I’ve always been a ‘dabbler’. A creative or as my Dad referred to it, ‘The Arty, Farty Type’. I’ll give anything a go, and have many the creative whim. This experimentation has spanned from wood carving, skateboard deck designs, to more traditional art projects.
Being of the ADHD persuasion what I mostly created were eclectic masses of unfinished and unstructured projects or, as others like to call it, ‘mess’. Messes are my thing, my superpower. In life, in art, relationships, you name it.
It’s been a journey to go from ‘dabbler’ to a conscious creative with a (semi) disciplined art practice. What started as a roomful of bits and bobs is now four complete Art Print Collections licensed in two countries, three established Placed Design Collections and a growing number of Repeat Pattern Designs. Having now taken a life of its own, these collections are growing each day like mushrooms in my dewy backyard.
Before that initial spark started this colourful boulder hurtling down the hill of creation I did lots of ‘investigation’. Meaning, I yarned with a tonne of folk and hit up good old google.
These are the winner, winner, chicken dinner ideas that helped me the most.
1. Make A Decision And Just…START.
Somewhere, anywhere. Just start. I don’t know what initially set my flames alight. Probably having the peeves with my day job I’d say. It still took me time to make the decision to get serious about my art practice. It took another decision to then show up for it each day.
This also meant some of those wacky, random bursts of inspiration needed to take a back seat. I’m not saying you can’t do EVERYTHING, but I know I can’t. At least not right away. I’ll publish my great novel one day, but this is my year for building my portfolio into something strong and focused.
2. Believe It’s Possible.
It’s not that I wasn’t supported to create growing up, but I didn’t get the impression that it could be a ‘calling’, or a valuable use of my time. The implied narrative was that creating is ‘a nice hobby’ but make sure you’ve got that solid nine to five sorted. The older I get, the more I realise that doing something with passion is about the greatest way to honour life and serve your Divine purpose. Trust the way it feels in your heart and flow with it. The rest will come.
3. Do It Today.
There is literally no benefit in waiting until tomorrow to being working on your dream. You will never be ready, skilled enough, have enough money or time. Start where you are, with what you have, and build up as you learn and grow.
What’s the worst that can happen? You might make something that doesn’t float your boat. If you don’t start you will never experience that magic of dreams sparking to life.
4. Do You Boo.
I tripped myself up for a long time trying to be the type of artist I was trained to be. Following the rules was never my strength. Trying to fit myself into a box felt stiff and rigid and it reflected in my work. When I started to create in a way that felt good in my body, that tickled my senses, I felt my passion to create come alive again. I could literally breath in the colours and touch the vibrations of lines on a page, expanding my inspiration and desire to create even more.
5. Drop The Comparison.
I love looking at the work of other artists. I’m a bit of a groupie that way. It’s inspiring and natural to want to immerse yourself in the beauty that art provides.
However, comparing your progress to that of a seasoned professional with years of experience can sometimes be daunting. Aspirational goals and mentors can be so informative but if putting your artwork on products makes you feel queasy then that path might not be for you. If you love gentle watercolour then dive right in and see how far it takes you.
I’m not saying don’t expand yourself. Trying new things is all part of the fun. My view is that life is about chasing joy. Find what ultimately brings you joy and do more of it.
It’s not a paint by numbers process for sure, but I hope some of my experiences may resonate and light a spark in you. The world can never have too much beauty. xx