Teenager AND Artist - help me!!!?

It sounds to me that drawing is your way of escaping the stress you mentioned. I'm like you, I love drawing (I'm not particularly brilliant) and it calms me down especially now I'm in my gcse years. I would say cut down on it perhaps, unless you're REALLY great and you think it could really go somewhere! You do have to concerntrait on other things such as sorting out family issues but then again drawing is a good way to escape them. My advice: cut down, don't stop :)

maybe it's just because you like art? I've have the same problem, but I never though of it as something that is bad. I took on it, and started studding art in high school. HECK. EVERYONE IN MY CLASS DOODLES. for us, that can't be stopped.But if you have no interest in art, then this might be a problem...

I spend a lot on art supplies too. school's fee is $100 per year, and probably $100-200 more for supplies (i use alot).

I think your mom comparing you to people is not a bad thing. it'll get annoying at some point, but not all bad. my parents never compared anything that i drew to others. I DID. this makes me continue to strive for the better. Art is about practice, and practice, and practice. all those times that you were doodling, is PRACTICE. that's the only way to get better. no one was born as a genius.

people say a lot of things like "OMG you are sooo good!" or " I wish i had your talent!!" that.... no.

it was practice. I plan to study in art, so my academic grades are lower. look at my tests, all the ones i didn't pass has some form of doodle on it. my notes are filled with sketches of the teacher.

finally, i think drawing relieves my stress and loneliness. I get isolated a lot because of bad grades, weirdness, and ect. but my drawings feel so real, that i know i'll be fine. ~

hope that helped.

It sounds like you draw as an escape. Class is boring, lunch is lonely, mom is overbearing, so instead of facing it you focus on your doodles. It's not a bad way to control stress. But, you can't let it interfere with your obligations. Try harder to pay attention in school, write notes instead of doodling. Make yourself finish homework before you sit down with your sketchbook. Maybe use it as a reward, if you get something done you will allow yourself drawing time.

Otherwise if willpower alone doesn't work, talk to your mom about seeing a counselor.

I dont think its an addiction but then again i can be wrong! Its a comforting passion! I know i was the same way.

used to draw on my tests LOL :D

But wont you be super depressed if you just cut down? I mean just try to do what i did, work and school- NO PAPER, or ill leave a pencil or pen i wont have one or the other, and try to focus- cause you dont want to overuse someone elses utensils for drawing ;) worked for me. But NEVER give up on art! If you are an artist BE PROUD and who cares what anyone says I mean you never know maybe your passion will take you somewhere after high school! maybe you will pursue that in college, :)

Never stop, instead take classes if you're not already. If your life is full of stress this is a great release from it. If your bored, again a great thing to do. You could be off doing worst things. If your mother is wanting to see your drawings it is hopefully because she is proud of you. Take it all in. I wish I was creative like that. Buying sketchbooks is great, you could be out buying drugs or alcohol. Don't beat yourself up because you have that creative gene. Have fun with it. Who knows this might be the way you make your living. Imagine doing something you enjoy to earn your money instead of hating your boss.

When it is time for school or family, it's time for that. But after you do your homework etc.... YOU CAN DRAW AS MUCH AS YOU WANT!!! Are you a good artist? I bet you are....if you are angry about your mom comparing you to others, next time she says it, say "Mom, if you are going to compare me to others, please dont do it. I feel horrible and worthless when you compare me becuz I feel like I do not do good enough." and say it nicely too. To get your addiction satisfied, you can take summer art courses in your nearest university, since some universities have children summer camps. Also, you can expand your horizons of art knowledge. But you cannot draw during class time or else your grades are gonna suffer!!! PLease dont draw during school or family time. :) But draw all time else.

i meen do u like art? becuase if you like art that isnt necessarily bad thing. maybe you just need to go to therapy to help keep it under control and help you understand why you do it so obsessively. good luck