There are many reasons why you might be feeling unmotivated when it comes to lettering. It’s natural to have peaks and lulls in your enthusiasm, but if you feel like you’re stuck in a bit of an extended rut, read on.
First off, I totally get why you might be feeling meh or bleh. You feel like you’re not improving fast enough – you think that your lettering always looks the same. If you’re an Instagrammer, seeing engagement starting to drop off is a massive downer and it makes you start questioning whether the quality of your posts is on the decline. Maybe seeing other people’s amazing work, post after post, makes you compare yourself to them, and we all know that the comparison game is never fun. I’ve got a separate post on how to deal with the times when you hate everything you make. Or maybe it’s just that you’ve been super busy, not been posting as often as you’d like, and you start thinking, ‘well if I haven’t posted in this long, a few more days won’t make a difference.’ Whatever the reason, here are my top tips on how to stay motivated for longer!
1. Have a lettering playlist that gets you in the zone
You will have your own preferences, but if you don’t, try searching youtube for ‘rainforest sounds’ or ‘running water’ when you feel like listening to something relaxing, or ‘motivational speeches’ when you want something more energising.
2. Join a lettering challenge
There are heaps on Instagram and even accounts that are dedicated solely to reposing lettering challenges. Most are 30 day challenges, but if you’re time-strapped, there are weekly ones too. You’ll be given a prompt, which takes away the hassle of trying to come up with something to write.
3. Try some fun, new techniques
I've done a bunch of videos on fun and easy ways to decorate your lettering. My favourite technique would have to be using a toothbrush to flick paint whilst creating space for lettering using masking tape, or paper and a ruler.
4. Set aside time just for lettering
Getting into a routine will make you more likely to stick to it. It’s like exercise. This can even be when you’d usually be sitting on the couch or in front of a computer watching TV shows. You’re multi-tasking and time-saving!
5. Buy new lettering tools every now and again
There’s nothing like a shiny new toy to get you excited about lettering again. It doesn’t haven’t to be expensive. Daiso sells brush pens for a couple of dollars. My favourite Daiso pen has to be this one with the gold flowers and refillable cartridges. It’s super juicy and it creates nice size variation between thick and thin strokes.