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Battle for the Arts and Crafts

Miriam
Feb 24, 2016
3 min read

I'm an artist. And chances are, if you are reading this, you are one too (or at least interested). So here's the deal: sometimes we panic. For those who do art and crafts as a hobby, panic often occurs when we really like making things but can't find the time or we don't feel like we're creative enough. For those who do art full time, such as myself, we have the time, but still panic over lack of creativity, lack of productiveness, and especially lack of income. As artists we must battle our own feelings, overcome anxiety, and come out on top and successful. Easier said than done, right? Hence, here is a list of steps that hopefully you find as helpful as I do when I'm struggling to overcome my own creative insecurities.

Being prepared for the Battle

1. Mental Prep: Before you can even start on anything, it is important to acknowledge all the difficulties that may present themselves. This is just so that they don't come as a surprise. Expect delays, discouragement, and danger. BUT, then just keep going!

2. Material Prep: Before you can fight the good fight, you need supplies! This is really important because you can also become discouraged or unmotivated if you're afraid to invest a little more on quality. (Get rid of the construction paper scraps and go for cardstock! Stop using partly dried up paint and go for water colour or higher pigment paints that last longer!) Don't hesitate to splurge JUST A LITTLE MORE than you normally would, and you'll be happy you did.

3. Physical Prep: The last step in preparing is to map out what you want to do, and practice it! No runner would start a race without limbering up, and no artist should go into a project blind. Trust me, no matter how genius an artist may be, it always turns out better the second time around. So make a proto-type, a drawing, use reference photos, etc. Know your next move.

Starting the Battle

1. Don't Think, Just Do: There's really only one step here, and that's to stop thinking too much about it and just DO it. Enough planning, enough with the excuses, and enough with the self-put- downs. Seriously. GO NOW.

Easing Up

1. Relax: It's going fine, why are you worried? You're only half way there. You can't judge it til it's finished. So if you're getting worked up about it not turning out right, take a break. Drink some tea. Have a cookie.

2. Inspiration: Sometimes, inspiration doesn't come until after you start something. And it always comes in the nick of time, so don't stop to wait for it. Put some music on and just enjoy yourself.

Final Moments

1. Gently....: You're doing so well, so don't get carried away. Bit by bit add the finishing touches. Sometimes some things need to be re-worked, but be gentle, keep taking breaks, and don't get impatient.

2. Progress: Take pride in your progress and just keep going! Show it to others and ask opinions to better your work.

3. Pride: Once your project is complete, look at it. JUST LOOK AT IT! It's awesome! You made that! Show it to everyone! If you can admit, even if it isn't your best work, that it's cool because you made it, then you've won the battle! Not one artist out there will have every piece their best piece, but it DOES get better and better with practice and experience. CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'VE WON THE BATTLE.

"An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one." Charles Horton Cooley

After-thought tip: One great way to keep your creative juices flowing, is to practice something creative everyday. I would encourage everyone to keep a creative journal where there are no limits to what you can do. Writing, painting, drawing, adding stickers, more paper, taping in photos, poems, songs, etc. The more you use your creativity, the more you'll have!

There are lots more great tips that I have not written, so please comment yours below :)