We have crossed the half way mark of NaMoPaiMo and the entries for official and unofficial models are rolling in. Like everyone, I am thrilled to see the completed ponies because they inspire me to keep working on my own. However, not everyone is finding this month to be easy, and for good reason too. NaMoPaiMo is designed to challenge, beginner and professional painter alike. A lot of people are becoming discouraged and stripping their models. Some have even thrown in the proverbial towel. So, this post today is to address this and maybe even help those who are on the brink of giving up.
Already in January, people were planning, prepping, and chomping at the bit for the start of NaMoPaiMo. Some even began this process earlier than that (myself not included). By the deadline, over 600 people from around the world signed up for this challenge with the goal of completing at least one model horse by the 28th of February. I mean, you already knew this but I thought mentioning it again would be worthwhile because these stats are pretty darn impressive. My point is, over 600 people were optimistic that they could not only complete at least one model, but that they would also be able to learn a trick or two along the way. *cough* Amazing prizes being a fun little bonus.
I really don't know the stats now since I am not involved in them, but it seems like everyday I see a post or 10 from discouraged artists. Life struggles not included (because those are out of everyones control), a lot of participants are dropping out. The biggest reason that I read about is the frustration that the model is not looking like it was painted by a professional. Hold your [model] horses there partner, NaMoPaiMo is encouraging learning through trial and error. Every professional model horse artist had to start somewhere!
NaMoPaiMo is not a competition of who can paint the best, nor is it a competition at all. It is the gathering of likeminded individuals with the common goal of painting a model horse. If you really want to view it as a competition, you are only competing against yourself.
With this in mind, if you think your model is better than the last model you painted, you have already won NaMoPaiMo. If you give up now, you won't see through to the end of your creative process. You wont be able to grow as a model horse artist. The worst part is, you will never reach that goal of painting like a professional; unless you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again and again.
I don't want to sugarcoat this part. You will fail (in your own mind). You will fail over and over and over again. Your model will break. Your paint will chip. Your primer will bubble. Oh, and your model will come out gross and streaky because you used too much paint. Guess what. GOOD! If you keep trying and pushing yourself forward through the frustration and primer fumes, you will eventually reach a point where you will smile and maybe even impress yourself. This epiphany may not come during this NaMoPaiMo or the next. It may not come for a few years... but it will never ever come if you don't try. The sooner you begin your journey, the sooner you will reach a point where you feel content. However, do not stop at that point. Always keep pushing forward. Always keep painting.
I want to close this post with a congratulations to those who have already finished your models. You stuck with the hardships and kept working through thick and thin. Some of you are professionals and some of you are amateurs, but it doesn't matter because I seen both extremes experimenting and fighting to grow. You guys are my spirit animals and you all are an inspiration to us still battling on.
If you're thinking about dropping out or even if you have, its okay. Stand up and dust yourself off, because even after February 28th, you will be encouraged to keep painting. The tutorials will still be posted, the community will still be active, and we will all still be rooting for you to improve your skills!
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