CREATIVE CONNECTION #0004: DESPISE NOT THE DAY OF SMALL BEGINNINGS
Do not despise these small beginnings,
for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…”
(Zechariah 4:10)
From Mozart’s classical Requiem in D minor to the Hip Hop choreographies of the Kinjaz, believe me when I say that I’m a fan of the art scene. I’ve allocated time over the last decade of my life, to honing and shaping my artistic abilities in design and 2D art, namely illustration, graphic and character design. From poorly drawn anatomy to poorly painted canvases, to be blunt, I’ve come a long way. Recently, I’ve finally decided to branch out from my personal proclivities and try something new; 3D art and animation. I’ve admired my fellow artisans online and have been closely monitoring the strides being made in the industry with the plethora of new software now made available (and affordable) to those willing to try them. I’ve watched a few tutorials and have been mentored by some of the best. I figured that I was ready to tackle these new mediums. Art is art right? After all, with my expertise this should be a piece of cake…right? Nothing could be further from the truth.
With the dexterity of a newborn fawn, I have tried and stumbled countless times to replicate the beautiful works of art that I’ve seen plastered all over the wall that is the internet. I’m an artist, why should this be any different from the countless times that I’ve created before? Should I really be doing this? Maybe this just isn’t for me. I almost gave up before I had given my newfound skills a chance. It was then that I remembered a bible verse that helped me before. “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4:10).
I remembered the first time that I started drawing consistently. My work was messy - literally. I sketched all over the pages of my sketchbook. Nothing coherent, nothing planned. No thumbnails nor a single subject. One minute I’d be drawing an illustration and the next? Different parts of the human anatomy. I dove right into drawing anything that I could think of or reference. I was having fun! I didn’t care that I was an amateur neither did I compare myself to the other great artists that I had seen online. My beginning was small, but just like the mighty oak tree that grows from a single acorn, I knew that I would grow to reach new heights as well. I never saw my lack of skill as a deterrent but a vehicle of exploration, albeit one of trial and error, to my future destination. I had fun in the midst of the journey and that’s all that mattered to me.
I’m writing this not only to you, the reader, but also to myself. No matter what you’re pursuing whether it be the arts or otherwise, God is even more concerned about the path that you take and the choices that you make. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:9 that “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Each step that you make takes you further into the purpose that God has for you. Never despise your starting point, always keep your eyes on the prize and keep moving towards your goal. Will it be frustrating at some points? Maybe, but it is no different for anyone else who has lived before, currently or after you have left this earth. Remind yourself that the destination is worth the wait. Keep your eyes on Christ and keep moving forward. I look forward to seeing what you create!