Intrinsic v. Extrinsic Motivation and Creating Goals
2021 was a year of reflection.
I stopped drawing for Instagram, and took more time on longer projects. I became more intentional with my illustrations, attempting to focus on story and composition over cute little square one-offs for likes and shares. I joined CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers) and started seeking professional advice, and resources, and attending talks and lectures. With my focus no longer glued to social media, I was able to open myself up to a new art journey, one where I would be writing and illustrating actual stories.
The topic of Intrinsic verse Extrinsic motivation came from a recent podcast episode of Hidden Brain (see link to episode at the end of this post), about discovering yourself and what it is you really want. I find that I’m in a constant cycle of changing direction in life, and this podcast made me realize I’m not listening to my inner self.
Extrinsic motivation comes from exterior factors, from outside expectations of what you should be striving for in your career or life choices. This could come from teachers, parents, friends, the media, etc. We’re all so overly exposed by this it’s hard to shove all that extrinsic motivation aside to find what it is you actually enjoy and want to pursue. When I apply this to my own past, I spent my entire academic and professional career away from illustration. I chased “safe” career paths that would guarantee a paycheck and because of that I’ve never been satisfied with the jobs I’ve had.
When I dig into when I gave up on pursing art as a career, the memory is an early one.
I remember being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up (as all kid’s are asked at one point) and I said an artist. I was immediately told artists don’t make money. That I should consider something else. That it’s incredibly difficult. That I would never feel secure. It was a harsh reality check to my dream of being the next Leonardo DiVinci, and I unfortunately internalized that. And despite resuming my passion for art back in 2016, I sill have not actively pursued an income with my art.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It’s also incredibly difficult to focus in on.
It starts with understanding what really interests you and consciously recognizing that; basically taking notes when you’re doing something and feel a passion towards it. But there’s also a trick. There’s a balance to intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Once you start pursuing your passion, allowing too much extrinsic motivation in (pursuit of money or career advancement or prestige) can sour that initial joy.
Without rambling further, 2023’s goals are an attempt to reach what i’ve been too scared to do my entire life: build an art career.
This 2023 I will be learning, drawing, writing and sharing more. I will also make it a point to try and share any useful or interesting information here on a monthly blog.
With that said, welcome to my 12-month project of following my intrinsic motivation.
Interesting things to read/watch in January:
“Who Do You Want to Be” podcast episode by Hidden Brain
“How I Became a Full-Time illustrator in Children’s Book Illustration” YouTube video by Shellene Wright
“If You’re an artist about to give up on their dreams, watch this first” YouTube video by Adam Duff
