“Just A Doodle: #15” ©2010 Diane Evans
A year ago, Alyson Stanfield offered the following advice on her Art Biz blog; I read it over recently, and it’s every bit as relevant today:
“You’ve been going at it all year. You do. You try. But then, you look back at that task list and become discouraged. Instead of thinking about what you still want to achieve, focus on acknowledging all you have done. Take time to write down your accomplishments for the past year.”
She offered a list of questions to jump-start your thinking, such as:
(1) How did you promote your art?
(2) Who were the top ten cool or influential people you met?
(3) What did you try that was uncomfortable, but helped you grow?
(4) How did you improve your studio habits?
(5) What was the single best thing that happened to your art career this past year?
She then advised: “Be grateful for the energy you found, the people you came across, and the experiences you learned from . . . Celebrate!”
I found Alyson’s ideas to be eye-opening (the list of questions for 2010 is posted again here); she motivated me to take inventory of my plus-column for the year, and the exercise was a real boost to my self-esteem – another way of reminding me to view the glass as half full.
So here’s to 2011; may it bring us wonderful accomplishments, continued friendships, and unimagined creative artistry. And you, dear readers, are the coolest people I’ve been fortunate to meet.
Diane
(Please share your answer to Question #5 -- it'll make us ALL feel good.)
5 comments:
That's wonderful food for thought. The best thing that has happened to me in the last year was sort of stumbling on to Flickr. Finding the online quilting communtiy has been a real boost for me. Seeing everyone's work and sharing mime is definately encouraging and motivating. Positive inspiration is so much more motivating than guilt about what we have not accomplished.
I'll be first! You, Diane, were the person who influenced me most this year. I created an art quilt for the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation quilt contest. And it was accepted into one of the travelling exhibits that will be shown at the Road to California quilt show later this month and then go on to tour the country for the next year. Without your generous help and encouragement, I never would have stretched myself as an artist and would not have finished this quilt. Thanks for everything.
What a wonderful list of questions to ponder.....my answer to number 5?
well, for me, 2010 was a year filled with accomplishments I am proud of, but to select the single most important thing, I guess I would have to say it would be the incredible amount of confidence I have gained throughout this past year.
Loving that drawing!!! (another late evening?)
Great list of questions. I really was distracted last year as far as my art goes. Hope to do better this year. I only entered 2 shows but I did win an honorable mention in one.
Great post! I can easily succumb to the feelings of not doing enough/achieving enough, and I appreciate the reminder to look at the positives in what has been accomplished. As for the best thing that happened to me this past year... I think it would simply be that I feel I am continuing to evolve and grow into whoever I authentically am as an artist, and am grateful for all the positive feedback I've received, and the lovely people I've become acquainted with, on my journey. (And that includes you!)
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