AUTHOR: Monica Lee
TITLE: So much to tell you...
DATE: 2:45 PM
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BODY:
I am having the BEST day! I heard from the nicest artists today. I went over to Tine’s site (you know I am a big fan of hers) and she put the nicest post about me encouraging her with her 3-D art. I get just as excited as she does when she strikes upon something new with her creative talents. I completely expect to see her featured in the Artist’s Workshop section of Home Companion one day.
Then this morning, I got an email from Cheryl a designer in Malta (isn’t the internet something?) Commenting about artist’s blocks and procrastinating. She had read that I often piddle around for quite sometime before I actually get to work. This is some of what I told her I do: I take myself to bookstores and look at all the books from Romance covers to cook books to children’s books. I think I procrastinate because I don't think I can’t do the job, which is a lack of belief in myself (big no-no) Ultimately, I don't like to push things right up until the last minute so I tell myself to sit down and do "just a little". Then I channel my creativity into something else that gives me a quick result. Buy some flowers and arrange them, or cook an interesting meal. Just going the market is a feast for my senses.The next thing is to stop saying that I have a "block". Remember? You are what you believe. Your mind just needed a rest before you start something new and exciting. Stick a note in your studio space that says "I am creative, talented and original". Read and say it out loud, often!
What I have realized is, every time I take the time to encourage someone else, I end up having a really good day. (Read: the book covers I am working on are coming together quite well, if I do say so myself) It is that whole, “plant a seed” law of reciprocity thing. Whatever it is, when I take the time to quit focusing on myself and channel my energy to someone else, it really works out for me, my spirit, my art. Sound a bit selfish? Maybe, but try it out, it is great! This isn’t to say I don’t give bad advice, or come across to strongly. My poor husband has been at the bad end of me giving quick and choppy advice. He always says “compliment first!” Maybe I am not as generous with him because I love him and figure he just should understand that I think he is THE BOMB before I open my mouth to start telling him about his art.
Enough already! I wanted to mention I bought one of Rachel (Zephyr) Yarn Ho! T’ Shirts. It is so cute and the quality is great! I meant to get Luke to take a pic of me in it. I haven’t taken it off! I went in to my LYS to show the owner. She was having an awful morning and when I opened my coat and flashed her my top that said that I was a YARN HO! She laughed so hard. Cute top, Rach!
This long post and I am under the gun, I want to create a new piece for the SCBWI conference using traditional watercolors and these fun prints I have been playing with (see pic). Hopefully this will come together because the clock is ticking! So back to work with me!
I am having the BEST day! I heard from the nicest artists today. I went over to Tine’s site (you know I am a big fan of hers) and she put the nicest post about me encouraging her with her 3-D art. I get just as excited as she does when she strikes upon something new with her creative talents. I completely expect to see her featured in the Artist’s Workshop section of Home Companion one day.
Then this morning, I got an email from Cheryl a designer in Malta (isn’t the internet something?) Commenting about artist’s blocks and procrastinating. She had read that I often piddle around for quite sometime before I actually get to work. This is some of what I told her I do: I take myself to bookstores and look at all the books from Romance covers to cook books to children’s books. I think I procrastinate because I don't think I can’t do the job, which is a lack of belief in myself (big no-no) Ultimately, I don't like to push things right up until the last minute so I tell myself to sit down and do "just a little". Then I channel my creativity into something else that gives me a quick result. Buy some flowers and arrange them, or cook an interesting meal. Just going the market is a feast for my senses.The next thing is to stop saying that I have a "block". Remember? You are what you believe. Your mind just needed a rest before you start something new and exciting. Stick a note in your studio space that says "I am creative, talented and original". Read and say it out loud, often!
What I have realized is, every time I take the time to encourage someone else, I end up having a really good day. (Read: the book covers I am working on are coming together quite well, if I do say so myself) It is that whole, “plant a seed” law of reciprocity thing. Whatever it is, when I take the time to quit focusing on myself and channel my energy to someone else, it really works out for me, my spirit, my art. Sound a bit selfish? Maybe, but try it out, it is great! This isn’t to say I don’t give bad advice, or come across to strongly. My poor husband has been at the bad end of me giving quick and choppy advice. He always says “compliment first!” Maybe I am not as generous with him because I love him and figure he just should understand that I think he is THE BOMB before I open my mouth to start telling him about his art.
Enough already! I wanted to mention I bought one of Rachel (Zephyr) Yarn Ho! T’ Shirts. It is so cute and the quality is great! I meant to get Luke to take a pic of me in it. I haven’t taken it off! I went in to my LYS to show the owner. She was having an awful morning and when I opened my coat and flashed her my top that said that I was a YARN HO! She laughed so hard. Cute top, Rach!
This long post and I am under the gun, I want to create a new piece for the SCBWI conference using traditional watercolors and these fun prints I have been playing with (see pic). Hopefully this will come together because the clock is ticking! So back to work with me!