Jamie left the following statement on my Facebook wall:
I need your advice Julie! I am really having trouble getting inspired to make my own art…I spend hours reading other people's inspirational or educational books, blogs, Etsy, magazines but just get the feeling that my work won't measure up and I just don't know how to restart my artsy battery despite having lots of well intentioned supplies and an artroom. Help!!
This is something that I think absolutely everyone who does something creative feels. Those feelings of being inadequate; of not measuring up to the amazing things that everyone else is doing can be completely paralyzing. I have been there. And it's a funny contrast. On the one hand you read and read and consume all this information and all these pretty pictures but they just make you feel less and less capable rather than excited and inspired. What's a girl to do?
Well, I don't think there's any one-size-fits-all solution, but here's a little bit of advice on the kinds of things that work for me (I am very motivated by forced creating, so a lot of these are in that arena):
- Take a class — in person is best but online will do. Knowledge = Confidence. But taking a class is different from reading a book or watching a YouTube video, even though those both give you knowledge. A class inherently comes with a community. And a group of people who are all trying to learn the same things, going through the same struggles, and triumphing, can be very comforting. The reason I say that in person classes are best is because you are forced to create in that class. An online class allows you to watch the video or read the handout and not necessarily do anything about it.
- Join a challenge — something that has a deadline and forces you to create. Being on design teams was the best thing for my productivity because I had to create even when I didn't feel like it or didn't like the materials. And through many, many, many ugly mistakes, I finally found my own way. You can also create your own challenge! Several years ago I challenged myself to create one scrapbook page a week for a year. This was at a time that I rarely scrapbooked – maybe once every month or two. That self-imposed challenge changed my life. Seriously. It helped me get into the idea of creating more often (creating as a habitual part of my weekly life).
- Sit in your art room and play. Set a kitchen timer for ten minutes and play with your supplies with no finished project or goal in mind. Cut up paper. Decorate a tag. Paint a metal embellishment. Just play and see what happens. Do it every day for a month and I think you'll discover that *you* will start to emerge! Sometimes I think it's the pressure of a pretty finished project that holds us back. But if you refuse to finish anything, if you refuse to have a goal in mind, and if you refuse to do anything but play — you short circuit all those perfection demons we're hard wired to have.
- Go on a media diet. I haven't quite mastered this one, but I'm working on it. Stop reading blogs. Step away from the craft books. Let yourself just be with your own creativity and see where it takes you. It's possible that the little flame of creativity in you is being smothered instead of fed by all those pretty projects from other people. I used to turn to Google Reader every morning and see the 100+ blogs I kept tabs on. But reading those blogs every day I found that I didn't feel good about myself. So now I have a few favorites I keep track of, but I let the rest pass me by. It's hard to do that in these days of Pinterest and Tumblr when everyone seems to be gathering inspiration from the internet. But we're not all built the same way. If it doesn't make you feel good, don't do it!
- Be okay with sucking. Remember that just as children have to fall down a lot in order to learn to walk, we have to stumble a bit as artists before we can create comfortably! You just have to do it and do it and make creating a daily or weekly habit and then one day, out of the blue, you'll realize that you're walking — that your creative shins don't hurt from falling because you haven't fallen in a long time. But in order to get there, you have to be okay with making things that don't quite work, that you don't love. But remember that all these things — these ugly not quite right things — will be the foundation that you build your empire of creativity on top of! I make terrible things all the time. And they make me happy because I know that something good is coming if I keep at it.
I made a little something to remind myself that I need to be brave:
Now you go and be brave too!
—
P.S. Read this article by Roger Ebert about drawing!
This is such a great and important topic! Your ideas are wonderful, especially the one about media diet. I’m totally addicted to blog reading, and the problem is not that it makes me feel bad (it doesn’t!), but that it takes up all the time, and instead of creating, I read blogs. For hours! I sit there and plan how I’ll journal and make and then it’s midnight and I’m too tired :-))
This is such a great and important topic! Your ideas are wonderful, especially the one about media diet. I’m totally addicted to blog reading, and the problem is not that it makes me feel bad (it doesn’t!), but that it takes up all the time, and instead of creating, I read blogs. For hours! I sit there and plan how I’ll journal and make and then it’s midnight and I’m too tired :-))
This is such a great and important topic! Your ideas are wonderful, especially the one about media diet. I’m totally addicted to blog reading, and the problem is not that it makes me feel bad (it doesn’t!), but that it takes up all the time, and instead of creating, I read blogs. For hours! I sit there and plan how I’ll journal and make and then it’s midnight and I’m too tired :-))
This is such a great and important topic! Your ideas are wonderful, especially the one about media diet. I’m totally addicted to blog reading, and the problem is not that it makes me feel bad (it doesn’t!), but that it takes up all the time, and instead of creating, I read blogs. For hours! I sit there and plan how I’ll journal and make and then it’s midnight and I’m too tired :-))
Wow Julie, I could not have said it any better! Yes, we’ve all been there, and your advise is sooooo true and helpfull! Not only to Jamie, but to everyone!
Wow Julie, I could not have said it any better! Yes, we’ve all been there, and your advise is sooooo true and helpfull! Not only to Jamie, but to everyone!
Wow Julie, I could not have said it any better! Yes, we’ve all been there, and your advise is sooooo true and helpfull! Not only to Jamie, but to everyone!
Wow Julie, I could not have said it any better! Yes, we’ve all been there, and your advise is sooooo true and helpfull! Not only to Jamie, but to everyone!
everything you’ve said rings so true to me – I’ve just finished a layout-a-day for February, after not creating with paper for two years! the deadline is what made it happen each day. but I’m still working on the media diet – I’ve narrowed 300+ blogs to 50 must-reads, and it’s making a big difference!
everything you’ve said rings so true to me – I’ve just finished a layout-a-day for February, after not creating with paper for two years! the deadline is what made it happen each day. but I’m still working on the media diet – I’ve narrowed 300+ blogs to 50 must-reads, and it’s making a big difference!
everything you’ve said rings so true to me – I’ve just finished a layout-a-day for February, after not creating with paper for two years! the deadline is what made it happen each day. but I’m still working on the media diet – I’ve narrowed 300+ blogs to 50 must-reads, and it’s making a big difference!
everything you’ve said rings so true to me – I’ve just finished a layout-a-day for February, after not creating with paper for two years! the deadline is what made it happen each day. but I’m still working on the media diet – I’ve narrowed 300+ blogs to 50 must-reads, and it’s making a big difference!
Oh Julie – what a great post! I totally know how Jamie feels…I think we all do. It is so weird how inspiration can sometimes be intimidating at the same time! Love your suggestions and one thing I just encountered…that really might help, especially in painting. Is to paint something, knowing that you are going to paint over it – like daily or weekly. Treat it as your scrap canvas to practice on. It’s amazing how freeing the process can be!
Oh Julie – what a great post! I totally know how Jamie feels…I think we all do. It is so weird how inspiration can sometimes be intimidating at the same time! Love your suggestions and one thing I just encountered…that really might help, especially in painting. Is to paint something, knowing that you are going to paint over it – like daily or weekly. Treat it as your scrap canvas to practice on. It’s amazing how freeing the process can be!
Oh Julie – what a great post! I totally know how Jamie feels…I think we all do. It is so weird how inspiration can sometimes be intimidating at the same time! Love your suggestions and one thing I just encountered…that really might help, especially in painting. Is to paint something, knowing that you are going to paint over it – like daily or weekly. Treat it as your scrap canvas to practice on. It’s amazing how freeing the process can be!
Oh Julie – what a great post! I totally know how Jamie feels…I think we all do. It is so weird how inspiration can sometimes be intimidating at the same time! Love your suggestions and one thing I just encountered…that really might help, especially in painting. Is to paint something, knowing that you are going to paint over it – like daily or weekly. Treat it as your scrap canvas to practice on. It’s amazing how freeing the process can be!
Thank you sooo much for picking up this theme and write so elaborated about it! I think I am in this stage for over 2 years now, getting out of it, little step by little step and sometimes falling back big steps, but every single word you write is true and helps!
Sunny greetings – Irma
Thank you sooo much for picking up this theme and write so elaborated about it! I think I am in this stage for over 2 years now, getting out of it, little step by little step and sometimes falling back big steps, but every single word you write is true and helps!
Sunny greetings – Irma
Thank you sooo much for picking up this theme and write so elaborated about it! I think I am in this stage for over 2 years now, getting out of it, little step by little step and sometimes falling back big steps, but every single word you write is true and helps!
Sunny greetings – Irma
Thank you sooo much for picking up this theme and write so elaborated about it! I think I am in this stage for over 2 years now, getting out of it, little step by little step and sometimes falling back big steps, but every single word you write is true and helps!
Sunny greetings – Irma
this is great advice, especially number 4
a friend of mine gave me a piece of advice recently about letting go of the need to compare myself with anyone else, this is hard and i have to work at it, but on the days i achieve it i’m much more satisfied with my own creations
this is great advice, especially number 4
a friend of mine gave me a piece of advice recently about letting go of the need to compare myself with anyone else, this is hard and i have to work at it, but on the days i achieve it i’m much more satisfied with my own creations
this is great advice, especially number 4
a friend of mine gave me a piece of advice recently about letting go of the need to compare myself with anyone else, this is hard and i have to work at it, but on the days i achieve it i’m much more satisfied with my own creations
this is great advice, especially number 4
a friend of mine gave me a piece of advice recently about letting go of the need to compare myself with anyone else, this is hard and i have to work at it, but on the days i achieve it i’m much more satisfied with my own creations
Great post – another issue with following blogs is the sheer time it takes away from your creation playtime. I really enjoyed the link to Ebert’s post.
Great post – another issue with following blogs is the sheer time it takes away from your creation playtime. I really enjoyed the link to Ebert’s post.
Great post – another issue with following blogs is the sheer time it takes away from your creation playtime. I really enjoyed the link to Ebert’s post.
Great post – another issue with following blogs is the sheer time it takes away from your creation playtime. I really enjoyed the link to Ebert’s post.
Thanks so much for this–of all the blogs I visit each day, I needed to read this one today most of all!
Thanks so much for this–of all the blogs I visit each day, I needed to read this one today most of all!
Thanks so much for this–of all the blogs I visit each day, I needed to read this one today most of all!
Thanks so much for this–of all the blogs I visit each day, I needed to read this one today most of all!
It seems that many of us are in the same boat! I especially fall prey to the bit about reading too many magazines for inspiration and then feeling paralyzed as to where to begin. Lots of food for thought today, Julie. Thanks!
It seems that many of us are in the same boat! I especially fall prey to the bit about reading too many magazines for inspiration and then feeling paralyzed as to where to begin. Lots of food for thought today, Julie. Thanks!
It seems that many of us are in the same boat! I especially fall prey to the bit about reading too many magazines for inspiration and then feeling paralyzed as to where to begin. Lots of food for thought today, Julie. Thanks!
It seems that many of us are in the same boat! I especially fall prey to the bit about reading too many magazines for inspiration and then feeling paralyzed as to where to begin. Lots of food for thought today, Julie. Thanks!
thanks so much Julie and Jamie for asking!
so classic, so me too… yeh the media fast/diet sounds good as I do that, the blogs – always inspiring, but inspiring to sit and read more, and addictive or something at times!
getting back to the table to work, or picking up the book and pencil/ brush etc, thats the thing. watching others bloom isnt getting ourselves into it, and can leave us jaded and exhausted and angry or empty. Good reminder to let go and just do, not watch the world do things.
onward all of us!
R
thanks so much Julie and Jamie for asking!
so classic, so me too… yeh the media fast/diet sounds good as I do that, the blogs – always inspiring, but inspiring to sit and read more, and addictive or something at times!
getting back to the table to work, or picking up the book and pencil/ brush etc, thats the thing. watching others bloom isnt getting ourselves into it, and can leave us jaded and exhausted and angry or empty. Good reminder to let go and just do, not watch the world do things.
onward all of us!
R
thanks so much Julie and Jamie for asking!
so classic, so me too… yeh the media fast/diet sounds good as I do that, the blogs – always inspiring, but inspiring to sit and read more, and addictive or something at times!
getting back to the table to work, or picking up the book and pencil/ brush etc, thats the thing. watching others bloom isnt getting ourselves into it, and can leave us jaded and exhausted and angry or empty. Good reminder to let go and just do, not watch the world do things.
onward all of us!
R
thanks so much Julie and Jamie for asking!
so classic, so me too… yeh the media fast/diet sounds good as I do that, the blogs – always inspiring, but inspiring to sit and read more, and addictive or something at times!
getting back to the table to work, or picking up the book and pencil/ brush etc, thats the thing. watching others bloom isnt getting ourselves into it, and can leave us jaded and exhausted and angry or empty. Good reminder to let go and just do, not watch the world do things.
onward all of us!
R
This is an excellent post, Julie. So true about the media diet. What should be there to inspire you can actually make you feel inadequate, happens to me all the time!
All great advice…thanks for sharing!
This is an excellent post, Julie. So true about the media diet. What should be there to inspire you can actually make you feel inadequate, happens to me all the time!
All great advice…thanks for sharing!
This is an excellent post, Julie. So true about the media diet. What should be there to inspire you can actually make you feel inadequate, happens to me all the time!
All great advice…thanks for sharing!
This is an excellent post, Julie. So true about the media diet. What should be there to inspire you can actually make you feel inadequate, happens to me all the time!
All great advice…thanks for sharing!
Excellent advice Julie — thanks for taking the time to share it!
For me, online communities like Flickr, and challenges, have been the biggest catalyst. And in my situation, online classes fit my life and schedule better than most real life ones. They’re great for getting me moving and thinking and creating.
And this AJED community that Julie has created is awesome! Safe, supportive, encouraging — a wonderful place to land and hang out! Thanks for that Julie!!
Excellent advice Julie — thanks for taking the time to share it!
For me, online communities like Flickr, and challenges, have been the biggest catalyst. And in my situation, online classes fit my life and schedule better than most real life ones. They’re great for getting me moving and thinking and creating.
And this AJED community that Julie has created is awesome! Safe, supportive, encouraging — a wonderful place to land and hang out! Thanks for that Julie!!
Excellent advice Julie — thanks for taking the time to share it!
For me, online communities like Flickr, and challenges, have been the biggest catalyst. And in my situation, online classes fit my life and schedule better than most real life ones. They’re great for getting me moving and thinking and creating.
And this AJED community that Julie has created is awesome! Safe, supportive, encouraging — a wonderful place to land and hang out! Thanks for that Julie!!
Excellent advice Julie — thanks for taking the time to share it!
For me, online communities like Flickr, and challenges, have been the biggest catalyst. And in my situation, online classes fit my life and schedule better than most real life ones. They’re great for getting me moving and thinking and creating.
And this AJED community that Julie has created is awesome! Safe, supportive, encouraging — a wonderful place to land and hang out! Thanks for that Julie!!
I’m so glad that Jamie post this on your wall so you could come back with this advice! I often feel the same way Jamie does. Your advice is so on-target. Thanks for the great post!
I’m so glad that Jamie post this on your wall so you could come back with this advice! I often feel the same way Jamie does. Your advice is so on-target. Thanks for the great post!
I’m so glad that Jamie post this on your wall so you could come back with this advice! I often feel the same way Jamie does. Your advice is so on-target. Thanks for the great post!
I’m so glad that Jamie post this on your wall so you could come back with this advice! I often feel the same way Jamie does. Your advice is so on-target. Thanks for the great post!
What a wonderful post Julie! Your number 4 hit home with me as I told my sister only today that I plan to go on a tumblr and pinterest fast. I am overwhelmed and paralysed by all the inspiration and need to get back in touch with my personal creativity.
What a wonderful post Julie! Your number 4 hit home with me as I told my sister only today that I plan to go on a tumblr and pinterest fast. I am overwhelmed and paralysed by all the inspiration and need to get back in touch with my personal creativity.
What a wonderful post Julie! Your number 4 hit home with me as I told my sister only today that I plan to go on a tumblr and pinterest fast. I am overwhelmed and paralysed by all the inspiration and need to get back in touch with my personal creativity.
What a wonderful post Julie! Your number 4 hit home with me as I told my sister only today that I plan to go on a tumblr and pinterest fast. I am overwhelmed and paralysed by all the inspiration and need to get back in touch with my personal creativity.
so needed advice today- your saying on the painting especially 🙂
so needed advice today- your saying on the painting especially 🙂
so needed advice today- your saying on the painting especially 🙂
so needed advice today- your saying on the painting especially 🙂
i don’t play enough.
i don’t play enough.
i don’t play enough.
i don’t play enough.
Another great post with more great insight. Thanks. I have marked this as a fav to refer back to when I am having one of those less than stellar creative moments – always self imposed – of course. : )
Another great post with more great insight. Thanks. I have marked this as a fav to refer back to when I am having one of those less than stellar creative moments – always self imposed – of course. : )
Another great post with more great insight. Thanks. I have marked this as a fav to refer back to when I am having one of those less than stellar creative moments – always self imposed – of course. : )
Another great post with more great insight. Thanks. I have marked this as a fav to refer back to when I am having one of those less than stellar creative moments – always self imposed – of course. : )
Great, honest comment Jamie and wonderful response Julie. I realized the other day that I liked what I was drawing. Funny too, just after that my MIL said that I was so creative and she liked my drawing.
Great, honest comment Jamie and wonderful response Julie. I realized the other day that I liked what I was drawing. Funny too, just after that my MIL said that I was so creative and she liked my drawing.
Great, honest comment Jamie and wonderful response Julie. I realized the other day that I liked what I was drawing. Funny too, just after that my MIL said that I was so creative and she liked my drawing.
Great, honest comment Jamie and wonderful response Julie. I realized the other day that I liked what I was drawing. Funny too, just after that my MIL said that I was so creative and she liked my drawing.
Good ?, great reply! Love the media diet. OMGosh, sometimes I get so many ideas from blogs or media, and I have so many printed pics of inspirational projects for a start in front of me, that I overwhelm myself and do nothing! I actually had to “unsubscribe” from half the blogs I was following because I was actually feeling “down” because I got the idea in my head that my creations weren’t “as good” as others. And because of that idea, off and on for nearly two yrs, I rarely, if ever, created. It’s hard to be non-judgemental of self. But it’s worth the effort to try to get there! 🙂 One thing I found that helps me get closer to being there, is to sit down in my craft room and to create a project with whatever is around me (yes, I’m still the “kid” that finds comfort in having lots of my stuff all around me, rather than always “put in it’s place.” Sorry, Mom!) For some reason creating something out of bits and pieces that looks p.d.good, makes me happy and hopeful. 🙂
Good ?, great reply! Love the media diet. OMGosh, sometimes I get so many ideas from blogs or media, and I have so many printed pics of inspirational projects for a start in front of me, that I overwhelm myself and do nothing! I actually had to “unsubscribe” from half the blogs I was following because I was actually feeling “down” because I got the idea in my head that my creations weren’t “as good” as others. And because of that idea, off and on for nearly two yrs, I rarely, if ever, created. It’s hard to be non-judgemental of self. But it’s worth the effort to try to get there! 🙂 One thing I found that helps me get closer to being there, is to sit down in my craft room and to create a project with whatever is around me (yes, I’m still the “kid” that finds comfort in having lots of my stuff all around me, rather than always “put in it’s place.” Sorry, Mom!) For some reason creating something out of bits and pieces that looks p.d.good, makes me happy and hopeful. 🙂
Good ?, great reply! Love the media diet. OMGosh, sometimes I get so many ideas from blogs or media, and I have so many printed pics of inspirational projects for a start in front of me, that I overwhelm myself and do nothing! I actually had to “unsubscribe” from half the blogs I was following because I was actually feeling “down” because I got the idea in my head that my creations weren’t “as good” as others. And because of that idea, off and on for nearly two yrs, I rarely, if ever, created. It’s hard to be non-judgemental of self. But it’s worth the effort to try to get there! 🙂 One thing I found that helps me get closer to being there, is to sit down in my craft room and to create a project with whatever is around me (yes, I’m still the “kid” that finds comfort in having lots of my stuff all around me, rather than always “put in it’s place.” Sorry, Mom!) For some reason creating something out of bits and pieces that looks p.d.good, makes me happy and hopeful. 🙂
Good ?, great reply! Love the media diet. OMGosh, sometimes I get so many ideas from blogs or media, and I have so many printed pics of inspirational projects for a start in front of me, that I overwhelm myself and do nothing! I actually had to “unsubscribe” from half the blogs I was following because I was actually feeling “down” because I got the idea in my head that my creations weren’t “as good” as others. And because of that idea, off and on for nearly two yrs, I rarely, if ever, created. It’s hard to be non-judgemental of self. But it’s worth the effort to try to get there! 🙂 One thing I found that helps me get closer to being there, is to sit down in my craft room and to create a project with whatever is around me (yes, I’m still the “kid” that finds comfort in having lots of my stuff all around me, rather than always “put in it’s place.” Sorry, Mom!) For some reason creating something out of bits and pieces that looks p.d.good, makes me happy and hopeful. 🙂
I love this! I need to find my own courage… so this was a message that I needed to read! Thank you.
I would love for you to check this out:
http://acommunityartproject.blogspot.com/2011/02/project.html
as it seems like something you might enjoy
I love this! I need to find my own courage… so this was a message that I needed to read! Thank you.
I would love for you to check this out:
http://acommunityartproject.blogspot.com/2011/02/project.html
as it seems like something you might enjoy
I love this! I need to find my own courage… so this was a message that I needed to read! Thank you.
I would love for you to check this out:
http://acommunityartproject.blogspot.com/2011/02/project.html
as it seems like something you might enjoy
I love this! I need to find my own courage… so this was a message that I needed to read! Thank you.
I would love for you to check this out:
http://acommunityartproject.blogspot.com/2011/02/project.html
as it seems like something you might enjoy
Awesome advice, Julie! Thanks for this post!!
Awesome advice, Julie! Thanks for this post!!
Awesome advice, Julie! Thanks for this post!!
Awesome advice, Julie! Thanks for this post!!
Julie, I appreciated this post so much!! I especially love “Be okay with sucking”! You have such an eloquent way of putting things into words, that I can completely relate to. I’ve actually been keeping a diary for the past two weeks, which is huge for me! I can’t wait to add some artwork and other stuff to it, and will love it – even if it sucks!
Julie, I appreciated this post so much!! I especially love “Be okay with sucking”! You have such an eloquent way of putting things into words, that I can completely relate to. I’ve actually been keeping a diary for the past two weeks, which is huge for me! I can’t wait to add some artwork and other stuff to it, and will love it – even if it sucks!
Julie, I appreciated this post so much!! I especially love “Be okay with sucking”! You have such an eloquent way of putting things into words, that I can completely relate to. I’ve actually been keeping a diary for the past two weeks, which is huge for me! I can’t wait to add some artwork and other stuff to it, and will love it – even if it sucks!
Julie, I appreciated this post so much!! I especially love “Be okay with sucking”! You have such an eloquent way of putting things into words, that I can completely relate to. I’ve actually been keeping a diary for the past two weeks, which is huge for me! I can’t wait to add some artwork and other stuff to it, and will love it – even if it sucks!
That is exactly how I feel about scrapbooking. Years ago I gathered my pics., paper, scissors, and glue and together with my young daughter we did several “layouts”. We thought we were awesome. Years later when I really wanted to get into the hobby, I was reading books, magazines, and watching youtube videos and cringed because my stuff didn’t look anything at all like that. I still love gathering supplies, but honestly have come to a wall, and haven’t done much.
That is exactly how I feel about scrapbooking. Years ago I gathered my pics., paper, scissors, and glue and together with my young daughter we did several “layouts”. We thought we were awesome. Years later when I really wanted to get into the hobby, I was reading books, magazines, and watching youtube videos and cringed because my stuff didn’t look anything at all like that. I still love gathering supplies, but honestly have come to a wall, and haven’t done much.
That is exactly how I feel about scrapbooking. Years ago I gathered my pics., paper, scissors, and glue and together with my young daughter we did several “layouts”. We thought we were awesome. Years later when I really wanted to get into the hobby, I was reading books, magazines, and watching youtube videos and cringed because my stuff didn’t look anything at all like that. I still love gathering supplies, but honestly have come to a wall, and haven’t done much.
That is exactly how I feel about scrapbooking. Years ago I gathered my pics., paper, scissors, and glue and together with my young daughter we did several “layouts”. We thought we were awesome. Years later when I really wanted to get into the hobby, I was reading books, magazines, and watching youtube videos and cringed because my stuff didn’t look anything at all like that. I still love gathering supplies, but honestly have come to a wall, and haven’t done much.
Can I just say Julie you are awesome! Great post! Love the new art!
Can I just say Julie you are awesome! Great post! Love the new art!
Can I just say Julie you are awesome! Great post! Love the new art!
Can I just say Julie you are awesome! Great post! Love the new art!
isnt it awful when people feel their work “doesnt measure up” those words make me so sad..Art is a personal journey finding your creative self and its nothing to do with what others think..so just get out the paints and play and your own style will evolve
isnt it awful when people feel their work “doesnt measure up” those words make me so sad..Art is a personal journey finding your creative self and its nothing to do with what others think..so just get out the paints and play and your own style will evolve
isnt it awful when people feel their work “doesnt measure up” those words make me so sad..Art is a personal journey finding your creative self and its nothing to do with what others think..so just get out the paints and play and your own style will evolve
isnt it awful when people feel their work “doesnt measure up” those words make me so sad..Art is a personal journey finding your creative self and its nothing to do with what others think..so just get out the paints and play and your own style will evolve
great post! lots of important things to remember and good tips on staying creatively motivated!
great post! lots of important things to remember and good tips on staying creatively motivated!
great post! lots of important things to remember and good tips on staying creatively motivated!
great post! lots of important things to remember and good tips on staying creatively motivated!
Thank you, Jamie and Julie, from the bottom of my heart. Jamie, I could have written your words this week as I’ve been feeling EXACTLY the same way. Julie, you are spot on in every point – especially the need for community and media diet. I’ve been overwhelming myself lately with more ideas and techniquest than my brain can hold yet trying to hold them all in my creative mind is keeping me from actually trying any of them out. Thank you so much for this incredible and timely post.
Thank you, Jamie and Julie, from the bottom of my heart. Jamie, I could have written your words this week as I’ve been feeling EXACTLY the same way. Julie, you are spot on in every point – especially the need for community and media diet. I’ve been overwhelming myself lately with more ideas and techniquest than my brain can hold yet trying to hold them all in my creative mind is keeping me from actually trying any of them out. Thank you so much for this incredible and timely post.
Thank you, Jamie and Julie, from the bottom of my heart. Jamie, I could have written your words this week as I’ve been feeling EXACTLY the same way. Julie, you are spot on in every point – especially the need for community and media diet. I’ve been overwhelming myself lately with more ideas and techniquest than my brain can hold yet trying to hold them all in my creative mind is keeping me from actually trying any of them out. Thank you so much for this incredible and timely post.
Thank you, Jamie and Julie, from the bottom of my heart. Jamie, I could have written your words this week as I’ve been feeling EXACTLY the same way. Julie, you are spot on in every point – especially the need for community and media diet. I’ve been overwhelming myself lately with more ideas and techniquest than my brain can hold yet trying to hold them all in my creative mind is keeping me from actually trying any of them out. Thank you so much for this incredible and timely post.
These are some excellent advices. Especially like #3; just do it already! You can not find your own style if you never search for it…
These are some excellent advices. Especially like #3; just do it already! You can not find your own style if you never search for it…
These are some excellent advices. Especially like #3; just do it already! You can not find your own style if you never search for it…
These are some excellent advices. Especially like #3; just do it already! You can not find your own style if you never search for it…
I love that Knowledge = confidence. It’s so true… Best thing I ever did for me and my art was to take an online class with an art journalist! Great post Julie!
I love that Knowledge = confidence. It’s so true… Best thing I ever did for me and my art was to take an online class with an art journalist! Great post Julie!
I love that Knowledge = confidence. It’s so true… Best thing I ever did for me and my art was to take an online class with an art journalist! Great post Julie!
I love that Knowledge = confidence. It’s so true… Best thing I ever did for me and my art was to take an online class with an art journalist! Great post Julie!
I’m so glad you posted this, Julie — it is so important to “just do it” (sorry, Nike). I loved your concept of “being OK with sucking” — as Roger Ebert said in his article (thanks, too, for including it), it doesn’t matter that your image doesn’t look like the real thing, what matters is your experience of it in the moment. It’s process, not outcome! Great food for thought.
I’m so glad you posted this, Julie — it is so important to “just do it” (sorry, Nike). I loved your concept of “being OK with sucking” — as Roger Ebert said in his article (thanks, too, for including it), it doesn’t matter that your image doesn’t look like the real thing, what matters is your experience of it in the moment. It’s process, not outcome! Great food for thought.
I’m so glad you posted this, Julie — it is so important to “just do it” (sorry, Nike). I loved your concept of “being OK with sucking” — as Roger Ebert said in his article (thanks, too, for including it), it doesn’t matter that your image doesn’t look like the real thing, what matters is your experience of it in the moment. It’s process, not outcome! Great food for thought.
I’m so glad you posted this, Julie — it is so important to “just do it” (sorry, Nike). I loved your concept of “being OK with sucking” — as Roger Ebert said in his article (thanks, too, for including it), it doesn’t matter that your image doesn’t look like the real thing, what matters is your experience of it in the moment. It’s process, not outcome! Great food for thought.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Every now and than artists have those kind of dilemmas. We’ve all been there.It’s just a question of baby steps 🙂
Thanks from a land far away… Portugal
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Every now and than artists have those kind of dilemmas. We’ve all been there.It’s just a question of baby steps 🙂
Thanks from a land far away… Portugal
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Every now and than artists have those kind of dilemmas. We’ve all been there.It’s just a question of baby steps 🙂
Thanks from a land far away… Portugal
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Every now and than artists have those kind of dilemmas. We’ve all been there.It’s just a question of baby steps 🙂
Thanks from a land far away… Portugal
Thanks for your insight! The link to Roger Ebert was awesome too. I’m taking my kid out to draw after school today.
Thanks for your insight! The link to Roger Ebert was awesome too. I’m taking my kid out to draw after school today.
Thanks for your insight! The link to Roger Ebert was awesome too. I’m taking my kid out to draw after school today.
Thanks for your insight! The link to Roger Ebert was awesome too. I’m taking my kid out to draw after school today.
You know, I am really glad that I found you on the Prima blog and read this post. I have felt exactly the same way, seriously…I could have said it exactly the same way you have written it. I have recently thought that there must be something wrong with me that I am stuck in this place where I just can not ‘make myself’ make anything. I think of projects I want to work on, sometimes I can even get the thoughts and sketches down on paper. I went to Architecture school, where I had to go through critiques and I still felt so free to do any kind of artwork. At that time it seems that everything just kind of happened on it’s own, I did not always have a purpose but somehow I was always experimenting with something. I thought that it had something to do with my job, that the ‘real-world’ was bringing me down. After 8 years of working for that firm, I was laid-off. About a month before I was laid-off I found my local rubber stamping shop and found out about all of the classes they offered. My brain was suddenly flooded with ideas, too many to write down. Yet, I still could not make myself do anything outside of class (I started taking a bunch of classes including bookbinding which I loved). So, I started participating in card challenges online because this forced me to make cards with the enormous amount of stamps and stamping supplies that I was buying. The deadlines definitely helped for me. However, I would find that I would get burned out because I would wait until the last minute and then stay up most of the night making the card…:) I am definitely going to use some of your tips. Thank you so much for sharing! I also just read the article about drawing, I thought it was great! Thanks again!
Katie
imkt (at) excite dot com
You know, I am really glad that I found you on the Prima blog and read this post. I have felt exactly the same way, seriously…I could have said it exactly the same way you have written it. I have recently thought that there must be something wrong with me that I am stuck in this place where I just can not ‘make myself’ make anything. I think of projects I want to work on, sometimes I can even get the thoughts and sketches down on paper. I went to Architecture school, where I had to go through critiques and I still felt so free to do any kind of artwork. At that time it seems that everything just kind of happened on it’s own, I did not always have a purpose but somehow I was always experimenting with something. I thought that it had something to do with my job, that the ‘real-world’ was bringing me down. After 8 years of working for that firm, I was laid-off. About a month before I was laid-off I found my local rubber stamping shop and found out about all of the classes they offered. My brain was suddenly flooded with ideas, too many to write down. Yet, I still could not make myself do anything outside of class (I started taking a bunch of classes including bookbinding which I loved). So, I started participating in card challenges online because this forced me to make cards with the enormous amount of stamps and stamping supplies that I was buying. The deadlines definitely helped for me. However, I would find that I would get burned out because I would wait until the last minute and then stay up most of the night making the card…:) I am definitely going to use some of your tips. Thank you so much for sharing! I also just read the article about drawing, I thought it was great! Thanks again!
Katie
imkt (at) excite dot com
You know, I am really glad that I found you on the Prima blog and read this post. I have felt exactly the same way, seriously…I could have said it exactly the same way you have written it. I have recently thought that there must be something wrong with me that I am stuck in this place where I just can not ‘make myself’ make anything. I think of projects I want to work on, sometimes I can even get the thoughts and sketches down on paper. I went to Architecture school, where I had to go through critiques and I still felt so free to do any kind of artwork. At that time it seems that everything just kind of happened on it’s own, I did not always have a purpose but somehow I was always experimenting with something. I thought that it had something to do with my job, that the ‘real-world’ was bringing me down. After 8 years of working for that firm, I was laid-off. About a month before I was laid-off I found my local rubber stamping shop and found out about all of the classes they offered. My brain was suddenly flooded with ideas, too many to write down. Yet, I still could not make myself do anything outside of class (I started taking a bunch of classes including bookbinding which I loved). So, I started participating in card challenges online because this forced me to make cards with the enormous amount of stamps and stamping supplies that I was buying. The deadlines definitely helped for me. However, I would find that I would get burned out because I would wait until the last minute and then stay up most of the night making the card…:) I am definitely going to use some of your tips. Thank you so much for sharing! I also just read the article about drawing, I thought it was great! Thanks again!
Katie
imkt (at) excite dot com
You know, I am really glad that I found you on the Prima blog and read this post. I have felt exactly the same way, seriously…I could have said it exactly the same way you have written it. I have recently thought that there must be something wrong with me that I am stuck in this place where I just can not ‘make myself’ make anything. I think of projects I want to work on, sometimes I can even get the thoughts and sketches down on paper. I went to Architecture school, where I had to go through critiques and I still felt so free to do any kind of artwork. At that time it seems that everything just kind of happened on it’s own, I did not always have a purpose but somehow I was always experimenting with something. I thought that it had something to do with my job, that the ‘real-world’ was bringing me down. After 8 years of working for that firm, I was laid-off. About a month before I was laid-off I found my local rubber stamping shop and found out about all of the classes they offered. My brain was suddenly flooded with ideas, too many to write down. Yet, I still could not make myself do anything outside of class (I started taking a bunch of classes including bookbinding which I loved). So, I started participating in card challenges online because this forced me to make cards with the enormous amount of stamps and stamping supplies that I was buying. The deadlines definitely helped for me. However, I would find that I would get burned out because I would wait until the last minute and then stay up most of the night making the card…:) I am definitely going to use some of your tips. Thank you so much for sharing! I also just read the article about drawing, I thought it was great! Thanks again!
Katie
imkt (at) excite dot com
I just read this from your “best of” post and, just like all the folks above, found it incredibly insightful. All of us bloggers probably fall somewhere in the media diet category and that’s a great label for it. Just like the first commenter, my issue is that it takes SO much of my time, but I can’t look away! 🙂 Will continue to follow you and take inspiration from your projects and thoughts (saw your article in ClothPaperScissors – it’s fab!). All the best in 2012.
I just read this from your “best of” post and, just like all the folks above, found it incredibly insightful. All of us bloggers probably fall somewhere in the media diet category and that’s a great label for it. Just like the first commenter, my issue is that it takes SO much of my time, but I can’t look away! 🙂 Will continue to follow you and take inspiration from your projects and thoughts (saw your article in ClothPaperScissors – it’s fab!). All the best in 2012.
I just read this from your “best of” post and, just like all the folks above, found it incredibly insightful. All of us bloggers probably fall somewhere in the media diet category and that’s a great label for it. Just like the first commenter, my issue is that it takes SO much of my time, but I can’t look away! 🙂 Will continue to follow you and take inspiration from your projects and thoughts (saw your article in ClothPaperScissors – it’s fab!). All the best in 2012.
I just read this from your “best of” post and, just like all the folks above, found it incredibly insightful. All of us bloggers probably fall somewhere in the media diet category and that’s a great label for it. Just like the first commenter, my issue is that it takes SO much of my time, but I can’t look away! 🙂 Will continue to follow you and take inspiration from your projects and thoughts (saw your article in ClothPaperScissors – it’s fab!). All the best in 2012.