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Drawing in the Age of Distraction

Cory Doctorow offers up some great advice for writing in the age of distraction.

While his article is aimed at writers, his advice applies equally to illustrators – and all freelancers for that matter. Here’s what he says:

  • Work every day
  • Don’t be too precious about it
  • Stop in the middle of an idea, not between ideas
  • Don’t research until you need to
  • Close all messaging software

    • While I do love my Twitter feed, part of me feels like it’s starting to loom a little too large over my drawing table.

    Also of interest:
    Perspective Drawing Lessons

    • http://www.eshwin.com/ Eshwin

      “Close all messaging software”

      It is somehow comforting to know I’m not the only one with *that* problem!

    • http://www.eshwin.com Eshwin

      “Close all messaging software”

      It is somehow comforting to know I’m not the only one with *that* problem!

    • lineanongrata

      That is good advice, indeed. Thank you. The ‘Close all messaging software’ made me smile. When I realize that I look at Thunderbird every other minute I know it’s time either for a break or to shut down the computer.

    • lineanongrata

      That is good advice, indeed. Thank you. The ‘Close all messaging software’ made me smile. When I realize that I look at Thunderbird every other minute I know it’s time either for a break or to shut down the computer.

    • mecha-andre

      Useful advice.
      But * work every day *. I think an illustrator/freelance/cartoonist needs some rest for searchin new ideas! :)

      And yes, * close all messaging software* ! :)

    • mecha-andre

      Useful advice.
      But * work every day *. I think an illustrator/freelance/cartoonist needs some rest for searchin new ideas! :)

      And yes, * close all messaging software* ! :)

    • Oluseyi

      Working every day is feasible if you extrapolate Cory’s method to illustration. He says to write for 20 minutes – short enough that you can always find the time to do it, even while ostensible distractions (hunger, kids) loom, but long enough to bang out a page.

      The illustration equivalent is a sketch (or four or five) to explore a direction. Nothing refined, just a constant progression of evaluating ideas. I think we can all do that.

      (Disclaimer: I still have the luxury of not being an illustrator for a living, so feel free to look kindly on my misguided comments :)

      Fortunately, I have to *remember* to *open* messaging software, other than IRC. :)

    • Oluseyi

      Working every day is feasible if you extrapolate Cory’s method to illustration. He says to write for 20 minutes – short enough that you can always find the time to do it, even while ostensible distractions (hunger, kids) loom, but long enough to bang out a page.

      The illustration equivalent is a sketch (or four or five) to explore a direction. Nothing refined, just a constant progression of evaluating ideas. I think we can all do that.

      (Disclaimer: I still have the luxury of not being an illustrator for a living, so feel free to look kindly on my misguided comments :)

      Fortunately, I have to *remember* to *open* messaging software, other than IRC. :)

    • http://kraehe.blogsome.com/ jfml

      To the »close all messaging software« you could add »close your browser«.

      I should be working right now and not be straying on the net!

    • http://kraehe.blogsome.com/ jfml

      To the »close all messaging software« you could add »close your browser«.

      I should be working right now and not be straying on the net!