When we focus too hard on being a little better every day, we destroy the ability to be inspired. ~ Evan Armstrong Self-improvement is great and productivity is wonderful, but sometimes we need to pursue the unoptimized life. Sometimes we need to give ourselves space, and permission. We can ignore all the things we’re “supposed […]
Be on the side of the creator
I decided years ago that I would always be on the side of the creator. ~ Ryan Delk It’s easy to be critical, especially in today’s culture. As more creators dare to create, they often don’t meet the standards we think they should. Whether they’re beginners whose skill doesn’t match their vision or a professional […]
The journey is necessary
Your journey has molded you for the greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. ~ Asha Tyson It’s easy to fixate on the destination—the finished project, the big goal—but we often forget that the real magic happens in the small, seemingly unrelated steps along the way. I’ve had times where I […]
Art Comes From Action
Most people tell themselves that if they felt better, they’d do the thing—when it’s actually doing the thing that makes you feel better. ~ Mark Manson We often tell ourselves that we’ll finally start creating when we feel more inspired, more confident, or “ready.” But the truth is, it’s the act of making art that […]
Fear of Starting
The scariest moment is always just before you start. ~ Stephen King Dropped my daughter off at forest school yesterday. It was the first day back and she was a bundle of nerves. She was excited but nervous but once we arrived and she settled in, her smile was back. Funny how quickly fears can […]
You are important
The artist is not a special kind of person; rather, each person is a special kind of artist. ~ Ananda Coomaraswamy In some art magazine, I read the following and thought you should know that it applies to you, too: I hope you all know how important you are. Your uniqueness as artists – in […]
Ditch laundry for creativity
Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~ Pablo Picasso Ever crammed your day with chores only to ditch art? I’ve done that. I might start out the day with good intentions (even having an art project in mind) but then end up juggling chores and work tasks instead. Coordinating schedules, […]
What are you conveying
A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament. Its beauty comes from the fact that the author is what he is. It has nothing to do with the fact that other people want what they want. Indeed, the moment that an artist takes notice of what other people want, and tries […]
Now is the right time
When you’re younger, it’s easy to underestimate how fleeting the days can be. Each choice matters. Each day matters. When you’re older, it’s easy to underestimate how much opportunity you still have. Don’t talk yourself out of it. It’s never too late to start. ~ James Clear Of course, we talk about creative pursuits. Drawing, […]
Do the Verb, Be the Noun
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. ~ Robert Collier Many of us have big dreams. We want to be artists, authors, or musicians. But dreaming is only the first step. To be a painter, you need to paint every day. To be a writer, you need to write […]