I love it when I’m drawing. When I am completely dialed in, my music is working with my mood and I have everything coming together, it’s the best feeling.

It hasn’t always been the case. For a very long time, I could only produce my best work when I was feeling negative emotions. How did this happen? I have a few suspicions, but it doesn’t matter.

What mattered was getting out of that dynamic.

The first step was to pick a different setting. I started drawing in more animated, cheerful environments. It helps you stay out of the negative emotions and puts you in a proper frame of mind.

Next is my music choice. Sorry #evanescence but I associate them with my divorce; a very dour time in my life. I have an entire playlist of inspirational, pick me up music. It made a tremendous difference!

Lastly, I got rid of all interruptions. This was the hardest; I would draw during lulls at work, as some of you know. I had to make sure that my time was dedicated to the art completely.

I guess you could say I had to focus, although I still sketch ideas when I first get them.

Anyway, that’s it. Repetition and practice makes it easier to get in your zone. And detaching your art ability from emotional states will free up your creative ability.