We were lucky to catch up with Seth Young recently and have shared our conversation below.
Seth, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
It’s honestly just the sheer joy of wanting to do art and improve. I find that when I push myself to learn more and go out of my comfort zone, is when most improvements are made. I also try to have a childlike wonder and love of art. To always learn and draw cool and interesting things.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I do painting, illustration, and comic art. I’m most passionate about simply making comics and painting, which is why I now paint my comics fully. I’m most excited about how my work is progressing and the comic Pilora I’m working on with a writer, William Clemons. It’s honestly my best comic work.
I’ll be at the Happy Valley Comic & Collectible Convention in February and Sci Fi valley con this year. Other then that look for any new paintings on my social media or website. I’m making a point to get even more work done this year.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Anatomy/forms, page layouts, and color values have been the best three skills that have helped me the most in my artistic journey. Honestly I feel that they are some of the best building blocks in any artists bag. If you can get a handle on those you can pretty much draw and paint anything. If you’re having trouble with a piece remember to break it down into simple shapes and values. That’s always helped me. Faith in God is important to me as well. I try and say a prayer and ask for help.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Discouragement in lack of views and engagement is currently the biggest obstacle I’ve been facing. It can really put an artist down when it feel like no one cares for what you’ve sweated and worked so hard for. I find that I can’t succumb to that mindset though. You have to remember that art itself is a great joy and in the end you should be happy with painting and drawing for the pure joy of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sethjyoungart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethjamesyoung/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seth.j.young
