Subtle care makes a stark difference
Steve at RestoVivaldi put out a great video today on how to make an Italian sub sandwich and it really made me think about the nuances that can make such a big difference. In particular, he talks about how he prefers his cold cuts to be shaved (wafer thin) which I absolutely agree with. Another element that he didn’t mention but I’ve noticed makes a big difference is how you mechanically layer the meat on the sandwich. If you fold the layers of meat or even just pull them apart and rearrange them as you build your sandwich the difference is incredible. The extra layers of air make a dramatic difference in flavor. This is similar to slurping soups or drinks.
Why do I bring this up? Because ‘How you do the little things is how you do everything’. That attention to detail and the striving to make your work that much better is how I improve my art. It’s not just about getting reps in. Progress is about intentionally trying to drive your craft forward. I make a great cup of coffee or a perfect ice cream cone largely because I care to do so. Sometimes it doesn’t work out. But I always am aiming for perfection. In an art context it may be how you hold your pencil, how much pressure you put down, or which ink do you use.
Pentel brush pens feeds ink relatively slow. You have to move slowly if you want thick bold lines. Alternatively, you can use a Pentel pocket brush that feeds ink much quicker. But, is rushing through your drawing helping you? What could you gain from slowing down, even just a little bit. What extra flavor can you bring with a slow feeding pen? What about if instead of feeling lines with your pencil, you make bold confident marks? You have to change your way of thinking. Then you take a step back and ask yourself, is this bringing me closer to the kind of art I want to create?
I had a martial arts instructor that would tell us, “practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” With the hustle of everyday life it’s too easy for me to forget to take my time. If I don’t get the effect I’m looking for I doesn’t matter. The added benefit of taking my time is that I find those little nuances that make all the difference.
Four Against Darkness dungeon
Ryan
