I know I said on Tuesday that this week was going to be all about ice cream, and in fact I was all set up to shoot and post my ice cream sandwiches today, but something happened that I couldn’t ignore and just had to write about. I have to warn you, this post is text heavy and does come from a place of negativity and insecurity, which is something I deeply try to hide here (I’m all sunshine and rainbows!). But I’ve been here before and feel the need to open up to you all, get this conversation going and ask how you get through similar situations. Because if you’re a creator, and especially if you’re online, I’m sure you’ve felt what I feel.
Remember when I made this announcement to open a print shop featuring my watercolour gems? And remember how I was super excited but also nervous at the same time? Part of my nerves was a fear that someone would beat me to it, and sure enough someone did.
My friend sent me a blog post featuring an artists’ gorgeous work of watercolour gems. Yes, gorgeous work, and I am so elated that others are also inspired by these beautiful works of nature. I mean really, gems and minerals are mind boggingly stunning and the perfect specimen to be captured by paint and brush. But I can’t lie, my heart sank a little, because seeing work published before I got a chance to do so made me feel unoriginal.
I know I’m not the only one to go through this. I’ve had similar experiences with DIY’s in the past, and I cut the project completely. In a different creative realm, my sister was in the middle of writing a screenplay when a movie, featuring the same historical figure in a similar format she was writing, was released. Heart broken, she axed the project.
It’s true, I feel that urge to stop – because how can I create something that is already being created? My work is no longer original, so why should I bother? That’s my heart talking, and my brain is telling my heart to shut up.
I would tell anyone who listened, that when it comes to creations and art specifically, everyone brings a unique perspective to their work and, therefore, has something different to offer. And I wholeheartedly believe this, regardless of what my heart is saying. So thankfully, my brain steps in with this reminder, and my passion encourages me to persevere. I just have to tell my heart to be quiet every now and then and remind myself that everyone brings a special something to their work. Yes, even little ‘ol me.
Now I’m not here bearing the inner workings of my soul to ask for pity or encouragement. Rather I feel this is an important discussion to have, and I want to better myself through learning from others (you!) who have gone through similar situations. And so, I ask you this:
What do you do when you face similar situations? Do you ignore the rest of the world and persevere on? Do you stop entirely? Or do you mope a bit like me and get back to it?
When you treasure an idea or creation of yours, then see it made into reality by someone else,
Hey Tan – This is SO real – and every creative has been through it. Starting your business is full of ups and downs that no one can prepare you for. I have been in similar situations – excited and then feeling shot down…but I do take a break for a day or two – regroup and its important to let yourself do this without guilt. Then something will click – and a new project will come to mind – one you are excited to work on, once again! You keep going because creating things is what you love – and as much as you want to throw in the towel, its in your blood and you eventually just can’t resist to give it another go 🙂
But not all is lost with the gems, someone may have already done it – and in your opinion its better! but A) no one can paint gems like TAN! and people may love your style and interpretation of the gems. For example there are a million Polka dot paintings in the world, that doesn’t mean people are going to stop painting polka dots, because no one does a polka dot pattern like YOU! B) keep painting what you love because its your refining your skills! When i first started doing stuff for appetite o my goodness – my original ideas make my smile not because they are purchase worthy (My mom maybe?) but there is so much truth and spirit in those pieces – they represent those baby steps I took to get where I am today – my first pursuit towards a dream – those GEM paintings will make your heart sing!
It took me over a year to understand my style and what makes me, me – its a journey and doesn’t happen as quickly as I thought and it certainly wasn’t as easy – I wish someone told me that when I started – I’m only a year in and through all the low low times and discouragement I’m happy to say Im glad I stuck it out – and there will be many low times to come – but I always ask my self – Do I enjoy this? Am I having fun? and the answer is always YES!
Mourn your loss – Netflix and snacks always help me 🙂 – and you will naturally move on! Just know you have a community that loves and supports your business & dreams!
It’s so great hearing from someone who not only has been there, but has a print shop of their own and has stuck with it through these tough times! Thank you so much for your input and honesty Rachael. You’re right, so long as the answer is always yes then it is work doing!
P.S. FRAME YORU FAVORITE GEM AND HANG IT PROUDLY ABOVE YOUR DESK – That painting represents courage! You are following your dreams and that is something to be proud of!
Off to buy a frame!
I 100% understand where you’re coming from. I go though ups and downs as a creative person all the time. We are definitely more prone to the downs than non-creative people, in my opinion. I’m especially having to fight this feeling more often as I’m going on almost a year since quitting my ‘great job’ to find something more creative and fulfilling. Unfortunately i’m not the same super confident person I was when I got up and left for better things. BUT – i think it’s important to recognize these times and feelings in ourselves and not just dwell. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve dwelled, many times. But absolutely zero comes from it and it really just makes things worse so for me I find something to change about what I’m doing or thinking to help me move forward. If you’re being creative for a living the pressure to be unique will always be there but if you’re being creative just to be creative then just enjoy the process! Enough of my blabbing. I’m going to go try this totally new & unique thing called indigo dyeing now 😉
I have to say, I love that you put great job in quotations – I know what you mean girl! A huge congrats to you for making that change though. It take so much courage to leave something so familiar, but if it means a happier life than it’s always worth it!
Yep dwelling is definitely completely deconstructive. Dwell for a moment, grab a chocolate bar and keep on truckin’ I say!
Happy indigo dyeing!
When I began deciding on a blog name to consolidate two blogs into one I came up with a wonderful name. I love the song Far Far and wanted to use the line A beautiful Mess from the song. Everyone fell in love with it until I googled it and found the most wonderful blog that already had the name. Heavy sigh… As a photographer, I often think I’ve come up with an original viewpoint until I see it somewhere else, often done by photographers from black and white film days. So much in art has already been done.
I agree with you for sure about it being your own touch, look, or “breath” on the project that only you can bring to it. I say paint away! It will be yours! There are people who will never see the others and if you don’t paint them we’ll be missing out!
Oh no! What are they chances that’s where they got their blog name from. For the record, I think your blog name is perfect.
Yes that’s exactly it, everyone brings something different! Sometimes it’s just tough to remind yourself of that
I think it’s a balance of following your creative journey & passion, but also being pragmatic. If you are trying to supliment your living, then it takes a long time to create something unique, creative and a quality you are proud of. I just purchased a piece from someone I’ve admired for a while. It’s at a price point & demographic I’d like to be selling at/to. When I received my piece (bought on sale), I was really disappointed with the quality. Stick with your passion & journey, but be open to starting again, tweaking & improving it or to making it even more unique than the other guys.
Oh no. Quality is definitely something that should be a high priority! I’ll admit, I tend to get impatient and think “Oh it’s good enough”. And then the next day will look at something and think “…no…that really needs to be changed”.
There is an upside to being a perfectionist right?
YES! I really appreciate you writing about this topic. I know how you feel, that moment where your heart sinks a bit. The beauty is that every person/artist is unique. Sure, you may have the same subject matter, but your styles are most likely different enough to attract different audiences.
So I say, stick with it! I think as time goes on, you’ll start to develop a rhythm where you’ll be completely confident in your own style. Because girl, you have a lot of it! 🙂
It’s so refreshing to hear that I’m not the only one who feels this way! It’s not only hard being a creative, but hard being a creative who works alone without people to always bounce ideas and thoughts off of eh?
Thanks for the support love!
Wow- great post and topic to discuss (and thank you for your honesty in bringing it up)! 🙂 If you love painting these beautiful gems, then honestly, just keep it up Tan, because the love and care you put into them will show. Should you care what others think of your art? To a certain degree, but what others think shouldn’t define who you are as an artist or scare you into making certain choices that may limit your talents. God made you a creative for a reason- because it brings joy to others. There’s a responsibility that comes with that gift….There’s a book called “The Element”, by Ken Robinson that talks about different creatives and how they got their start. A lot of them basically walked alone at first because no one saw what they saw. I vote you go for it….high five! 🙂
You’re totally right, others’ opinions matter but it is not the deciding factor. Thanks Stacey! And I’m going to have to check out that book. It sounds great
Keep painting, Tan! No one else’s gems will be quite like yours! 🙂
Thanks Stephanie! xo
First, I salute your transparency. The internet would be a far better place if we shared every now again how our striving for originality and comparison impacts us as creatives. I’ve had this experience happened way too many time to recount. Instead of canning countless projects I anchored myself into my beliefs. I believe: 1) there is nothing new under the sun; 2) if it’s made by my hand then it is inherently original and unique; 3) there is enough. So with those beliefs I move forward with creating my own beautiful life in art and business.
You’re gems are beautiful Tan! Keep making them 🙂
I love those beliefs! Definitely wise ones to live by <3
It’s tough to work in a creative field. A lot of people don’t understand what you do or how difficult it can be sometimes, and how rewarding it can be when you just get that groove. TThe muses are fickle, and you are constantly competing with a WORLD of things that clamor for attention. I know, I understand. And yes, I know there are people out there that are better than me, but if I stop and let that take over me, then I should just abandon this completely and go be an accountant. I heard it pays well. And I’ll never be as happy as I am when I’m creating. And art is so subjective… You know what, I like your gems better than any other gems I’ve seen painted, and I can’t wait to see your shop up and running. It doesn’t mean I think it will be easy, god knows my etsy shop has been a total disaster lately, but painting (and sewing for me) makes you happy, so be damned if nobody buys them. Keep doing it because you love it.
That’s just it – happiness trumps all does it? I could go and be very successful in a 9-5 job, but it is that joy out of creating that makes it all worthwhile doesn’t it?
<3
I 100% say still go for it if your heart is into it! Even if others are doing watercolor gem prints, they won’t be YOUR watercolor gem prints!
Thanks Amy! xo
Now, I didn’t read through ALL of the other comments above so forgive me if I’m repeating sentiments…But my thought is that you should move full steam ahead!! Sure, we could probably get gem art from another artist, but we want to support YOU and YOUR art. I think a large part of being an artist isn’t so much about putting something purely original out there (because, let’s face it, it’s tough to be totally original)—it’s about putting your own *stamp* on an idea. I hope this is making sense…All in all, I think you should definitely still move forward!! =)
Totally makes sense, and I like thinking of it that way. My stamp is mine alone and I’ll stamp all over my gems! 😉
Thanks hun