I DIDN'T KNOW I COULD...

One of the truly best things about being an artist is that I'm constantly surprising myself. Each time I draw, paint, or create something, it's usually the first time I'm creating that thing. And even if I'm drawing something I've drawn before, each time is a bit different. I see things from a new perspective or new vantage point, I see new colors or patterns emerge, I see details I didn't notice before. And I'm constantly declaring with childlike wonder, Wow, I didn't know I could do that!

“The day an artist realizes their work surpasses validation and comparison, is the day they attain true creative fulfillment.” -Monika Ajay Kaul

I'm not sure when I stopped needing affirmation from others before considering my work any good. It happened along the journey when I wasn't paying attention. Little by little, piece by piece, I stopped creating for acceptance & approval and starting creating for me.

I design based on my journey and the story I'm slowing unfolding to share with you. Every collection means something deeply to me. I'm not simply designing polka dots because they're cute (if I do create them, it's because they're part of a bigger story.)

I do still recall many days of seeking validation after validation for each new thing I made. I would hear from the first 5 people how amazing my work was and I would still need to hear it from 5 or 20 more. In that time period though, I spent my time creating things that other people thought of and asked me to help bring to life. Somewhere along the way, I started shifting to creating the beauty I wanted to contribute to the world.

And I think that's one of the differences in good work versus great work. Some artists are still holding back, mimicking what they see work for others. And others are innovators and trend setters. They have visions of what they need to create and compulsion drives them to get it out of their head.

Does your work excite you? Where does your inspiration come from? When you stand back to take a look, are you proud of your work? If no one else ever saw what you created, would that be enough for you to keep creating?

Side note- I thought all artists felt this way, where they happily surprised themselves with their own abilities. Yet the other day an artist I know was saying her work is so repetitive that she can do it in her sleep; she doesn't even have to think about it. She acknowledged that she doesn't have the skill to do anything else though. "Just birds," she said, "glad I'm good at that." I know there's comfort in doing the same thing over and over. But I guarantee you there is way more art than "just birds" hiding in her comfort zone.

Don't get me wrong, I still excitedly share with glee with those around me, look what I made! It's just that now my motivations are different. But if your work is a compilation of styles of the people around you, it might be time to close the apps and create simply because you love to create. The real art in you will begin to emerge. And you will gain a greater confidence and love for what you do.

Warmest regards,

P.S. If you need guidance with finding your signature style, be sure to check out our Designed Simply Membership. Hint, it's likely easier than you're making it and has less to do with a technique and more to do with who you are and what makes you special.