I have been thinking a lot about how my skills have changed over the years, and the difference between understanding and ability. I feel that I now have a much greater understanding of artistry and design, but that I have lost much of my ability to create art. I have learned a great deal about art from working with and observing such talented people over the years, and this is why I have a greater understanding. At the same time I have lost my ability to draw and paint, since I have not been doing it. In the past if you handed me a pencil and asked me to draw something I would be able to do it, but now I would be a bit rusty.
Ability is something you have to constantly work at, and if you stop doing it you might loose your skill. Understanding is something I feel is hard to loose once you have it. Once you have the understanding to ride a bike you won’t forget, but you may loose the ability to ride it after a while.
I decided I wanted to regain some of that skill I have lost, and plan to set aside some time each day to develop my artistic ability. I feel it is important that I keep these skills sharp. Not only will it be a great hobby for me, but will also be a great skill to have in my line of work. In the business I will still focus on the management side of things, and leave the art to the extremely talented people I work with.
I look forward to sharing some of my artwork with all of you as I develop my skills, but it might be awhile until I’m once again confident with my work.
If you have not seen them before here are my first two animations that I made in college. Looking back on these I feel there is so much I have learned, and many ways I could make them better. Things like character design, modeling, story, lighting, and compositing to name a few. I’m still very proud of them, and they will always be special to me. I hope you enjoy them.
ChessMate
Mediocrity
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