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Being Consistent

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The Power of Consistency: How Staying the Course Can Change Your Life

Consistency. It’s a word that I try to obtain. More importantly, why is it such a game-changer in life, art, or any passion you’re pursuing?

Think about it: How many times have you started something with all the enthusiasm in the world, only to fizzle out a few weeks later? We’ve all been there. Whether it’s hitting the gym, learning a new skill, or sticking to a creative project, the struggle is real. But here’s the thing—consistency is the secret sauce to success. Let’s dive into why staying consistent can be the key to unlocking your full potential.

The Benefits of Being Consistent

1. Builds Habits and Discipline

Ever tried to learn a new language or pick up a musical instrument? The first few days are exciting, but then reality kicks in, and it’s easy to skip a day… and then another. But when you push through and stay consistent, you start to build habits. These habits become second nature, and before you know it, what once felt like a chore becomes a part of your daily routine. That’s discipline in action.

2. Small Wins Add Up

Consistency doesn’t mean you have to make massive leaps every day. It’s about the small, steady steps forward. These small wins accumulate over time, leading to significant progress. Whether it’s sketching every day, writing a few lines, or practicing a sport, those little efforts compound into something extraordinary.

3. Creates Momentum

There’s a reason why people say, “An object in motion stays in motion.” When you’re consistent, you build momentum. Each day you show up, you make it easier to keep going the next day. That momentum can carry you through tough times when motivation is low.

4. Builds Confidence

The more consistent you are, the more you trust yourself. You begin to believe in your ability to follow through on your commitments. This self-confidence spills over into other areas of your life, making you more resilient and ready to tackle new challenges.

Real-Life Examples of Consistency

Let’s look at a few examples of how consistency can work wonders:

1. The Creative Process

As an artist, I’ve learned that consistency is crucial to improving your craft. When I started drawing daily, my skills took off. It wasn’t overnight, but those daily sketches, studies, and creative experiments led to noticeable growth. The same goes for writing, filming, or any creative endeavor. It’s the daily grind that separates the amateurs from the pros.

2. Health and Fitness

We all know someone who hit the gym hard for a month and then disappeared. But it’s the person who shows up week after week, even when they don’t feel like it, who gets the results. It’s not about the intensity; it’s about consistency. You don’t need to do a two-hour workout every day; a simple 30-minute walk can have a huge impact over time.

3. Personal Development

Let’s say you want to become a better version of yourself—maybe more mindful, more disciplined, or more grateful. These changes don’t happen overnight. But by consistently practicing mindfulness, gratitude, or discipline, you’ll see your mindset shift in ways you never imagined.

Quotes to Keep You Going

Need a little motivation to stay consistent? Here are a few quotes to remind you why it’s worth it:

  • “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
  • “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
  • “The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.” – Mike Murdock

Wrapping It Up

Being consistent isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly powerful. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and trusting the process—even when results aren’t immediate. Whether you’re an artist, an athlete, or just someone trying to better themselves, consistency is your best friend. So, keep at it. The results might not show up tomorrow, but give it time, and you’ll be amazed at the transformation.

Remember, consistency is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. So, what are you waiting for? Start building that bridge today. I’ll strive to strengthen my bridge and keep the course even when temptations and challenges get in the way.

creative struggles

The Creative Struggle – An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride

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Embracing the Journey of Creativity

Sometimes, creativity flows effortlessly. Ideas spring to mind in endless waves, each one more exciting than the last. But then, a voice emerges, whispering doubts and finding ways to say “no.” This voice can appear anywhere—during decision-making, workouts, shopping dilemmas, and even trivial discussions. It’s an unwelcome guest, but it’s ever-present.

Battling the ANTs

I recently encountered a positive mantra: squash ANTs (automatic negative thoughts). While I strive to follow this advice, these negative thoughts still manage to creep in. When I review my work, I experience two distinct reactions: “Wow, I did that!” or “Wow, that’s awful.” I aim to fuel the positive reactions, but the negative ones can still cause damage, leading to doubts, pessimism, and fear—ultimately culminating in a fear of failure.

The Comparison Trap

I often compare myself to the greats, to my past work, and to people I admire. In art and life, there is no ultimate endgame. The journey is continuous, with the only true endpoint being death. For me, creating art is essential. The longest I’ve gone without drawing was three to four months during my first year of high school. Back then, socializing and making new friends took precedence over my sketchbook. Romantic pursuits became poems and art, serving their purpose in my creative journey.

Finding Strength in Struggle

In many ways, uncertainty and doubt drive me to work harder and improve. I try not to abandon projects; I might start over, but I rarely quit. Quitting is a last resort and leads to nightmares. I can spend days and weeks on a single piece, but I have an internal clock that tells me when to let it go and return later.

Gratitude and Growth

I’m grateful for my skills, capabilities, and opportunities, but I always strive for improvement. My biggest fan and my toughest critic are both myself. Only I can push myself to the next level. Daily exercises—both physical and skill-related—are crucial. Consistency is key; skipping one day can break the chain. Discipline leads to success.

Conclusion

The creative struggle is a constant companion on the journey of an artist. Embracing the ups and downs, learning from doubts, and continuously pushing forward are all part of the process. Remember, it’s the discipline and consistency that lead to true success. Keep creating, keep improving, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself.

 

-Augusto Abarca aka Guece

Girl with a Pearl Earring – A Study & Admiration

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Study of Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer

Reimagining the Masterpieces of Johannes Vermeer

I took on the challenge of recreating iconic artwork by the renowned Dutch Golden Age painter, Johannes Vermeer. Known for his masterful use of light and color, Vermeer’s paintings capture the simplicity and beauty of everyday life in the 17th century. Two of his most famous works, Woman Holding a Balance and The Milkmaid, are prime examples of this serene storytelling.

Inspired by Vermeer’s incredible attention to detail and his ability to evoke emotion through mundane scenes, I decided to pay homage to his style while adding my personal touch. My goal was to recreate one of his classic poses but with a modern twist that reflects my own artistic style.

In my reinterpretation, I maintained the authenticity by sticking to Vermeer’s iconic color palette. The deep blues and rich Sierra golds that Vermeer often used not only highlight the elegance of his subjects but also create a warm, inviting atmosphere. These colors were crucial in ensuring that my piece remained true to the essence of Vermeer’s work. I had to add eyebrows. I know, I know, no eyebrows were the look, but it’s definitely not my look. 

I meticulously studied Vermeer’s technique, focusing on how he played with light and shadow to bring depth and realism to his subjects. Incorporating these elements into my artwork was both challenging and rewarding. By blending traditional techniques with contemporary elements, I aimed to create a piece that honors Vermeer’s legacy while showcasing my unique artistic vision.

The outcome is a fusion of old and new, a piece that I’m incredibly proud of. It captures the quiet beauty of Vermeer’s originals while introducing a fresh perspective. This project not only deepened my appreciation for Vermeer’s genius but also allowed me to grow as an artist.

Creating art that bridges the past and present is a fulfilling journey. It’s about respecting the masters who came before us while daring to infuse our own voices into their timeless narratives. I hope my work inspires others to explore and reimagine the classics, keeping the spirit of great art alive and evolving.

Stay tuned for more artistic adventures as I continue to delve into the world of historical masterpieces and reimagine them through my creative lens.

For more information about this historic painting visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_with_a_Pearl_Earring

-Augusto Abarca

Creator Creating

The Art of Time: Playing the Never-Ending Game of Creativity

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Time is like a canvas for artists—it’s where we bring our ideas to life. But time can also be tricky to manage. We often wish for more hours in the day to create our art. Yet, even with time’s limits, we have the power to make something special, something that lasts longer than time itself.

Making Time for Art

Finding time to make art is a challenge we all face. It’s not just about setting aside hours; it’s about seeing the value in every minute we have. You don’t always need a whole afternoon to create something amazing. Sometimes, the best ideas come to life in the small breaks we overlook. These short moments are full of possibilities, ready to be turned into something beautiful. But at times, having a whole day dedicated to your craft is special for creating and sharing.

Choosing Our Creations

Once we find the time, we ask, “What should I create?” This choice is very personal. It shows what we’re interested in and what we want to say with our art. Choosing what to make is a big part of being an artist. It’s about following what excites us, not what everyone else is doing. This choice helps us grow and shows the world who we are.

To Sell or Not to Sell

Today, making money from art seems like a big goal. But it’s important to remember why we started creating in the first place. Selling art can help us keep making more, but not everything we create has to be for sale. Some pieces might be just for us to help us learn and grow. Whether or not we sell our art is a big decision, but it should match our goals and what we want from it.

The Joy of Making Art

We create at the heart of it all because it brings us joy. Making something new is its own reward. It’s good for our hearts and minds, allowing us to express ourselves and explore our thoughts. The benefits of making art reach beyond just us; they can inspire and move others too.

The Game That Never Ends

Being an artist is like playing a game that doesn’t have an end. There’s no final victory or ultimate prize. Our journey in art keeps going, filled with new things to learn and try. This endless game is not about winning but about playing—enjoying each step, learning from it, and always moving forward.

Ultimately, time’s value in art isn’t about how much we have but how we use it. As artists, we have the special ability to turn time into something that lasts forever. Let’s use our time well, exploring, creating, and sharing the wonders we find. The joy of making art is a path that keeps going, a game with no end, and a story that’s always being written.

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Why Do I Create?

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I love to sit in front of a sketchbook and draw. Or write in my journal or a notebook to create journal entries and stories. I get a spike of dopamine thinking of the outcome of my vision. I enjoy the journey and sometimes feel like quitting, but I know the finish line is promising. Sometimes, I have to push through to see if it’s worth it, and at times, I do quit on projects. They haunt me, not knowing if I could have done something different to reach the finish line. But I always go back to create. There was a year I didn’t pick up a pencil to write or draw -the Dark Ages. I get busy these days with life, but I always find the time to work out my creative mind. So my question is, why do I have a thirst to create, and others are content or intimidated to make something new?  

Why do some people love being creative, making art, and coming up with big ideas, while others don’t really care about these things? It’s because of a mix of different reasons, including their genes, where they grow up, their feelings and personality, and how their brain works. Let’s dive into some of the main reasons:

1. Genes

Just like how some families might all be really good at music or sports, creativity can also run in families. This suggests that our genes – the little bits of information that decide things like our hair color or height – can influence how creative we are. It’s not like there’s one single “creativity gene,” but a mix of them that might make us more curious or willing to try new things, which helps with being creative.

2. Brain Power

The way our brain works can also affect how creative we are. Scientists have found that people who are very creative often have brains that connect different ideas really well or have certain areas that are super active. It’s like having a brain that’s really good at mixing different ingredients to come up with a new recipe.

3. Personality

Our personality – or the way we naturally act and think – plays a big part in creativity. If someone likes trying new things, doesn’t give up easily, and is okay with things not always being clear-cut, they might be more likely to be creative. These kinds of people often enjoy making art or thinking of new ideas just because it’s fun and interesting.

4. Where You Grow Up

The place and environment we’re in can either help or hinder our creativity. If you’re in a place that encourages you to explore, try new things, and isn’t too harsh when you make mistakes, you’re more likely to feel creative. On the other hand, if you’re always being told there’s only one right way to do things, it might be harder to think outside the box.

5. What You Like Doing

Doing things because you love them, not because you have to, is really important for creativity. People who find joy in being creative, like making art or solving puzzles just for the fun of it, usually keep doing those things. But if you don’t really enjoy those activities, you might not feel like being creative.

6. Learning

Learning new things can spark creativity. Being exposed to art, science, and different subjects can give you new ideas and ways of thinking. Learning to think in new and different ways is important for coming up with creative ideas. But, if school or learning is too strict or boring, it might not help your creativity.

Conclusion

Why some people are more creative than others can be because of a lot of things – their genes, their brain, their personality, where they grew up, what they enjoy, and how they learn. If you want to be more creative, try new things, don’t be afraid of making mistakes, be curious, and look for places and people that encourage creativity.

Traditional vs Digital

Traditional Art vs. Digital Art

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A Comprehensive Comparison

Art has long been an expressive medium through which artists convey emotions, depict realities, and challenge perceptions. Over time, the canvas of creativity has expanded from the tactile surfaces of paper and canvas to the virtual realms of screens and digital interfaces. This evolution has given rise to a vibrant debate between the merits and limitations of traditional art and digital art. In this post, we delve into the intricacies of both worlds, comparing their pros and cons through a clear format, using examples to illuminate our discussion.

Traditional Art

Traditional art refers to artworks created using physical materials such as paints, brushes, pencils, and paper. It encompasses a wide range of styles and disciplines, from painting and drawing to sculpture and printmaking.

Pros:

  • Tactile Experience: Traditional art offers a hands-on experience. The physical interaction with materials provides a unique sensory feedback that many artists find irreplaceable.
  • Originality: Each piece of traditional art is one-of-a-kind. Even in the case of prints, slight variations exist, giving each work its unique character.
  • Longevity: With proper care, traditional artworks can last for centuries. Many artworks hanging in museums and galleries have stood the test of time, showcasing the durability of physical mediums.

Cons:

  • Materials and Space: Traditional art requires physical materials, which can be expensive and necessitate ample storage space. Additionally, artists often need a dedicated studio.
  • Correction Difficulty: Making changes or corrections to a traditional artwork can be challenging and sometimes impossible, depending on the medium.
  • Accessibility and Distribution: Sharing traditional art with a wide audience requires physical transportation, which can be limiting and costly.

Examples: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” exemplify the timeless appeal and emotional depth of traditional art.

Digital Art

Digital art involves creating artwork using digital technology as part of the creative or presentation process. This can range from digital painting and drawing on tablets to 3D modeling and digital photography.

Pros:

  • Unlimited Resources: Digital artists have access to an endless array of tools, colors, and effects without the need for physical materials.
  • Editability and Experimentation: Corrections and alterations can be made with ease, allowing for greater experimentation without the fear of wasting resources.
  • Global Sharing and Collaboration: Digital art can be shared instantly with a global audience, making it easier for artists to gain exposure and collaborate with others.

Cons:

  • Screen Time: Prolonged periods of working on a screen can strain the eyes and lead to digital fatigue.
  • Authenticity and Perception: Some argue that digital art lacks the authenticity of traditional art, citing a perceived overreliance on tools and filters.
  • Dependence on Technology: Digital artists are reliant on technology, which can fail or become obsolete, potentially affecting the longevity of their work.

Examples: The intricate digital paintings of Wlop (a popular digital artist) and the digital 3D sculptures of Daniel Arsham offer a glimpse into the potential and diversity of digital art.

Conclusion

Both traditional and digital art forms have their unique set of advantages and drawbacks. Traditional art captivates with its tactile quality and the authenticity of each piece, while digital art offers versatility and ease of distribution unmatched by its physical counterpart. The choice between traditional and digital mediums often comes down to personal preference, project requirements, and the desired impact of the artwork.

Ultimately, the value of art lies not in the medium but in its ability to communicate messages, evoke emotions, and connect with audiences. As technology advances, perhaps the line between traditional and digital art will blur further, leading to new forms of creativity that harness the best of both worlds.

It’s Like Riding a Bike

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Remember the first time you rode a bike? It might have been tricky at first, but once you got the hang of it, it became second nature. Later in life, even if you hadn’t ridden a bike in years, you could probably hop on and start pedaling like the old times. This ability to relearn skills quickly is not just limited to physical activities like biking. It applies to mental tasks as well, such as creating a website using WordPress. Let’s dive into how you can get back to those skills you’ve put on the back burner and apply them to build something amazing online.

Rediscovering Forgotten Skills

You’ve learned a lot over the years, but it’s normal to forget things when you’re not using them regularly. Think of your brain like a giant library. The information (or skills) you use often are kept right at the front, easy to reach. The stuff you don’t use gets stored in the back. It’s still there; it just might take a bit longer to find.

When you want to relearn something, like creating a website with WordPress, your brain goes to that back shelf and dusts off the old book of knowledge. It might take a bit of review, but you’ll be surprised at how much comes back to you once you start.

Rewiring Your Brain for Success

Rewiring your brain might sound high-tech, but it’s really about practice and patience. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Start Slow: Just like you wouldn’t try to ride a bike up a mountain on your first day back, don’t try to do everything at once with WordPress. Begin with the basics.
  2. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Set aside a little time each day or each week to work on your website. This regular practice helps strengthen those brain connections.
  3. Use Resources: There are tons of resources online for WordPress beginners. Look for tutorials, forums, and guides. These can act as your training wheels, giving you support as you get back into it.
  4. Experiment and Play: The best way to learn is by doing. Try out different themes, plugins, and settings. It’s okay to make mistakes – that’s part of the learning process.
  5. Celebrate Small Wins: Every step you take is progress. Celebrated the small victories along the way – like successfully adding a new page or customizing your header.

Applying Your Skills to Create a WordPress Website

Now, let’s talk about applying these reawakened skills to create a website. WordPress is a fantastic platform because it’s user-friendly and versatile. Whether you’re looking to create a blog, a business site, or an online portfolio, WordPress has the tools you need.

  1. Choose a Domain and Hosting: Your domain is your web address (like www.yoursite.com), and hosting is where your site lives on the internet. There are many affordable options out there.
  2. Select a WordPress Theme: This is the fun part. Choose a theme that fits your site’s purpose and your style. There are thousands of free and paid themes to choose from.
  3. Customize Your Site: Add your content, images, and customize your settings. WordPress’s intuitive interface makes this process straightforward.
  4. Launch and Learn: Once you’re happy with how your site looks, go ahead and launch it. But remember, a website is never really ‘finished’. You’ll continue to learn and improve as you go.

Conclusion: Keep Pedaling

Just like getting back on a bike, relearning old skills and applying them to new challenges like creating a WordPress website can be a rewarding experience. It’s about taking it step by step, being patient with yourself, and enjoying the journey. So, get ready to pedal into the exciting world of website creation – your adventure awaits!

 The saying, if you don’t use it, you lose it is 100% correct!

A professional creator at your service. Explore a portfolio of diverse creations and find tailor-made services for your unique artistic needs.”

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Hello World!

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Hello there! I’m Augusto Abarca Jr., but you can call me Guece (yes, it sounds like “goose” but with its own unique spelling twist). Don’t worry if you trip over the pronunciation at first—I’m always here to gently steer you in the right direction. I hail from the vibrant streets of Rivas, Nicaragua, a place that’s close to my heart, though I find myself wandering back less frequently than I’d like.

I’m blessed with a wonderful wife and two incredible kids who sprinkle my life with laughter, curious musings, and moments of sheer appreciation for the world around us. When I’m not immersed in the bustling world of family life and work as a digital marketer, you’ll find me dabbling in the realms of art and graphics, my creative oasis. And if the muses aren’t calling, I might be lost in the digital adventures of video games, diving into the latest movie or TV series, or chasing the elusive perfect shot on the golf course.

This little corner of the internet is my canvas, a place where I share my creations in the hopes of inspiring others or simply serving as a portfolio. While I’m open to collaboration, I’ve grown selective with the projects I undertake—after all, as the pages of the calendar turn, I’ve come to treasure the tick of the clock more than ever.

I hope you find something here that sparks joy or ignites your own creative fire. I’m all ears (or eyes, in this case) for your thoughts and suggestions. So, welcome to my world, I’m happy you landed here.