I am by nature a bit of a loner.
But sometimes it’s difficult to go it alone.
Sometimes, when the doubts set in, and the inspiration dries up, and there are more questions than answers, having people to bounce things off is not just nice, it’s necessary.
Earlier this week I did some bouncing.
I was given a leaflet at the Secret Garden Craft Fair. It advertised free advice and support for local creatives who either had, or wanted to, set up in business.
So I went along, with fairly low expectations. (I’ve been on seminars before that have made me wonder why I bothered).
I thought, at best, that I might meet some other nice, local creatives. And I did.
But my advisor, with whom I had arranged a one-to-one after the group session, was actually really great.
He asked me searching questions. He challenged me. He made me think about what I was doing in a new light.
He actually inspired me.
I am currently trying to find my way through these new thoughts and ideas.
To find a way forward.
Just because you have help, doesn’t mean that it’s easy. It certainly felt like a struggle today.
I’ve learnt that you can’t force the creative urge.
But it does feel a little like a new path has been opened.
If I can just find my way. ♥
I love the evolving collage that goes with this piece. I hope your way comes clear to you soon. If it’s any help, you write very well, the things you make are fun and desirable, and I can’t see why you shouldn’t achieve whatever it is you want. Unless, of course, it’s world domination or the end of civilisation as we know it, in which case, can I please go out and restock my stash first…?
Thank you so much Kate, those are wonderful words of encouragement! All I really want is to find a sustainable way to live a creative life. At the moment I am on borrowed time financially, and I need to find a way to make a regular living from doing the things I love. My advisor, far beyond my expectations, not only gave me some pointers in that direction but also helped me to think about my creative process in a new way, daring me to break out from self-imposed restrictions.
The collage is, as you say, evolving. I’m not happy with it yet.
the advisor sounds great, well done for stepping into the process. I’m sure the way will open up for you. X
Good luck with the journey. I absolutely love your work – do so hope you can find a way to make it pay sufficiently. I’m facing a bit of a similar quandry at the moment – starting to think about what next as my funds are rapidly running out – I don’t want to go back to the stresses of my previous job and all the jobs I look at just make me feel depressed. I’d love to find a way to make something creative pay – but it’s difficult. Debating whether the answer is a simple job that provides some funds with a creative life on the side, doing what I love….I think it’s very hard to find the perfect creative fulfilling job that also pays the bills. If you figure it out – let me know! xxx
It’s a conundrum, isn’t it? I know lots of creatives that do something else part-time to pay the bills. The trick is to find something that doesn’t sap all your energy and enthusiasm so that there’s nothing left for creativity – not always easy!