As if it wasn't already good enough that chewing gum helps your memory, it may also help to eliminate something called sub-vocalization. Sub-vocalization, is usually used in the context of reading, when you say a word aloud in your head as you go over the text which may be done consciously or unconsciously. There are many conflicting debates as to whether eliminating this, has an effect or not on whether you read faster, but it is my theory that we sub-vocalize our thoughts as well. For some people, their lips may move when this happens, which makes chewing gum a mundane activity to occupy the mouth and prevent this from happening.

While it is true that there is no concrete evidence of this, I do have my own experiences. When I chew gum, I am able to recognize when something is wrong, but the chatter in my head that would normally insist that I am stupid for making the mistake in the first place is mysteriously gone. It is important however not to over-do it. Any flavor of gum is appropriate but try not to chew for long periods of time to prevent strain on your jaw.

2. Listen to Music

Back in about 2011, I read something that you may know as "Richard Williams Animator's Survival Kit." It's an excellent read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone, even if they had no interest in doing animation at all. However, there was one thing that never really sat right with me, and that was the claim to unplug yourself. Here's the image from the book.

Following this whimsical little comic is an anedote on how after taking out the headphones, one particular artist's work quality manage to shoot past the rest of the team. So, inspired by this I set out to draw in silence. It was probably the worst experience in my life. Not only did I feel very uninspired and bored, I felt as though I was just forcing it, and I didn't have as much fun drawing as I used to. When I bit the bullet and started listening to music again, not only did I have more fun, but the quality was better as well.

Not listening to music didn't bode well for me, but that doesn't mean that what he says is untrue. Keep in mind that every person is different, and just changing a single routine is not going to skyrocket you to the top. Listening to music can further help drown out your inner critic and have you happier while creating. For writers, it's probably advisable to stick with music that either has no lyrics or is in a foreign language.

Of course, despite how much we love our songs, sometimes we just can't take it, which in that case it would be wise to

3. Watch Reruns

In addition to being inspired by an art style you enjoy, you may be able to learn a lot by techniques used. Things like foreshortening, composition and perspective will appear naturally, and you may be able to absorb some of these concepts. Of course, it's imperative to avoid shows that leave you engrossed, or new episodes, because then you'll be too distracted by the shows to actually make anything

I find that watching cartoons I didn't appreciate at the time of their arrival helps with mass production of ideas as well as establishing a sense of pride within myself. There was a time period last year where I watched the entire Codename: Kids Next Door Series, drawing until 3 o'clock in the morning.

Art by me~

Your inner critic can be cruel and vindictive, so it's your job to reel it in and remind it that you are the ruler of your domain and that you are fabulous for even managing to get this far. Then, lock it away in glass jar and shove it under your bed. Just keep working. You'll be surprised at how much better you'll feel.

Images Courtesy of Gettyimages.com

Comic Source: Richard Williams Animators Survival Kit

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3 Ways to Silence Your Inner Critic

Mar 23, 2014

Sometimes when you try to sit down and have fun creating, a nasty little demon pops up inside you that just won't stop criticizing and demeaning everything you do! It urges you to give up, laughs and bothers you to the point where you just want to throw the pencil across the room and cry. Subdue that irritating imp and get focused by using distractions to your advantage. Kill the Critic! 1. Chew Gum As if it wasn't already good enough that chewing gum helps your memory, it may also help to eliminate something called sub-vocalization. Sub-vocalization, is usually used in the context of reading, when you say a word aloud in your head as you