If you haven’t joined the Creative Practice Challenge on my Instagram channel, you still have time to join!
We’re on day 3! We started a day late when it came to getting our submissions in, but what is life without a little imperfection?
Anyways, I wanted to share my experience from yesterday. Usually, I’m amped up and ready to create during the first week of any challenge, but once that’s over, your girl starts STRUGGLING! And somehow, yesterday, on day 2, I just didn't want to draw at all. Honestly, I felt like it showed. I ended up spending way more time trying to think of something to draw than actually doing anything.
There was this resistance, and once I finally set myself up to create, all I wanted to do was... nothing. I had to push myself. And this is why I think showing up for these challenges is so important. Because if it wasn't for the commitment I made to not only show up for myself but also for this community, I probably wouldn't have even touched pencil to paper.
I know there's this pressure to create something "perfect," something worth sharing, something people will want to engage with. But those aren't the only moments that matter. You have to make mistakes, create ugly art, and even get frustrated with the process to eventually create that "perfect" piece.
The beauty is in the hard spots, the embarrassing moments, and those parts where you feel judged because, well, you're judging yourself.
I deadass thought this session was going to be dope as fuck, but it wasn't. I was disappointed, but I'm also proud of myself for pushing through those uncomfortable feelings and drawing anyways.
I know it might seem a little early to be having this conversation, but I actually think it's the perfect time. Especially for anyone who might find themselves feeling this way somewhere down the line.
Something else that helped me move through the funk was having tools already in place. Instead of relying solely on my imagination, I used references to help get the creative motors running. Sometimes, having a tool that takes a little weight off your shoulders and helps you warm up is exactly what you need during moments of doubt or lack of motivation.
Remember, we're building a foundation, and that includes building out our toolkits. These are the things that can help us bounce back a little quicker. We're going to have hard days, but what can we put in place to make those days a little smoother?
So, I want to ask you:
What resources do you have in your toolkit that help you get out of a creative funk?
What helps you continue showing up for yourself, even when you really don't feel like it?
I'd love to hear what works for you!
