STUDIO BEHIND THE SCENES ///
Gosh. It's nearly been a year since I committed to my art full-time. And above all else, it's been a year of learning and investment.
These are some of the breakthrough discoveries I have made this past year. And I'm so excited about what happens from here...
1. Self-care must be a top priority.
Obvious? Not so fast. When doing what you love, it is easy to brush off the outside world and overwork yourself. It has taken me a while to fully embrace that the old me who prioritized early morning walks, yoga, alone time, doing nothing, lunch, idle time at the skate park (for Miss 11) and deliciously hot baths was onto something. These should not be replaced with more art or art biz time.
2. Making art in the studio must be at the centre of every day.
I'm not saying all day, every day. Just a little time every day. It's so easy to get lost in the overwhelm of the never-ending business to-do list. At this point, I've tried a few versions of a weekly schedule. I know that doing 2-3 hours of creating in the studio needs to be at the front of every day. Some weeks I've found myself so absorbed and lost in the online learning world, my website and the biz to-do list that there was zero time for making art. This simply does not work because it is the art that is the centre. It is the art that feeds the machine and creates ease with all the biz tasks.
3. The temptation to play it safe is so sneaky and real.
Playing it safe with my art because it feels like I need to get serious, and business minded, is a recipe for disaster! Art must come from your heart. Whether other people like your art (and buy it) is an after effect, not the reason to make it in the first place. Creating a version of what other people make that sells might feel strategic. But let me tell you, it is a sneaky illusion that your mind tricks you into believing is a great new direction for your art. The art needs to start within me, and following my individual creative curiosity is the only way forward.
4. The is more to life as an artpreneur than Instagram
Tough gig. Often crickets. Instagram has toughened me up a bit. My self-worth as an artist is not tied to how many followers and likes I get. No, I'm not leaving Instagram either, but I've made a conscious decision that Instagram is just one of the many tools that take time to tweak and reap results. Posting content that is authentic and valuable consistently not necessarily every day, is the priority and actually makes it easier (instead of posting what you think you should post every day) . Turning notifications off on my phone has also been a game changer. I can honestly say I've become healthily detached from social media full stop, and planting my seeds in more than one spot is the way to go!
5. Creating content should feel authentic and easy.
I actually love writing my blog and my emails, even if not many people read them.. yet! Who would have thought?! What was uncomfortable and awkward to begin with, now flows with ease. I also love the idea of developing a YouTube channel. Creating video content is surprisingly fun. Yes, I'm still learning, but I want to do more! I resisted this for a long time.
6.. Time for creative play and experimenting must feature somewhere every week.
Time to practice what I preach! A healthy art practice must feature play and experimentation, not just delivering or producing a finished product. Fact.
7. Embracing where you are right now is so important.
Every painting I have ever made has led me to the next painting. Having a perfectly curated body of work as you develop and grow as an artist is unrealistic, and to be honest, the average collector buying art for themselves at home doesn't really care! They either like what you do or they don't! I'm not for everyone, and that's ok. But I must celebrate where I am right now and how far I have come, for other people to celebrate me back!
8. What people see in your work is different to what you see.
Reflecting on older work can feel a bit icky, even when you loved the painting when you first made it. The temptation to paint over things to create space and close chapters is an extreme feeling floating between heartbreak and freedom. A dangerous tightrope of emotion. Just because I've moved on doesn't mean that someone else won't love it. Years after painting something, suddenly I can get a sold ping on my phone! Painting over art is an extreme sport not to be entered into lightly.
9. You still have value to add and skills to share with others, even if you are still experimenting and finding your way.
I have so many skills to share with others. Tips, tricks, ways of looking at things, painting techniques, art materials and supplies. The list goes on. My art journey will never end and I will never stop growing. But I still have a valuable contribution to make and some exciting things to share with others.
Have you ever committed to a year of learning and investment in yourself and your passions? Please share your thoughts with me by commenting below or emailing me at hello@samhortonstudio.com
Take care, Sam x
