On October 3rd, I share my favorite hacks

Happy October!

On October 3rd, he asked me what day it was. It’s October 3rd (yes, that October 3rd). I couldn’t resist slipping in the Mean Girls reference, because honestly, it’s the little cultural moments like this that make me smile and keep me moving.

And speaking of little things that make life easier: I’ve put together a list of the creative "hacks" I use every day to make art less like work and more fun. I think they're simple, practical, and the reason I don’t get stuck staring at my screen in frustration (well, less than normal).

Here are the list of tips and tricks that I use for my art, which sort of translates into my everyday life:

1. 2-3 values are better than a lot of pretty colors.
2. Labels. Labels. Labels.  They're a lifesaver!
3. If it's not working, start over.  Delete your art!
4. Have references readily available BEFORE I start working
5. Don't be afraid to show your work, finished or not, someone will like it.

It's not the entire list I have in my artist utility belt, but with figuring out what sort of art I want to make and streamlining my process, these have been lifesavers.  Give them a try and let me know (@mkai.n) if you find them useful, or if you have any tips of your own that would help out another artist.

Okay, talk soon!
-MK

Too busy to read this whole post?
Here’s the quick version: 5 hacks that might help you with your art journey.
I’m M. Kain, a digital artist who’s always testing out new ways to make the process more fun.