It would seem that of late I've grown a little more dispondent with my creative ability than normal... to the point where I've been toying with the terrible idea of calling it a day.I can't seem to take my work (and professional profile) to the next level, and I'm getting increasingly sick of it to be honest. There is so much great talent out there, and I'm starting to think I wont attain that same level any time in the future.
Sometimes I produce an image that makes me think 'yeah, there's something there'... but for every one of those I'll put out 10 that are desperate attempts to be 'creative'. I've begun to realize that in trying to understand how others work I've lost sight of how I work. It's a common danger (and always has been) when you're trying to move your artwork forward... but I feel like I've been blinded by it in recent times.
This Ninja Tortoise is from a sketch I did for the War of Words 'Shell' entry, and whilst working on it I realized how important it was for me to 'reduce' the design to it's most basic of shapes in order for me to be 'happy' with it... and looking back over recent posts, it's a common theme. Take 'Lemmy's head' for example... it's almost entirely made up of basic abstract shapes.. and I'm really happy with it. Same with the 'Cowboy & Ninja' post... really pleased with the outcome. yet I continuously try to change how I approach my work... what the hell for? Surely the 'joy' is in creating artwork that is a little more challenging, more exciting because it's natural and not forced...
I appologise if I've disappointed any viewers with any substandard art in recent times... If it's any consolation, you're nowhere near as disappointed as I am!
6 comments:
I hear what your saying man. A lot of times I catch myself trying to play the simple game that guys like you do so elegantly and well. Any yeah, sometimes I'm really happy with what comes out. But really it doesn't feel right because it's not me. My work is far more complicated and involves a specific style with my lines and my cross hatching. So I need to remind myself sometimes, when it's OK to be my style-wise, to do so.
Shane, you've answered your own dilemma. You are bloody brilliant at what you do, the world will wake up to this fact at some point. You already know what works for you. I think it was Hedley Lamarr that said "Keep doing the voodoo, that you do, so well" And never was a truer word spoken.
Experimentation is a good way of establishing inner truths, it may reveal something that's been bugging you and wanting out or re-enforce the fact that what you've always done IS what you're meant to do. This might sound a bit rich coming from the one person who can out angst Mr Angsty of Angsty Road, Angsty Town, Angstland but keep blazing your trail there is so much life in what you do.
Thanks both.. I guess I'm just struggling a little with it all at the moment.
I won't hear of it Shane. You are absolutely ONE OF THE FRIGGIN' BEST OUT THERE doing what you do....
Your output is unique and a tad niche... so what...that makes it all the better. I predict you will take off like a rocket in the next 18 months. I was committed this year to vote for Shana Bilbrey (who's art I also absolutely love) for best fan art for the RONDO (an award by the internet chat board Classis Horror Film Board/CHFB), but next year I'm mounting a SHANE JONES FOR THE RONDO campaign. It will increase your visibility and I hope just add one more push... you're one of my true art heroes... keep at it pal.
r/e (Jay)
Thank you so much Jay.. In fact.. I can't possibly thank you enough for all your support (pretty much from day one). If you'd care to email me (on the page header email) with your address, I'd like to send you a gift of an original piece as a way of saying thank you if you don't mind.
regards
Shane
I would love to, but certainly don't expect any freebies. My support for you and your art just comes from my gut... Your stuff is SO MUCH BETTER than what I see out there (every where) that I bet my soul you're going to become BIG... I'm going to love telling people I knew Shane way back when.
- Jay (the artist formerly known as rogue)
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