Most artists are visual people. They easily imagine or visualize in their mind’s eye how they’d like something to look. A ghost of an idea flits across their brain which causes an itch to capture the image on paper. As they noodle around with the idea, either in their mind or on paper, the idea starts to solidify and take shape until eventually the artist completes a finished sketch or painting. Artists can typically “see” things in their mind in great detail. They can see the pattern of bee’s markings, the colors in a summer sunset, or the movement of an imaginary character as it dashes across the page.
I propose this ability to imagine or visualize is a powerful skill we as artists can use in a slightly different way to help us achieve our artist dreams. In the world of personal development, Life Coaches and Psychologists teach world-class athletes, business executives and entertainment performers how to use the power of visualization and mental practice to achieve greater success.
Many research studies have been conducted which indicate the power and effectiveness of using visualization to improve performance. I recently came across an example in Psychology Today about a man named, Natan Sharansky, a computer specialist who spent 9 years in prison in the USSR after being accused of spying for the U.S. While in solitary confinement, Natan played himself in mental chess, saying: “I might as well use the opportunity to become the world champion!” Amazingly in 1996, Sharansky beat world champion chess player Garry Kasparov! We also saw over and over again in the 2010 Winter Olympics athletes practicing their run or event in their mind just before launching into their course.
I personally used this technique last Fall with amazing results. Unlike some artists you read about, I wasn’t born with a pencil in my hand. Drawing didn’t come naturally or easily to me. In fact, my route to becoming a commercial artist was circuitous one. I would have given up long ago, if it hadn’t been for the fact that I’ve always wanted to be able to be able to capture my ideas on paper; which brings me back to visualization.
Last fall, I began using visualization to make the process of creating art come more easily to me. I started imaging myself sitting down at my studio desk sketching away fast and furiously. Frankly, the ideas had always come quickly and easily, but capturing them on paper had always been the hard part for me. When I thought about creating art, instead of worry about not being able to draw or bring my ideas to life, I began visualizing myself easily sketching my ideas onto paper. I saw myself effortlessly filling the page with doodles, sketches, thumbnails, and completed designs. As I visualized, I allowed myself to feel excited, euphoric, amazed and proud of the work that I was bringing to life on the page.
I had been doing this visualization practice for a month or so, when one day, October 4, 2009, to be exact, I decided that morning’s practice would be emulating the look of one of Rachelle Anne Miller’s digital designs. Rachelle’s illustrations have the look and feel of watercolor but she creates all of her work digitally on the computer using Adobe Photoshop. The piece I chose was adorable illustration of a family of frogs. I wanted to capture a similar look and feel; however I wanted to do it with watercolor on paper.
My first two watercolor frog illustrations
I successfully created two frog illustrations. And, suddenly I was on fire! I was smitten by this little frog character and sketching froggies fast and furiously. The ideas – and more importantly the sketches – just kept coming. Suddenly the process, which had always been a struggle, was easy …just the way I had visualized for a month or two before.
I do realize that not everyone is going to be excited because they can sketch and paint a frog! For me, frogs have led to elves, snowmen, garden icons, and all sorts of other imagery. I’ve always had a yen to create “usuable” art, a.k.a. licensed art so it makes sense my “art” would take this form. Your artistic desires may be different. You may be yearning to paint more beautiful landscapes, draw more realistic people, or illustrate dragons and monsters. The subject or form of art really doesn’t matter, what matters is that you consider using your ability to visualize as a personal performance tool to achieve your artistic goals. Give it a shot and start “seeing” greater things for yourself and your art!
Visualization resources:
Creative Visualization and the Benefits of Visualization – web article
Law of Abundant Attraction and Creative Visualization – web article
Visualization Enhances Performance – web article
Creative Visualization – book
Using Visualization to create Success – video
Five Visualization Tips for Creating Your Performing Edge – video
I just finished reading a great book called The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everythingby Sir Ken Robinson, PhD. The book gives inspiring examples of how people such as Paul McCartney, Gillian Lynne, Matt Groening, Paul Sameulson, Meg Ryan, Don Lipski and many more discovered their element. Many of the stories are of individuals who weren’t very good in school or didn’t quite fit in. At first glance, you’d think they were destined for failure ….until the moment they discovered their element. At that moment, everything changed. If you’re wondering what “the element” is. It’s the sweet spot you find yourself in when your abilities meet your passions.
Milking the Creative Cow Exercise #1
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