It all started with this post. What began as a few comments turned into a wealth of advice, information and inspiration as fellow bloggers and artists alike reached out to aid in the encouragement of a few readers. Again, I felt blessed to be involved in such a giving community, and again, I searched for ways to give back to those that I have been receiving from for months and months.
In case you missed last week's post, I announced a new mini-collaboration with Holly, Marisa and me entitled "Roadmaps: A Guide to Creative Pursuit." We'll be teaming up to bring you inspiration, information and motivation in your quest to break free and begin living your dreams. Whether you want to become a freelance graphic designer or a full-time gallery curator, we hope this advice will prove useful to you. If not, do let us know more of your situation and how we can help. It's what we're here for, really.
With that said, welcome to the first post in our "Roadmaps" series. Be sure to check out what Holly and Marisa are up to as well, and I'll try to keep you posted with new Roadmap-related posts from them both.
Welcome, and please--- be inspired.
--
Get ready. This is a total novel, so you may want to bookmark (but PLEASE BACK IT UP!!!) this one for later, unless you have ohhhhh, a good five minutes. Consider yourself warned.
So. This is a topic that is incredibly close to my heart for a variety of reasons, but I'll spare you my story. This one's for you, readers. For those of you who find yourself behind a dusty desk with a switchboard and overhead flourescent lights. For those of you who are chasing after three kids with thirty very messy fingers. For those of you who are refilling table number nine's coffee for the sixth time, dreaming of a conversation that doesn't revolve around the weather patterns.
The good news? We've all been there a few times in our lives, and you'll get through it.
The bad news? Brush up on your patience, because you'll need it.
I'm a firm believer in things happening when the timing is right. That's not to say that you shouldn't be taking active steps to prepare yourself for a better day, but I do find that most of us desire a fast forward button all too often. And let me ask you this: If you skip to the very last scene of 'Reality Bites' just to find out if Winona and Ethan finally profess their love for each other (spoiler alert: they do!), would you have witnessed the best gas station rendition of 'My Sharona' known to man? No, you wouldn't have. Would you have watched two grown adults fall in love over a Big Gulp? Never!
It's the journey. It's the now. Please don't forget that, no matter how many steak fries you have to serve to get where you need to be. You're where you are for a reason, and I believe that with all of my heart.
Now. With that said, let's focus on what you can do to prepare yourself for the life/career you dream of. Because I'm not totally there yet, I've asked a few of my artist friends who ARE, and here's what they had to say:
Kelly Lynn Jones, shop owner of Little Paper Planes, talks about the financial aspects of her creative process: "I just know that each month my money varies and to be prepared for slow months... I also do commissioned-type work, gallery shows, etc to supplement my income. I am not going to lie, it gets scary sometimes wondering how the money is going to come in, but I think things have their ways of working out..."
Maria "Mav" from Port2Port Press adds "financially, keep things in [your] life very simple... I do love to eat out, and I'm willing to take on a few extra projects each month to allow for those meals and glasses of red wine!"
Alyson Fox agrees: "I am still not self supporting, but I think I am getting closer. Hopefully. I have a great month and then a really slow month. It is really scary, but also self rewarding. I nanny three times a week to pay the grueling student loan, car insurance, gas and health insurance. Then with what I make from selling my art or from my small clothing line, I save 50 percent of it right off the bat. Then I reinvest the other half back into my work. More so into the clothes since that involves the most over head. It takes a lot of hard work, sometime tears and a lot of support."
For more advice on budgeting, keep an eye on Marisa's blog for her upcoming podcast dedicated to her financial experience and the beginning of her quest for creativity.
But what do you do when you're stuck? When you know you hate what you're doing now, but you're not sure what to do with the talents you have? What makes sense with your lifestyle, your intended career path and what you currently have responsibilities for?
I read a FANTASTIC book about a year ago, and it was, in fact, a HUGE push in the direction of creating this blog. 'Do What You Are,' by authors Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron examines various personality types (i.e. introvert vs. extrovert, passive vs. assertive) and applies that exploration to a career path. If you really are unsure of what to do with your life, this is a GREAT resource. I find myself going back to it time and again to remind myself that there IS a profession that my personality type can find fulfillment in--- it's up to me to get there.
For more advice on finding your true passion and trusting your inner voice, check Holly's blog this week. She'll be sharing a bit more of her experience in the corporate world and what steps she took to follow her dream.
So maybe you know what you want to do, but are having trouble getting there? If you've got your dream job figured out but need a good kick in the pants to get started, Maddy over at Modish is doing a tremendous job giving some VERY tangible and applicable business advice, from all different paths of creativity. Check out some of my favorites from her series: Setting Goals, Pricing, Naming, and Designing a Website.
By now you're probably thinking--- yeah, ok, Erin, but I don't have the time to even READ these links, let alone start a business from them. Here's my advice for you:
(1). No time? FIND IT. Quit brushing your teeth to save an extra two minutes a day. You may have less friends, but hey--- gotta start somewhere.
(2). If you read just ONE article, read this one. Tony Wright is a VERY smart business owner, and he's got some great words of advice for those of you that can't quit your day job just yet, but want to make some magic happen. The article itself is meant for those that desire to build an Internet startup, but I feel like a lot of his advice applies to small business owners in general.
Whew. I told you... I get all novel-ish when I write about this sort of thing. Long story long, you need to hear this stuff, and you need to hear it often. The fact of the matter is that most of us are blessed with the freedom and resources to make our dreams come true. And those of us that aren't? Ask for help. There is an entire community of crafters, artisans, designers, etc that would love to answer some questions, and it starts right here.
Next up in the 'Roadmaps' series? Networking.
More to come...
[p.s. Needing a bit more inspiration? The e-zine is coming! The e-zine is coming! Check back at 12:00 midnight for the release of Design for Mankind's third issue of Inspiration: The E-Zine].
47 comments:
You need to be novel-ish more often! I really enjoyed reading this post (and am waiting with bated breath for the clock to strike 12); it hits home more than you'll ever know, so thank you!!
Thank you Erin! Hearing you and others is very supportive. Especially the less glamorous side of things, its good to hear reality.
Ahhh, you guys are so so sweet. Glad I can help, even if I'm long-winded in the process! :)
woman, you are a rock-star. excellent post. this creative life is an adventure!! i'm just coming out of a lean winter and now that things are picking up a bit, i'm trying to keep the same even keel that i tried to cultivate during the scary times. equanimity is bliss, i think.
*)
k
Equanimity is bliss, but is also a REALLY, REALLY BIG WORD, you smartie Kelly, you.
this post definitely speaks to me! it's hard finding your niche and what you "should" be doing. i am currently on the search..it's definitely been a long road!
i can't wait for the ezine!
I stumbled on your blog just at the right time in my life! I am so wanting to make my art my work and it looks like your advice is going to be helpful. Can't wait to see the next installment.
this rang through me:
"Do What You Are."
I love you Erin!
i just want to start by saying thank you erin! (is it ok to use the first name? haha) i really love to read all you have to say and must admit that you are one of my favorite stops on this thing my nan calls the world wide web (ps- she is a reader now as well!.. love you nan!) its funny becuase i am a canadian kid living in savannah GA for andrea to get her masters in fibers.. i just took a job at the hospital as a therapist (my 1st degree) in order to open doors (financial) for our future... it is so hard to WAIT and try to plan when you just want to jump right in... i am glad you are doing features like this.. it really does give me hope that one day i will get to act out all of my wildest dreams and make a difference in this beautiful world! diplomatic right? thanks again and PLEASE keep up your simply amazing work!
I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the hard work you ladies put into Roadmaps. I really enjoyed sitting at my computer tonight after a long hard day of doing work that is really pointless but treated like brain surgery and reading this. It means so much that other people in the community really care about other's aspirations enough to help them get to "what they are". I will be picking up that book tomorrow by the way!
Thank you.
Awwww, again. You guys are so gracious to thank me, but the truth is--- you give me hope, as well! [and yes, you may call me Erin, 'E', or whatever you'd like!].
Krissy--- I'd be glad to let you borrow my copy of the book for you to read through. Email me your address, ok? :)
designformankind@gmail.com
I'm looking forward to reading this post in-depth when I have a little more time. I LOVE refreshers like this, that remind me just how great it is to be working for myself (even part time) and not slaving away endless, gray days in a cubicle somewhere.
omg loving all this info!! trying to find time to read it all asap! it's so pertinent. thanks again. :)
Great point, artistcs28-- I think we all need that reminder, yes? :)
Do you know how much I love you right now? I am so SO into this, you have no idea. It is so good to hear information that is from the heart.
And I totally can relate to the "fast-forward button" mentality. I think that's why I work so MUCH. I feel like the more I work, the faster I'll get to where I want to go. But at what cost? Hard questions.
You're so right, Sarah! I have that same problem. It's super self aware of you to factor in the cost, and like all things, I think you'll find that when you start to fast forward, your profit margin isn't all that pretty... ;)
wow....you are such a darling to do this Erin. Totally inspiring and very much needed! I will be in tune!!!! xoxoox
Thank you thank you thank you! Another amazing treat from you - you spoil us!!! -Marichelle
your passion is contagious...and i rather needed it today.
a million thank yous!
In response to your question on my blog, I want to say that the light and airy quality of your artwork (just what I've seen on Etsy), mixed with the very poignant message shows that you have a "flavorful" personality and thus like flavored coffee. How was that? =)
I'm so glad I found you at the birth of 'roadmaps'. Thanks so much to you and the other gels for doing this. Excellent advice and wonderfully useful links. I'll be staying tuned:)
thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you!
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
needed this today. Yesterday i decided i need a change, so this even if i'm not going to go into something creative was mucho helpful for just the inspiration bits. Thanks for the book suggestion as well. Def going to check that out.
Erin, YAY!! I'm so excited for this. Totally awesome. I, too, will have to pick up that book asap. Another book that was recommended to me recently is "Women and Money" by Suze Orzeman. It's supposed to dispel a lot of the fears/beliefs that women have about money. Might be useful! I'll keep you posted.
And again, YAY! You are such a gem and I love you! (And miss you, of course!)
Interesting and useful! A great boost for anyone wanting to make the leap. It's scary, but so worth it.
AWww, thanks for the coffee personality analysis, Artist!!!
And again--- thanks to you all. Do let me know what you'd like to read/what would be helpful for you for the 'roadmaps' series... I'd like to give you some useful info! :)
Hey EB! I loved this one, since I am totally in the middle of that holding-down-a-day-job-while-I-take-a-crack-at-my-dream-job phase. And I think that it's hard for everyone but especially for the artistic, dreamer types to accept that yes, you can achieve your dreams, but that yes, it's also going to involve hard work and a lot of doing things you don't necessarily like to get there. Everyone wants everything nownownow, but it just 99% of the time doesn't happen like that. So keep kicking some asses, girl! The world needs more of it.
Isn't it fabulously encouraging to have such a huge community of women (or men, for that matter) who can help support and teach each other as we go along? I sometimes find myself tripping and skidding down the path to my dream job of opening a brick and mortar(probably because I am trying to run at full speed), and your Roadmaps post has just reminded me that picking my way along is ok too.
Your blog has been a huge inspiration to me for the past few months, and I read it everyday. :) It even encouraged me to start writing one of my own and I am finding that it can be such a wonderful outlet.
Thank you for your graciously beautiful and thoughtful entries.
HA. SB, you are my penguin.
And Jessie--- all in time, my dear. You're so right... you'll get there.
Thank you! This is a fantastic post. I can't wait to pick up that book and read those links. Thank you for being such an inspirational force!
Thank You Erin! Such a great post, and it is truly hitting home for me. this is life-altering stuff we are talking about here - and i for one, am ready for it!
Thank You Erin! Such a great post, and it is truly hitting home for me. this is life-altering stuff we are talking about here - and i for one, am ready for it!
thanks erin, i really appreciate this. for me, the biggest roadblock is my own brain telling me it's not going to happen. it's so encouraging to find a community that is so positive and about inspiring others!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Erin! And I agree with adrianne above - this community is really something incredibly special.
This is perfect timing for me- I am studying a course that combines applied arts with business and we have to whip up a series of case studies of how other artists make their livings. I'm doing a bunch of e-interviews with artists but i'll be including this piece by you as well for sure. (fully credited of course)
Oh, Camilla--- I'd love to read your e-interviews!!! :)
Wonderful advice and writing. Thank you for addressing this topic. I think we all need a little motivation and push!
This is SO fantastic, I can't wait to read it all!
Anytime, my dears. :)
did you ever have a new shop or restaurant open in your neighborhood that becomes incredibly popular overnight and wonder what people did before? that's how i feel about your blog erin. what did we do before? it's such a great place to visit, connect and learn.
the first post is just jam packed with great information and resources! the modish blog and the business week article are really interesting.
i think the point you made about patience is key as there's a lot to do when you combine the art (what you love to do) with the business side (not so much love there, but you need to pay the bills). there's something special that clicks when you work for yourself on something you love, and you should really LOVE it because it's all you will think about.
Ha, Cindy--- you are a total sweetheart. The only restaurant that opened in my hometown was a 7/11. ;)
BUT, I know what you're saying and I am absolutely honored to help. I love your point about patience--- we all need to be reminded of that, yes? :)
in terms of getting ready for your "prison" break, the only thing i can compare it to is planning a wedding or a big event.
think of all the planning that goes into those kinds of events? people have special notebooks, lists and organizational systems in order not to miss anything.
having your own business is very similar in that you also need to sketch out some sort of plan, a roadmap for the business in order not to miss a thing.
FANTASTIC POINT, CINDY! Uh-oh... I have an idea....... ;)
That post was incredible, and hit very close to home. I work in banking and craft at night, and can feel the need growing to be more true to myself. Terrifying and I have no idea how to go about it, but it is there.
Thanks Meg--- you will be JUST fine; I'll make sure of it! :)
Hi Erin! I'm slow to hop on the thank you wagon but I wanted to say thank you for your wonderful advice and for being a great, encouraging voice in the indie community! Also thanks for linking to Maddy's posts on modish- it's much appreciated!
I'm still day to day struggling to see if I can continue to do this "creative thing" as my full time job, but it's fun to try, it's fun to struggle, it's fun to figure things out and learn as I go along and I'm glad I took the leap into self-employment- even though I don't know how long it may last, I was motivated enough to give it a try and now I'm dedicated to figuring out how to make it work for the long run. We'll see! :)
Post a Comment