Illustration of a girl eating clouds with her magic cotton candy holder
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| Cloud Candy by Keith Segovia |
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
Celebrating my 100th Post!
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| This is a very special post for me, its is a landmark 100th post from my Keith's Kreations blog! |
To celebrate my 100th post, I have done a complete re-haul on my blog! I've gone and labeled posts, added images, spell checked , and changed the layout and gadgets. And I also think I've earned myself a break. Going to be focusing on my animation project for a while so be back soon!
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Photoshop Illustration - Fall into the Monster's Den
This is pretty much feel. I break free from all my fears, doubts, and start to feel good because everything seems to be going my way until WHAM the floor falls from underneath me and I'm stuck in this situation...at least it feels that way. Since I can't afford to spend the time to clean up all the artwork I make in my free time with so much on my plate, I'm going to stick to a loose, sketchy, and color outside the lines in this style in order to get more finished pieces done.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Art Rage 4 - Free Trial & Painting
I've had the itch to paint all day so while looking up some art rage painting tutorials, I found that they're offering a free demo of Art Rage Studio 4! If you love to paint and never tried digital painting, I highly recommend you give it a shot. Sure there's no replacement for getting down and dirty with real paints but on the other hand, there's nothing like the mess-free wonder of digital painting either. You can download the free demo HERE. Keep in mind that as with most free demos and software there are limitations, but fortunately they're not too hindering so your freedom to create will not be too restricted.
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| Here's a quick painting I whipped up in about 10 minutes. This program is powerful, user friendly, and FUN! |
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
An Artist to Another Blog Article #3 - The 5 Keys to passion
Being passionate about what you do isn't always easy. Sometimes you get lazy. Other times you get tired of the day to day grind. And sometimes you want to quit when the going gets tough. Motivation, consistency, and determination are key components of being passionate about what you do. Here are 5 ways to to instill these qualities so you can be passionate about what you do.
1. Enjoy the Challenge
Like they say, nothing easy is ever worth it. There is an extraordinary feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction when you overcome extreme difficulties and come out on top thanks to hard work and determination. That impressive painting technique you like might not be all that difficult to recreate if you just give it a try. That new animation software might actually be better suited for your needs if you just make the jump and commit to learning it. Challenge yourself and don't give up just because things get hard. Progress and improvement always come to those diligent in their practice so by giving up in the face of hardship you will deprive yourself of a valuable chance to learn, improve, and gain confidence in your craft.
2. Instead of doing something else to pass the time, PRACTICE
So how many times a week do you practice your drawing or sketching? If you can't seem to find the time to commit to practicing your art or craft because of other activities taking up your time, your priorities aren't straight. Be passionate about what you do by being excited and eager to participate as opposed to just making time for it. If you enjoy what you do there should be no issues doing all you can to get better at it. Challenge yourself and practice everyday and in no time you will be on your way.
3. No money when it comes to passion
If you love what you do, you'll never work a single day in your life. If you love money, you'll have to work everyday for it and it'll never be enough. As for me, my career is not where I'd like it to be yet and to put it plainly, the money is not there and neither is that dream position of in house studio animator. But despite this I make sure to take the time to look at all my success and keep things in perspective. I know that I'm in good shape in terms of my career and I'm still doing what I love by animating for clients and doing commission based artwork. Sure money is tight and a Part-time job might be necessary at times, but I'm an animator and didn't expect much in terms of a paycheck when I made this my career choice.
4. Hang around like-minded people
Find out what other artists around you are doing. This allows for so many valuable opportunities such as getting inspiration, new ideas, more knowledge, and more creativity. Meet someone with similar interests and learn more about your craft. Make new friends and network!
5. Love what you do and have fun with it!
If what you do seems like a chore or a waste of time and you generally don't enjoy doing it, then quite possibly it isn't for you. Hey it happens at times but it gives you the opportunity to pursue other interests. Be sure its something you really like and look forward to doing that way it doesn't feel like a chore. You must love what you do if you want to get as much out of it as possible. Daily practice is OK but just be weary not to burn yourself out; even the most enjoyable task can become tedious and monotonous without proper breaks. Pace yourself.
1. Enjoy the Challenge
Like they say, nothing easy is ever worth it. There is an extraordinary feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction when you overcome extreme difficulties and come out on top thanks to hard work and determination. That impressive painting technique you like might not be all that difficult to recreate if you just give it a try. That new animation software might actually be better suited for your needs if you just make the jump and commit to learning it. Challenge yourself and don't give up just because things get hard. Progress and improvement always come to those diligent in their practice so by giving up in the face of hardship you will deprive yourself of a valuable chance to learn, improve, and gain confidence in your craft.
2. Instead of doing something else to pass the time, PRACTICE
So how many times a week do you practice your drawing or sketching? If you can't seem to find the time to commit to practicing your art or craft because of other activities taking up your time, your priorities aren't straight. Be passionate about what you do by being excited and eager to participate as opposed to just making time for it. If you enjoy what you do there should be no issues doing all you can to get better at it. Challenge yourself and practice everyday and in no time you will be on your way.
3. No money when it comes to passion
If you love what you do, you'll never work a single day in your life. If you love money, you'll have to work everyday for it and it'll never be enough. As for me, my career is not where I'd like it to be yet and to put it plainly, the money is not there and neither is that dream position of in house studio animator. But despite this I make sure to take the time to look at all my success and keep things in perspective. I know that I'm in good shape in terms of my career and I'm still doing what I love by animating for clients and doing commission based artwork. Sure money is tight and a Part-time job might be necessary at times, but I'm an animator and didn't expect much in terms of a paycheck when I made this my career choice.
4. Hang around like-minded people
Find out what other artists around you are doing. This allows for so many valuable opportunities such as getting inspiration, new ideas, more knowledge, and more creativity. Meet someone with similar interests and learn more about your craft. Make new friends and network!
5. Love what you do and have fun with it!
If what you do seems like a chore or a waste of time and you generally don't enjoy doing it, then quite possibly it isn't for you. Hey it happens at times but it gives you the opportunity to pursue other interests. Be sure its something you really like and look forward to doing that way it doesn't feel like a chore. You must love what you do if you want to get as much out of it as possible. Daily practice is OK but just be weary not to burn yourself out; even the most enjoyable task can become tedious and monotonous without proper breaks. Pace yourself.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Photoshop Illustration - Wacom/Adventure Time Mashup
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I like Wacom tablets and Adventure Time so I decided to create an  |
Thursday, July 10, 2014
An Artist to Another Article #2 - 5 Battles Every Artist Must Face
I don't want to use the term "struggling" artist. I prefer the term "battling" artist. Whats the difference? Struggling implies a last ditch effort to resist and desperation. Battling however means facing all opposition so that nothing stands in your way of victory. Here are five instances where artists will experience those battles:
1. Keeping Tidy and Getting Your Llamas in a Row
I've had a pretty lazy day today, especially where art and animation is concerned. The closest thing I did related to anything artistic was check out my DeviantArt page and see that I was awarded a few llama badges for my work from some fellow Deviants.
2. Not Finding the Time but Finding Excuses
As a freelance animator working form home, you will deal with a lot of distractions. If you're a dad like me, your child might add to the noise level around the house with his crying and require frequent attention thus pulling you away from your work. You might sleep-in late and not leave enough time during the day to fulfill your other duties around the house by the time you finish your work quota, i.e laundry, dinner, parenthood, etc. This all comes down to time management, but a general rule of thumb is that you are less likely to be interrupted during your work hours if everyone else is still asleep. Get a routine and be sure to start your work early morning so you can leave time for house work or downtime later in the day.
3. Criticism
We all do it. We criticize bad artwork, we criticize our own artwork, and we criticize artwork by unbelievably good artists and hate them for it. When it comes to criticizing things and people, we have thoughts like "I try so hard, why can't I be THAT good?" Or "What was he thinking when he held that pencil ? Did he electrocute himself by accident and forget to erase?" Or maybe even thoughts like "I draw like a juvenile I may, as well retake arts and crafts!" As artists, we're even criticized for being who we are - different, expressive, impractical, hipsters, among other things. The trick is not to rely on criticism too heavily because in the end, it is your confidence and not someone else confidence or doubt that will get you where you want to be.
4. Getting Serious
You might think you're serious as an artist but chances are you could do more. Instead of picking up that PS4 controller, pick up a pencil or stylus. Your good but your not THAT good because you haven't taken the extra mile.You could always fit more daily practice and sketch more. You could try out some new techniques. You can try new mediums and paint instead of draw all the time. You could learn some art history or read up and composition and brush technique and find out exactly why the Mona Lisa is the mother of all paintings. We are living at an age where information is literally a few clicks out of reach. There's no reason why you can't be a master, it all depends on how much time and passion you are willing to invest in your art. The best way to find out if you're serious is to find out how much time out the week you dedicate to your craft.
5. Rejection
As an artist, you must learn to deal with rejection. Your drawings will suck some days and you will know it. You will send resumes and countless links to your portfolio and not hear a single word back from most of those job applications.You will hear multiple success stories and wait for yours. All this rejection will make you doubt yourself, why put yourself through this and continue? When will you be given a chance to work doing what it is you love to do? Why do you still continue? Well, I'll tell you why I do it. Do you know what keeps me going despite the constant no's and you're not qualified? If my art is good enough for me, doesn't have to be good enough for anybody else.
1. Keeping Tidy and Getting Your Llamas in a Row
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| Click me |
I've had a pretty lazy day today, especially where art and animation is concerned. The closest thing I did related to anything artistic was check out my DeviantArt page and see that I was awarded a few llama badges for my work from some fellow Deviants.
If you don't have an account on this site now you have no excuse.
But on the other hand, I was able to get the bedroom clean. This might not seem too important when it comes to improving your craft, but let me explain something. For some of you freelancers out there, this is the place you sleep, work, brainstorm, draw, and spend a lot of your time in. Its condition will determines the type of work day you have when working on a project. If there are clothes on the chair, you might not be so eager to sit down and get to work on your computer. If you can't seem to find your sketchbook, you might just abandon the search for another day and skip drawing practice for the day. A good clean work environment is conducive for productivity. Whoever says a messy desk is a sign of a busy worker is absolutely right - because they're busy trying to figure out where their work files went! A messy work station is not a sign of a creative mind, its the by product of creativity and must be dealt with accordingly. So in short, get your llamas in a row so you can get straight to work!2. Not Finding the Time but Finding Excuses
As a freelance animator working form home, you will deal with a lot of distractions. If you're a dad like me, your child might add to the noise level around the house with his crying and require frequent attention thus pulling you away from your work. You might sleep-in late and not leave enough time during the day to fulfill your other duties around the house by the time you finish your work quota, i.e laundry, dinner, parenthood, etc. This all comes down to time management, but a general rule of thumb is that you are less likely to be interrupted during your work hours if everyone else is still asleep. Get a routine and be sure to start your work early morning so you can leave time for house work or downtime later in the day.
3. Criticism
We all do it. We criticize bad artwork, we criticize our own artwork, and we criticize artwork by unbelievably good artists and hate them for it. When it comes to criticizing things and people, we have thoughts like "I try so hard, why can't I be THAT good?" Or "What was he thinking when he held that pencil ? Did he electrocute himself by accident and forget to erase?" Or maybe even thoughts like "I draw like a juvenile I may, as well retake arts and crafts!" As artists, we're even criticized for being who we are - different, expressive, impractical, hipsters, among other things. The trick is not to rely on criticism too heavily because in the end, it is your confidence and not someone else confidence or doubt that will get you where you want to be.
4. Getting Serious
You might think you're serious as an artist but chances are you could do more. Instead of picking up that PS4 controller, pick up a pencil or stylus. Your good but your not THAT good because you haven't taken the extra mile.You could always fit more daily practice and sketch more. You could try out some new techniques. You can try new mediums and paint instead of draw all the time. You could learn some art history or read up and composition and brush technique and find out exactly why the Mona Lisa is the mother of all paintings. We are living at an age where information is literally a few clicks out of reach. There's no reason why you can't be a master, it all depends on how much time and passion you are willing to invest in your art. The best way to find out if you're serious is to find out how much time out the week you dedicate to your craft.
5. Rejection
As an artist, you must learn to deal with rejection. Your drawings will suck some days and you will know it. You will send resumes and countless links to your portfolio and not hear a single word back from most of those job applications.You will hear multiple success stories and wait for yours. All this rejection will make you doubt yourself, why put yourself through this and continue? When will you be given a chance to work doing what it is you love to do? Why do you still continue? Well, I'll tell you why I do it. Do you know what keeps me going despite the constant no's and you're not qualified? If my art is good enough for me, doesn't have to be good enough for anybody else.
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