From 2014-2016 I chronicled my crafty endeavors on the site Adventures-in-Making. I’ve selected a few of those DIY’s, Recipes, and other posts to share on the site.
As creative folks, we know that our work will change over time. We’ll have struggles, and we’ll have breakthroughs.
I feel like I’ve been going through a lot of that lately. I’ve had to make changes to the way I do things to accommodate for my schedule at the shop, and the limited time it’s allowed me for more creative endeavors. All in all it’s been a great experience, and has caused me to grow in directions I wouldn’t have expected. Since we’re focussed on building a creative community here at A-i-M, I thought I would share some of my experiences and encourage you to share your own.
Today I am thinking about…
Trusting Your Instincts
A friend keeps reminding me that “you have to know the rules to break them”, but I’ve always been the kind of person who knows the rules- then sticks to them. My rebellious side would let me break a few,secretly, but the other side would never be happy unless my lines were straight and my skill immaculate. It was tedious, and I was never happy with what I was making.
Because of limiting factors, I started working in a new way. I moved away from the computer and started working extensively in pencil. I would sketch, erase, sketch, erase, until I built up a design I was happy with. It all happened on one pieces of loose-leaf card stock; with a lot of lead, and a lot of erasing.
But I kept questioning myself. What if I was doing it the “Wrong Way”?
At some point I just decided to forget about it. It doesn’t matter if it’s the wrong way if I am happy with the result. Our satisfaction with our work is the most important outcome. If I was happier breaking a few rules and following my own instincts, then that’s the way it should be.
We have to have the confidence that our way is the right way, for us at least. That means trying new things, and feeling it all out…
but that’s what growing up is all about.
********
What do you think? Have you had any breakthroughs this summer? Any projects that surprised you?
Are you trying things your way?
I’ve definitely hit a breakthrough/turning point with my art-making this summer. I had to really let go of my fears and let my intuition take over. I stopped worrying about whether or not my work was ‘on trend’ or how well it would ‘sell’ and started making things from the heart. It’s felt so good to finally tap into that way of making!
Awesome, Rachel! It seems like that’s going around.
Thanks for the inspiration Alison! I had a breakthrough over the weekend and it took a lot of erasing and patience with myself! I feel like I can really learn new skills and be happy with the results even if they are not perfect! Thanks again!