Today, we're diving into a topic that has probably crossed every artist's mind at some point, Should you really be drawing every day? You know the drill, those YouTube videos, Instagram posts, and Pinterest boards, all shouting the same mantra: "Draw every day to get better!" But, is that really the golden rule?
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Picture this, You're sitting at your desk, sketchbook open, pencils sharpened, but your hand hovers above the page, frozen. You've been told that drawing every day is the key to becoming a great artist, but here you are, struggling to even start. Sound familiar? It does to me.
I don't draw every day. Shocking, right? Especially coming from someone who's made art a significant part of their life. But here's the thing—I've tried. Oh, have I tried. But each time, I hit the same wall. The wall of procrastination, self-doubt, and, dare I say, burnout.
Typically, forming a habit takes about 90 days, just over three months. But what if you have ADHD or ASD? That 90 days could stretch into an indefinite timeline. If you're like me, you know the frustration of trying to build that habit, only to have it crumble after one bad day.
One day. That's all it takes to knock down the house of cards you've built. You miss a day, and suddenly you're spiraling, thinking, "Oh no, I'm a failure." But are you?
Let's flip the script. What if I told you that not drawing every day could be just as beneficial? I know, it sounds unexpected, but hear me out. Taking breaks isn't just okay, it's essential. You need time to recharge, to let new ideas simmer, and to avoid turning something you love into a chore.
But wait, doesn't drawing every day make you learn faster? Well... yes and no. It's a double-edged sword. Yes, repetition builds mastery, but only if it's joyful. If missing a day makes you feel like a failure, then is it really worth it?
Absolutely not. Drawing should bring you joy, not a sense of dread. And if it doesn't, then maybe it's time to rethink that "daily drawing" rule.
Now, let's talk about procrastination,a word that's almost synonymous with ADHD. I'm a master at it. But why do we procrastinate, especially when it comes to something we love?
For me, it's not the act of drawing itself that I avoid. It's the effort of getting started. The mental energy it takes to gather supplies, to plan a complex project, or even just to sit down and begin can feel like climbing a mountain.
I remember talking to my occupational therapist about this. I was venting about how I could think about drawing for days, feeling motivated in my mind, but somehow unable to translate that into action. And do you know what she said?
"If you're thinking about it, you are motivated. Just start." Simple advice, right? But if you're in this boat, you know it's not that easy.
When we procrastinate, there's usually a reason. Often, it's about avoiding something, even within an activity we love. Maybe it's the setup, maybe it's the fear of not living up to our own expectations, or maybe it's just... too many steps. For me, if a project has too many steps, it might as well be climbing Everest.
And that's okay. It's okay to acknowledge that and to work with it, not against it.
So, what's the takeaway here? My best advice, Draw when you feel like it. Let your inspiration guide you. If a week goes by and you haven't touched your sketchbook, that's okay. Forcing yourself will only drain your energy and your passion. And honestly, isn't that the last thing you want?
So, should you draw every day? Maybe, maybe not. It's not a one-size-fits-all answer. Listen to yourself, to your needs, and most importantly, to your joy. Art is about expression, about freedom, not about rigid rules.
Thanks for joining me on this journey today. If this resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it too. And until next time, keep creating, on your terms.
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