How My Brain Shapes My Art Journey

The Ups and Downs with ADHD & ASD

Feb 14, 2025

Hello! 😁

I’ve come to realize that my ADHD and ASD definitely influence my art in all kinds of ways, some obvious, some not so much.

One thing I keep noticing is how I tend to forget steps in my art process. Like, I’ll totally miss adding reflections or even highlights sometimes. There are just so many stages to rendering, and even though I’ve written them all down, I never actually look at those notes. And honestly, those notes change over time anyway, so keeping track feels impossible.

When I’m in the zone, though? Oh man, it’s full-on hyperfocus mode. Headphones on, non-vocal music blasting, it’s like magic. Those pieces come together FAST when that happens. Haha! But there’s a flip side to that energy too. If I decide to stop after just sketching, thinking I’ll add colors later, it almost always backfires. If I don't keep going when I’m in the flow, there’s a huge chance I’ll never finish the piece. It’s like hitting reset on my brain, and I just can’t get back into it.

But when I do finish a piece and it turns out great? The energy boost is REAL. I’m hyped for hours or at least until something ruins the vibe. If that happens? Boom, energy gone. It’s like someone pulled the plug. So now I try to just soak in the good feeling and maybe play some games instead of pushing my luck.

You’ve probably noticed I’ve stopped chasing perfection in my work recently. And you know what? I’m loving it. I got so tired of trying to make everything flawless, especially when I keep forgetting steps anyway. Letting it be messy feels way more authentic. It’s kind of a reflection of me, my brain is chaotic, always buzzing with ideas. Why pretend to be perfect when I’m not?

My ADHD and ASD aren’t just obstacles, though. They’re also creative superpowers. My brain constantly throws out new ideas to draw. The challenge is getting those ideas onto paper. I think in crazy high detail, and if I can’t recreate what I see in my head, I get stuck. Turns out that’s called hyperphantasia, I just learned about it, and I’m planning to explore it more this year.

So yeah, ADHD and ASD are both my creative allies and my greatest foes. And do I have an art style? Nope. My brain just draws what it feels, and I’m totally okay with that. Took few years to accept that, but I have now.

❄️ My Art Journey

I have not been able to do much art this week. Some sketches here and there. Nothing more. I have been thinking, but no start button.... Kind of sucks!

❄️ Sketches

I tired to follow my Wolf course by Aaron Blaise. The left side, I tried to make it as good as his. And it will never work, because I don't draw wolves much, yet. So the second try I just tried to be more me and only watch the sketch stage he did. Got little better.