helps out with a card ministry to encourage people. They send cards to people all over who are struggling, or sick, or in prison. It is a way to pray for them and encourage them. She makes all of her cards from hand, and paints or draws them. She couldn't explain the first bit of technique, but she just starts and it works.
That was a staple of my upbringing and etiquette programs were popular in my youth. The book I mentioned was part of the Wendy Ward Charm School. I kept it up as an adult and continue to learn.
Just looked that up. That was associated with Montgomery Ward?
The advice certainly goes against the grain of much in society today!
We used them in chat rooms and forums. Much like the one I’m displaying now. My avatars are always a reflection of my person or what I desire to convey. They are never random.
Ok, that is what I thought was intended, but was not sure. That is how I originally got into digital programs as well. Although that was back when I was younger, and it was on video game forums. We would put together free signature images for people based on game elements, or just something about their personality. At first I was using more photo manipulation techniques for them, integrating game elements, but then started painting or drawing images as well.
I loved to whistle! But I was made to stop because it wasn’t ladylike. I never mastered the two-fingered move. That brought on the prohibition! ~laughs
I actually never tried that signaling whistling either. I suppose that one does get loud.
I do the usual whistling, and then learned another type that you can do without moving your lips, mainly to annoy teachers in high school.
We all had creative pursuits. My parents limited our television consumption. PBS was one of the few stations we could watch without limitations. That’s how I discovered Julia, woodworking, and home improvement. I’m fond of all three today.
That is what we did with our kids. When I was growing up however, I did not do a lot of creative things. Which looking back is a little odd. My dad did woodworking and making craft items from grapevine, etc. I helped with that a little. My mom did all kinds of sewing and quilting. But mostly we kids played sports, rode bikes, did Boy Scout stuff, or watched tv. Probably would have been better had we done more creative things.
I exploit holidays and birthdays for business and creative pursuits. This guarantees the gifts are useful and my growing wish list is addressed.
For graphite and colored pencils I’m purchasing Caran d’Ache. I like Luminance for its vibrancy and lightfastness.
I hear good things about the brand, but haven't heard as much about their pencils. Their pastels and watercolors I have seen more. It looks like they are a wax base, but not as prone to wax bloom as the Prismacolor. Usually Caran d'Ache is just plain out of my price range!
We enjoyed Prismacolor over the years, but their quality seems to have gone down as of late.
The ones I would really like to try are the Fabercastell Polychromos for colord pencils. They have an oil rather than wax base so you avoid the wax bloom, and they tend to be sturdy. The reviews, other than the white, seem to be really good. Most say the white you should just use a different brand for blending.
We have used some Fabercastell water color pencils that performed well for a good price.
Let me know how the Caran d’Ache turn out on those.
For markers, Winsor & Newton ProMarkers are popular for fashion. I like Copic too and may use them for mixed media projects.
The Windsor and Newton have top notch pigments, but unless it recently changed they do not have refillable markers. That saves some money over time with the Copics, though the Copics are a heavy investment at first. Also, there is one type that has the brush tip with WN, but not all of theirs do.
We have used a bit of Copics, and some of the Fabercastell Pitt pens, which are slightly different. Then we also used some Tombo water soluble.
Most I have heard think the Copics come out on top for alcohol based. However, if you don't mind re-buying the particular markers WN are good.
Compared to the other types of art supplies markers seem like the place you can really spend a lot of money just to get a base collection.
I have a lot of craft items. I enjoy memory keeping and have digital and physical scrapbooking materials and machines. Now I’m sewing and have two machines (electric and mechanical) and a serger. I’m looking to purchase a combo unit next year with an embroidery module.
And I’m taking two sewing classes in 8-week intervals and building sewing furniture in a woodworking class. I need a studio! The cutting cart and sewing desk will provide greater storage and mobility. But I can’t add anything else without turning my home into a craft store! Although I’m smitten with needlepoint but that’s okay. ;-)
I’m not a minimalist but I’m mindful of clutter. My projects are intentional. I’d like to take up quilting and I’m accommodating it with a desk and drop leaf. But my projects will be largely home decor and lap quilts. The latter make nice gifts and are easy to store.
My long-term goal is to learn couture, tailoring, and pattern-making. Two are part of my studies. Tailoring is precise and more involved but the hand skills are second to none.
Most designers don’t craft their products or draft patterns. Personal fulfillment is part of my desire as is expertise. To be able to turn a sketch into a pattern and a finished garment is my aim. That depth of fulfillment is heaven born. Its Him working through me.
That would be fantastic. I wonder how long it would take to turn all of those ideas into reality!
I’ll be able to minister to women through my work. What more could I ask for?
That is a great opportunity.
