Inspiration is everywhere. You simply need to pay attention. Slow down, take a breath, and truly notice the details around you. Look closely, listen deeply, and allow yourself small moments each day to connect with your surroundings.

It can come from countless sources: films, series, games, art books, novels, other artists’ work, food, nature, weather, emotions, music, colors, conversations, personal stories, museums, conventions, theatre, sports, hobbies, your own moods, shapes, or even the vastness of the universe.

The key is to remain open. The more you train yourself to observe, the more inspiration will find you.

Early in my journey, I was advised to focus on environment art because studios often hire more environment and prop artists than character artists. I tried, but my motivation quickly faded. My passion had always been animals and creatures.

I worried that creatures were “too specific” and harder to break into, but I learned an important truth: no field is truly easier to enter. What matters is creating the art you genuinely love. You’ll be working for years - why spend that time on something you’re not passionate about?

Once I committed fully to creature art, my work became stronger, my portfolio reflected my passion, and clients began seeking me out for my style. If I could build a career by staying true to my niche, you can too.

I know it might not feel comforting when I say that everyone experiences these thoughts - beginners, seasoned professionals, even artists who have been in the industry for decades. But it’s true. Self-doubt, creative blocks, and negative thoughts are part of the human experience, not just the artistic one.

That’s why I always encourage every artist, and every person, to take care of their mental health. It may not seem directly connected to art, but in reality, it’s deeply intertwined. I’ve seen, and personally experienced, how easily artists can fall into depression, creative burnout, anxiety, or constant negative self-talk. And this isn’t just an art-world issue. It’s a wider societal challenge.

Here are a few practices that have helped me when I’ve found myself in a dark place:

Meditation
It can be challenging at first, but meditation has supported me in every stage of life - good or bad. I recommend trying guided meditations on YouTube until you find one that resonates with you. One of my personal favorites for times of self-doubt is the Surrender Meditation.

Journaling
A cluttered mind often comes from a lack of clarity. Writing things down can help tremendously. It doesn’t have to be daily - just whenever you feel the need. Journal about your current thoughts, challenges and solutions, goals, reflections on the past, or even positive affirmations to shift your mindset.

Visualizing
Beyond meditation, I practice closing my eyes and vividly imagining my dream life - my ideal career, home, relationships, financial situation, and version of myself. Fully feel it, embrace it, and make it part of your daily routine. Even if you find it hard to visualize clearly, simply trying can create a sense of hope and direction.

Taking a Break from Social Media
This has been a game-changer for me. While social media can be inspiring and useful, it can also feed unhealthy comparisons and self-doubt. People mostly share their highlight reels - not the full reality. Taking a break for a week, a month, or even just weekends can help you reconnect with your own life and creativity.

Above all, remember: You are enough. Your value isn’t defined by constant output, comparison, or industry standards. Take care of your mind and your heart. It’s the most important investment you can make in yourself and your art.

Everyone has their own way of staying focused, but these strategies help me maintain concentration over longer periods and get things done:

1. Nature & Ambient Sounds
Playing background sounds such as crackling fire, rain, thunder, birdsong, or even the gentle hum of a library or coffee shop helps create a calm, focused environment.

2. Time Tracking & Time Blocking
Techniques like Pomodoro - working for 25–30 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break - help maintain momentum. Time blocking can also be effective:

• Morning → Client work

• Afternoon → Writing blogs, answering emails

• Evening → Video editing, creative projects

3. Move Your Body
Incorporate daily movement, whether it’s a full workout or short walks between tasks. Sitting for long stretches drains focus and energy.

4. Stay Hydrated
Drink enough water throughout the day to prevent fatigue and headaches. Limit sugary drinks and excessive caffeine.

5. To-Do Lists & Clear Goals
Define your daily priorities and set achievable goals. Clarity makes it easier to stay focused and productive.

I wrote a longer blog post on this topic, but here’s the essence:

The question of “Do I have my own style?” is one every artist - myself included - has asked. The truth is, your style is something that develops naturally over time.

Style is shaped by four key elements: your personality, your interests, your environment, and your life experiences. These are unique to each person, which is why no two artistic styles are ever the same. Styles can evolve over the years, and you might even develop multiple styles that you switch between.

My advice: don’t overthink whether you “have” a style yet. Often, we can’t see our own style - just like we don’t notice gradual changes in our bodies when we work out daily. Instead, focus on enjoying the process: experiment, explore different approaches, study the work of artists you admire, and keep learning.

Your style will continue to grow and shift throughout your life. Sometimes it will stay consistent, sometimes it will change - and both are completely natural.

If you’ve never worked with 3D software and are exploring it as a hobby, I recommend starting with free versions or trial periods before committing to a purchase.

Free & Trial Options

• Blender – A powerful, free 3D program with countless free tutorials available on YouTube.

• ZBrush – Industry-standard for sculpting, with a 30–40 day trial. More affordable options include ZBrushCore, and there’s even a free version, ZBrushCoreMini. Pixologic also offers Sculptris, a simple, free sculpting program.

• Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Mudbox – Available as student versions for testing and learning.

Beginner Tutorials
Thankfully, there’s an abundance of learning material today. You’ll find a wide range of free tutorials on YouTube and other platforms - though, as with anything, quality can vary. Many professionals also offer affordable paid tutorials and beginner courses through online marketplaces and their own stores.

Start small, experiment, and explore different programs before deciding where to invest your time and money.

There are a few key principles to keep in mind when finding clients or job opportunities in the art industry:

1. Build a Strong Portfolio
In most cases, your portfolio matters far more than formal education or grades. What counts is the quality of your work and what you can demonstrate. Showcase only your best pieces - especially those that reflect the kind of work you want to be hired for.

2. Cultivate Meaningful Connections
Networking is invaluable. Genuine relationships with other artists and industry professionals can lead to recommendations, job offers, and mutual support during challenging times. Don’t connect with people solely for job opportunities - be authentic, share common interests, and be a good collaborator.

3. Presence & Marketing
While not strictly necessary, having an online presence can significantly increase your visibility. If no one knows you or your art, they can’t hire you. Good marketing - whether through strategic posting, storytelling, newsletters, or a professional website - ensures your work gets seen. Combined with an active presence, it can help opportunities come to you without even applying.

4. Keep Improving Your Craft
Never stop creating and refining your skills. A portfolio that hasn’t been updated in years sends the wrong message. Regularly producing new work shows passion, growth, and commitment to your art.

I always recommend trying all three options, because your preference will depend on your personality, work style, and life situation. You can switch between them over time or even combine two - or all three - at once. But not everyone enjoys every type of work environment.

For example, I know I don’t enjoy working in a company setting. The daily commute, constant movement of people, background conversations, and overall noise can make me uncomfortable and distract me from my work. I’m far more productive and focused working from home as a freelancer or developing my own projects. This doesn’t mean I don’t like working with people - I do - but as a strong introvert, I thrive in a calm, quiet space where I can plan and structure my own day instead of being tied to a fixed location and schedule.

Your preferences may be completely different. You might dislike working alone and thrive on having people around you. You might enjoy spending three days a week in a studio and the rest working from home. Or perhaps you prefer avoiding client work altogether and focusing solely on your own business.

The only way to truly know is to experience each option at least once. Everyone works differently - and that’s okay.