In the early days of building something new, the unknown can be a big factor. Where will this daily discipline lead? Will I ever find an audience? Am I just spinning my wheels?
Even as I take a close look at where I am at right now, I can honestly say that I am not sure what is going to happen with this artwork I am creating. Even though I’ve been doing this for almost a year-and-a-half, there is still so much that is yet to be determined.
That can be a tough place to be. You see, I’m a planner. I like lists and order and kinda prefer to have a heads-up on where something is going in order to know whether or not I want to jump in.
I wouldn’t say that I’m without any spontaneity. I just prefer that I have a heads-up about it.
Well, you can imagine how stretching it can be to try to build something and navigate all the unknowns that come with it, especially for someone who prefers the “structured” end of the spectrum.
If that resonates with any of you, I would like to offer a word or two about sitting in a space of the “unknown” without making yourself crazy.
Set a Routine
While it isn’t possible to predict outcomes, you can address your need for structure by developing a routine in what you do. Not a legalistic, oppressive thing, but rather a consistent rhythm of work that you can always count on.
Part of my routine is that I post artwork on Instagram every day around 5pm. Some days I have the artwork done early, but if not, I let the experiences of the day inspire that day’s post.
Initially, when I started doing this work it felt a bit daunting to think of creating something that I would share online EVERY SINGLE DAY. But now that it is part of my routine, it would actually feel weird if I didn’t create and share daily.
Keep Trying New Things
Balance the structure of your routine with a steady dose of new experiences. Not that you have to reinvent the wheel every time, but keep exploring new ways to share your work because you never know what will resonate with your audience.
As scary as it may feel, stretching ourselves is part of what helps us to grow. Early on, it felt scary to share my work in sketch form. Then it was the thought of recording my creative process.
What I found was that each scary step brought with it some kind of learning and helped direct me toward the next goal.
While I’m sure we would all love it if the path to reach our dreams was straight, free of obstacles, and preferably across level ground, but reality is nothing like that.
There is so much that you won’t know during the process of exploring and building, but don’t let that stop you from trying because the upside of doing work you love is much greater than the discomfort of being stretched.
But now that I’m thinking about it, I actually think that is what makes for an amazing journey. (Whoa, look out…Plot Twist: Highly-structured gal is now advocating for enjoying the unknown adventure?!)
When you think about it, what kind of story would it be if there was no conflict, twists, turns or a little “how are we going to do that!?!”
For example, how interesting would it be if The Lord of the Rings was about Frodo picking up a ring, strolling casually to Mount Doom and tossing it in easy-peasy? I’m thinking it would not have resulted in the devoted following it has today.
Here’s to embracing the unknown, and for enjoying the wild ride of building a career that you love!
Leave a Reply