The best skill to learn (not just for artists)

The best skill to learn is reverse engineering.

The ability to look at something that has already been created and figure out how it was made is one of the keys to true mastery.

First 100Lucas McLaughlinMarch 9, 2020learning, Level up Comments

Using up art supplies

It may feel as though buying something new will inspire you to become a better artist, but something more likely to get you to another level with your work is to set yourself goals based on using up art supplies. With something new, it’s too easy to get discouraged and think that whatever you decide to make won’t be good enough. “i’ll use that when I get better” are the words the doom countless tubes of paint, rolls of film, and boxes of pencils to an undisturbed existence in storage.

First 100Lucas McLaughlinMarch 5, 2020Level up, goals, finishing Comment

How long does it take to get better at art?

Mostly it depends on how good you are in the first place. If you are already amazing at something, It takes a long time to get better. If you move outside of your comfort zone and learn something where you have little expertise you can learn a lot in a surprisingly short time.

First 100Lucas McLaughlinMarch 4, 2020Level up, practiceComment

Volume

Most great artists are prolific. If you make one thing and then try to figure out how good it is instead of just making more work, you are probably holding yourself back.

First 100Lucas McLaughlinFebruary 29, 2020Level up, RhythmComment

The most important thing a student can do

The most important thing a student can do is find and learn from great teachers. A great teacher is like finding a shortcut. They can tell you what to read, they can help you work through the most difficult areas of a subject and make it seem easy.

The second most important, and makes a person a truly great student is

First 100Lucas McLaughlinFebruary 26, 2020learning, Level up, teachingComment

What I learned from blogging every day for 30 days as an Artist

Blogging every day has been easier and more worthwhile than I thought it would be.

First 100Lucas McLaughlinFebruary 24, 2020writing, Level up, RhythmComment

Approval games and the hedonic treadmill

The feeling that you get by putting your work out there and getting a positive response, especially on social media, is a perfect example of the idea of the hedonic treadmill. According to this idea, you will adapt to whatever level of wealth, status, and positive (or even negative) changes to your life.

First 100Lucas McLaughlinFebruary 21, 2020Thank you, Level up Comment

Learn like a kid

For anyone trying to learn something new and challenging, it’s going to take a lot of time. Often as an adult, the more you learn, the less expert you feel. As you are exposed to the work higher and higher level experts in a field, it will doubtless seem that you are never going to make it to that level. And you could be right.

First 100Lucas McLaughlinFebruary 16, 2020Level up, failureComment

It all adds up

I recently accepted a commission to do a floral illustration. The image alongside this post is a sketch I made while working on the commission. Although plants have been my main subject matter for my photographic work and I enjoy doing the occasional illustration project. It’s not really in my main area of expertise. But for me it’s a great opportunity to get outside of my comfort zone. And besides, it all adds up.

First 100Lucas McLaughlinFebruary 12, 2020commissions, sketch, goals, Level upComment

High Tier Loot

I am in a room surrounded by items of such complexity, utility and quality that they would have been far beyond the reach of the wealthiest people or nations just a few decades ago. I have nearly infinitely powerful computer in my pocket with the answer to all questions.

Lucas McLaughlinJanuary 30, 2020Level up, How we thinkComment

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