We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aniket Patel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aniket below.
Aniket, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
For me, creativity is something that I derive from the people I follow, watch, or the art of those I admire. Keeping creativity alive is tough, especially after creating numerous artworks and covering various topics. However, I haven’t worked extensively yet, so I can explore different topics and ideas. Still, there are times when I face an art block, wondering what to tackle next. I might have just covered the space topic last week and now seek a different subject to work on.
Selecting topics to work on is a task in itself due to the overwhelming array of options for beginners or intermediates like me. The abundance of potential topics and ideas can be daunting. To maintain my creativity, I habitually view artwork posts from my idols and other artists, along with watching YouTube videos on various subjects or indulging in fantasy films. When something strikes a chord, I capture it through screenshots or notes, immediately recording what inspires me. This process contributes to my ‘Ideas Bank,’ accessible whenever my creativity wanes.
Another strategy to keep my creativity thriving is designating a ‘Topic of the Month’ after accumulating numerous ideas. This means that I focus solely on creating artwork related to that topic throughout the particular month.
When creative juices run dry, one of the best approaches is to emulate fellow artists, not by directly copying, but rather by adopting their artistic essence. By incorporating elements from various artists’ works into a single piece of artwork, the outcome becomes original rather than mere duplication.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
What do I do? It’s a rather concise list of activities that I engage in. Let’s delve into how it all began, igniting this artistic journey. I’ve always held a profound affinity for wildlife and nature, nurturing a desire to closely interact with these wonders. Photography emerged as the ideal outlet, allowing me to venture into nature’s heart, capturing its breathtaking creations.
Drawing is another passion I pursue, particularly animals. Most of my animal sketches and paintings are done digitally. Furthermore, I indulge in photo manipulation artistry, using Photoshop to merge and transform multiple images into captivating pieces. Additionally, I immerse myself in the realms of filming and editing. I create videos based on my artwork, editing them meticulously before sharing them on YouTube. While I manage three distinct channels, my primary focus lies on the Photo Manipulation channel.
In addition to these endeavors, I work full-time as a Video Editor at NJ Charitable Foundation. Simultaneously, I’m pursuing an external BCA Multimedia degree from BAOU. Admittedly, it may seem like a lot to handle. At times, I contemplate introducing modifications, yet for now, this encapsulates my commitments. I derive immense satisfaction from my pursuits, particularly in photography, where I traverse uncharted terrains, observing commonplace creatures through a unique lens.
Beyond my personal journey, I aspire to elevate these passions into substantial endeavors, akin to accomplished artists. I envision a future where I can dedicate myself entirely to these pursuits, connecting with fellow artists, guiding others toward their aspirations, and generating substantial income. The ultimate objective, however, is to extend support to animals and nature, aligning with my life’s ultimate purpose.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I received my significant opportunity during the COVID era, which marked the initiation of my journey as an independent artist. During this period, I contemplated my future and what it might entail. I immersed myself in a plethora of self-improvement and art videos, consistently reinforcing positive habits and cultivating a different mindset.
This daily ritual contributed to several beneficial habits. I began taking notes, enhancing my self-awareness, and cultivating patience. Above all, I imbibed the valuable lesson that practice and consistency are key to achieving perfection.
Note-taking stands as a cornerstone skill for success and effective learning. Our minds are designed for thinking and action, not storing vast amounts of data. By documenting new insights, you free your mind from the burden of retention. Whenever you require specific information, it’s conveniently accessible. In essence, note-taking functions as a personal time machine, allowing you to revisit past knowledge and aiding in the mastery of the software I use today.
My engagement with self-improvement videos not only enhanced my self-care but also spurred the development of constructive routines, to-do lists, and disciplined schedules. These tools fostered a sense of structure, acting as the ignition for productivity.
The era of COVID taught me the invaluable virtues of patience, practice, and consistency. Patience is paramount in any pursuit, as great things often require time to materialize. To excel in your endeavors, unwavering practice, and consistent effort are essential. Establish a daily practice routine, even though life might occasionally hinder your progress. When obstacles arise, surmount them instead of halting your journey. This unwavering mindset is key.
To those embarking on their own journeys, remember this advice: firstly, master the fundamentals of your craft. This foundational step is frequently overlooked, as people often commit for a brief period before discontinuing. Secondly, cultivate habits, establish schedules, and maintain discipline in your pursuits. Overcome setbacks with unwavering commitment. Lastly, prioritize self-care by spending quality time with family and friends, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting sufficient sleep. These factors collectively contribute to a productive and fulfilling journey.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Starting your journey as an artist isn’t just about facing a single challenge; in fact, there are numerous obstacles to confront and find solutions for. I too have encountered various hurdles, surmounting some while still grappling with others. However, there’s one significant obstacle I’m determined to conquer: drawing from imagination. I struggle in this area, lacking the ability to draw from my mind’s eye. This could be attributed to my incomplete grasp of the basics or fundamentals of drawing. Much of my artwork thus far has relied on reference images.
My aspiration is to develop a ‘memory muscle’ for drawing. I aim to minimize dependence on reference images, to freely doodle and craft characters without external aids.
To overcome this challenge, I embarked on a journey back to the basics. I delved into drawing books and sought out foundation videos to acquire a solid understanding of the craft. I’ve focused on practicing fundamental drawing skills. This includes how to perceive subjects, manipulate their forms, and construct simplified structures. Equally important is learning how to manipulate basic shapes to generate distinctive and original creations.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsofaniket/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisualsOfAniket
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AniketPatelPS
- Other: My Link Tree:- https://linktr.ee/Aniket_Patel
Image Credits
Aniket Patel
