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I'm one of those people who is technically skilled in a non-artistic discipline, but hasn't developed enough skills in more traditionally artistic things, despite having a deep love of art. I'm sure it's a tale as old as time. It defines a lot of my life choices…
The way I've managed this is by trying to use my technical skills for artistic applications. Why did I quit my job and write an iPhone OS 2 emulator? Why was my previous job a few steps removed from, but highly relevant to, video games? Why am I interested in MIDI and OpenGL? etc
Obviously I'd be happier if I was also able to create my own art, though. So why don't I? Well, the main barrier is psychological. Forming new habits and getting yourself past the feeling of a new thing being daunting is really hard. But I'm slowly getting there.
I haven't gotten to the end of that journey yet, but I can give some advice for starting it: if you ever feel like “god, I wish I'd done X ten/fifteen/twenty/… years ago”, then you have to do it immediately, RIGHT NOW. Make that entry purchase or whatever, seize the energy.
not that my technical skills aren't useful for making art, mind you, but I haven't gotten deeply into it and using programming to make pretty things is a skill in itself. occasionally I've made nice things: https://hoshi.noyu.me/
@hikari@social.noyu.me I've had ten attempts for some things. I wish it was that simple... If I want to be better at something, but can't find enjoyment in the actual act itself, it's hard to justify doing it for months or years.
@asie you have to find a way where it's fun for you, then. if you're taking an approach that isn't interesting to you, you're doomed
@hikari it sounds like projects with artistic folks who are highly interested in but not skilled enough at what you are skilled in would be great. I'm currently one artistic part in a game project with some lovely tech and I'm shaping what the tech should be able to provide for my artistic vision to manifest
@hikari programming is artistic don't let them tell you otherwise
@eater it can be! but I'm not really satisfied with that
@hikari Maybe it’s my Mac user upbringing but I think software *is* an artistic discipline that just happens to be very technical, like figure skating. It’s as much a tool for self-expression as it is a tool for solving problems.