Episode018

Distractions in Art: Re-centering the Focus

If you're an artist, you’ve probably found yourself stuck in “design mode” or worrying about being consistent on social media—chasing likes, follows, and views instead of focusing on the work itself. I know this struggle firsthand. Lately, I’ve been failing miserably at keeping up with my daily art routine. Instead of pouring my energy into creativity, I’ve been caught up in the numbers, obsessing over engagement on TikTok.

Right now, my latest project—Hudson & Hanna: Episode 60—feels like a turning point for me. I’ve been struggling to get it right, endlessly tweaking and refining, trying to make it perfect. But here’s the truth I’ve had to face: If I don’t break out of this funk soon, I might never complete it. At some point, it has to be about the art.

Bill Watterson, the creator of Calvin and Hobbes, understood this deeply. He famously refused to commercialize his work beyond the comic strip. He didn’t chase merchandising deals or corporate backing—he kept his focus on the purity of his craft. His philosophy is a reminder that the art itself should always be the priority.

So, if you find yourself obsessing over social media engagement, stuck in an endless cycle of revisions, or simply struggling with creative block, re-center your focus and do what you love. Momentum matters. Sometimes, the best way to get past a creative slump is to finish, even if it’s not perfect.

I’d love to hear from others—have you ever been stuck focusing on the wrong thing? Struggled with writer’s block or felt your creative juices weren’t flowing? How did you break out of the funk? Let’s talk about it.