social.noyu.me

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.

@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.