The greatest external difficulties in the creative process

[GothickangelStudios]

Since my MVA (others caused) over 10 years ago.. my brain was badly damaged so was my spine. So having to relearn to draw, but also grip issues at times.
Plus my eyes always seen the world in motion now. Its like nystagmus, minus my eyes dont physically move. But in my head my brain perceives it as left to right or up and down. So trying to draw + focus can become physically crossed eyed for hours + migraines.
Then if family visits for a while. I have to deal with excessive light and loud constant sounds. My brain overstimulates and then it triggers my seizures.
So I plan out around the symptoms and pace. I do alot of storyboards and mocks up so I can adjust for all that.
I used to be able to do a full illustration in 1 day, now it can take months to a year.

[MelancholicOtaku]

I tend to get really bad headaches which makes the writing process really hard.

[Leyelle]

do you know what causes them?

[simplykit]

back in 2019, I couldn't decide if I was making a traditional Japanese black and white manga with a panel that should be read from right to left lol

I'm using pencil and paper for my drawings and was worried if it would appear outdated compared to the digital images out there

Wasn't really much of a writer so i was worried about making a good story

[MelancholicOtaku]

@Leyelle I’m in the process of trying to figure that out.

[jwabeasley]

It can be frustrating when your folks don't understand what you do or are good at. Mine never have, even my work now gets more pleasant confusion than anything else. The only cure for that that I know of is to move out and live on your own, which is not easy but it helps a lot.

A crummy day job but living on your own beats living at home with the folks hands down. And not all day jobs have to be crummy!

Get that GED! Make going indie a top priority, it is worth it!

[jwabeasley]

As it turns out, traditional is the way to go these days!

[wolflu66]

After the proliferation of AI-generated images, traditional art has actually increased in value, because it possesses true uniqueness. This is something that digital art does not have.

[Leyelle]

I agree, and it's one of my goals, unfortunately, when I was 12 my parents moved outside of the U.S. so I can't get my GED at the moment (they don't let you take it online/remotely, you have to be in the US.) I'd definitely take a crummy day job and independence if/when it's an option, I just have to get back to the U.S.A. first.

[jwabeasley]

There are often diplomat-oriented international options if you look for them. I did the IB diploma program, and one of my school friends went to the American School in London. There's probably a way to get some equivalent where you are. I can't do the research for your specific situation, but a quick online search yielded a GED test center in Santo Domingo along with some very affordable GED prep programs.

Your embassy/consulate should have someone you can contact who can point you in the right direction if you can't find anything or need external help. I've worked with state department folks professionally and the ones I've worked with have all been great guys with a lot more knowledge than you'd expect!

If your folks are uncooperative, it might take some extra creativity and determination, but every obstacle is surmountable with some perseverance.

[Leyelle]

but every obstacle is surmountable with some perseverance.

definitely. and thanks for the information!

[NickRowler]

I sometimes get cabin fever. It can be difficult because I just want to drop everything and just get out of the house.

I will sometimes even just go to Walmart to just grab a snack or something. I just have trouble being in doors all day. It stresses me out.

Other times I will just be too stressed to draw and usually nothing will get done when I am in that state.

[suzune]

I'm quite busy with current school projects and exams so it's hard to balance between writing stories, I often have too many ideas so sometimes they fight in my head and give me a headache. As for drawing, I'm quite lazy so I rarely draw normal lines, all draw chi bi lines but it's fun. My friends and I draw on normal A4 paper then take pictures, type in the dialogue and upload so sometimes it doesn't look good. :trống:

[Tursastheeternal]

Sleep deprivation. My day job has completely messed up my sleep schedule, so I often sleep only 6-3 hours a day, only getting a full night's sleep during weekends (if lucky). not only does it take away a lot of energy and motivation, when it get's really bad it starts being difficult to keep my hands steady.

[Shanny8]

I'm the opposite...I hate getting out- especially on the weekends. I hate dealing with slow drivers or stupid drivers and traffic, I hate dealing with people who like to get in my way at the grocery stores and Walmart. My "perfect day" is just me chillin in the house, working on art, listening to music OR watching a good anime, and eating some delicious snacks.

@Tursastheeternal I think I'm in sleep deficit...no matter how much sleep I get, I always feel like it's never enough. I dont get how folks be like, "I got a good night of sleep and woke up feeling energized"- I've NEVER experienced that feeling. I might, at the most- feel good...but I've never woke up replenished with a ton of energy

[jwabeasley]

It's been about 10 years since I've had a consistent 7-10 every night...maybe 20 years

[skullforceagents]

My issue is that I get sleepy very easily. I often have to take a nap before getting back to drawing.

Read Skull Force Agents | Tapas Web Community

[wolflu66]

I'm the same way. No matter how long I sleep, I must take a nap every day, otherwise I become drowsy and can barely do anything.
In recent years, I've asked doctors to prescribe me some medications to improve this issue, allowing me to be more energetic during the day. The current situation is somewhat better than before.