Your Art, Not Theirs: When Good Advice Isn’t Right
Ever found yourself nodding along to well-intentioned but totally off-base advice?
Whether it's friends, peers, or the folks you connect with on social media, we all look somewhere for a bit of encouragement or insight, but there is a glaring issue with this tactic when we're diving deep into our creative endeavours or pondering some big changes. They can only reflect back what you are currently doing, they do not know your deeper desires or unspoken fears. A basic example, if you only reproduce content that gets the highest engagement, yes it can help you grow, but it may also move you further away from what you are passionate about and rather be creating.
It's a human thing, wanting to figure out where we fit in the world. Getting a fresh perspective, some feedback, or just a bit of insight from outside our own bubble can be a game-changer. And let’s be real, if you’re doing anything creative—from art to design—you’ve likely faced your fair share of critiques.
But let's get real, when it comes to the decisions that truly shape your life, career, and art, you can't rely on external influences. These are the significant, profound choices that guide you towards your true purpose in this world - you need to search within yourself.
Our circles tend to reflect back what they see. Just a year ago, my writing was basically invisible, tucked away in client captions, design blogs, and some collaborative emails. From that sliver of my work, you wouldn’t guess I want to write. Ask a friend what I should double down on, and they’d probably point me towards branding or social media.
Half a year ago, I gave myself permission to lean into writing more. Sure, I’m a photographer and designer by trade, but I’m also a writer at heart. All three are different forms of expression that for me, compliment one another.
Had I shied away, I’d now be wrestling with regret for not exploring writing further. I’m still figuring out the “what” and “how” of integrating writing into my life, but it’s already sparked growth in areas I hadn’t imagined as a creative.
Take a look at artists who've danced across different genres or mediums. Beyoncé venturing into country music? Some said it was just a matter of time, but she has once again proven that commitment to self-expression can transcend genres. She's made it clear there's room for growth, evolution, and mastering any genre she chooses.
And Donald Glover, what a journey he’s had. From scripting for "30 Rock" to his unforgettable role in "Community" (yes, I'm the proud owner of a "Troy and Abed in the Morning" mug). While making us laugh, Glover was also releasing work as Childish Gambino. This man walked off with Grammys in 2019 for his musical genius.
Glover’s path is an example of what it means to commit to expression rather than a medium. Magic truly happens when you dare to explore new territories. Imagine someone back in 2009 predicting Glover’s Grammy wins. A long shot, right? He was already nailing it as a writer. Why chase after something else?
Now, these examples might feature stars, but here’s the essence of it all:
Feeling the urge to branch out creatively and expressively? Don’t wait for an echo from your usual crowd. Take a moment to tune into that internal buzz.
People mirror the now, what you’re actively showcasing.
But they can’t see beneath the surface. They’re clueless about your simmering passion for something new, be it another art form, idea, or a total career 180.
Dialling into your inner world is vital. This could mean journaling, writing, or even those long, meandering walks where your mind can roam free.
Next, brace yourself to embrace change or try new ventures. And yes, that might mean bumbling through at first.
In need of a sign to switch gears? This is it, my friend.
Now, for a sprinkle of cosmic intrigue (because who doesn’t love a good universe nudge?), Pluto has strutted into Aquarius. For those scratching their heads (my hand's raised, thanks to my astro-savvy friend Ally for the 411), it signals a shake-up in transformation, personal growth, and all that deep, introspective jazz. Last time Pluto was in this gig, revolutions were the trend.
I know astrology isn't for everyone. In fact, I am the first to admit that I am overly analytical. However, that is why I like to challenge my approach with it. It sometimes helps me break free from my 'Virgo' thinking and perfectionist mindset, allowing me to embrace a sense of suspended belief.
How about a thought experiment? If you played with the idea of revolutionizing your life over the next decade, what would that look like?
Give yourself permission to explore and maybe reinvent. Pluto's all about uncovering the hidden gems. A decade is far enough that you can get creative, it is removed from needing exact details, perfect knowing, and really a lot can happen. You don’t need to know exactly how you get there, but you can plant a seed that will bare fruit.
What small step can you take this week to start?
For years, I have said, "I want to be paid for my brain," but what does that actually mean?! About a year ago, on a road trip, I confessed to Corey my yearning to dedicate more time to writing. It took another 6 months before I actually started a blog. Can you tell that I like to think a lot about ideas? Now, I'm in the habit of writing, openly sharing my thoughts, and gradually enhancing both my confidence and skill set. In the coming year, I will continue to practice, share, and who knows, a decade from now, I may get paid for my ideas.The thing is, I am not worried about it. I fully expect that by doing it, I will discover something I hadn't thought of. I am simply setting up myself to be happy with my choices, medium, and expression, which includes feeling challenges.
When Pluto wraps up its visit, 19 years from now, your life will have transformed, whether by default or design.
Why not make that transformation intentional?
book recommendation
Imaginable
If you enjoy the idea of thinking 10 years ahead, making forecasts, and challenging your own predictions, you will likely enjoy this book. It is a collection of examples that the author guides the reader through, teaching the principles of forecasting. Each example already contains small signals that they may (or may not) come true. This book has helped me start thinking about long-term plans for both myself and my work. What if the number of followers I have doesn't matter? Our interaction with phones will be different in 10 years. The book also explores climate and health issues, so it is not solely focused on social media. Instead, it offers guidance on thinking outside the box and adopting a new perspective on your own future and our collective future.
About: A world-renowned future forecaster and game designer teaches us to envision the future before it arrives—and gives us the tools to help shape the world we want to live in.
In Imaginable, Jane McGonigal draws on the latest scientific research in psychology and neuroscience to show us how to train our minds to think the unthinkable and imagine the unimaginable. She invites us to play with the provocative thought experiments and future simulations she’s designed exclusively for this book, with the goal to:
build our collective imagination so that we can dive into the future and envision, in surprising detail, what our lives will look like ten years from now
develop the courage and vision to solve problems creatively
take actions and make decisions that will help shape the future we desire
access “urgent optimism,” an unstoppable force within each of us that activates our sense of agency
what I was listening to
Navigating your path to entrepreneurship with Jenna Kutcher
I got about 1/3 of the way through this before I had to share it with a friend. I often share the 'about' section of a podcast, but it's a little too stuffed with buzzword SEO-style copy (I mean, smart), but it misses the real gut-punch, heart-squeezing episode that this is. If you have ever looked into your future and thought, "Wow, that looks like a lot of time working on work and not living my life," or perhaps you are wondering how the heck can you take a vacation if you are a service provider or self-employed, if you need to know there is a safety net before you can jump... heck, if you read my email, please listen to this episode. They discuss a broad range of topics that live rent-free in my head, one of which is "how much is enough" and choosing to make less money to have more time. Not only for life but also for space for growth as a creative.
If you can’t tell. I really liked this one.
TW : fertility, miscarriage, pregnancy loss
what I was watching
Everything is a Remix (Complete Updated 2023 Edition)
Good news. Nothing is knew.
Now you can let go of trying to recreate the wheel.
A great watch, not only for its documentary depth and style, but also as a wonderful reminder that as creators, we are constantly absorbing our surroundings. It is an integral part of the creative process.
personal work
Hey, you made it to the end! I have a little secret for you.
I tried the Kettlebell Ladder challenge floating around on TikTok. I used a 35 lbs kettlebell. I am proud to say that my cardio was fine; it was my poor, weak noodle muscles that got wrecked in the best possible way.
The plan was kettlebell swings, followed by 20 minutes of Pilates, and closed with meditation. First, I made it up to 20, then only down to 15 on the ladder. My muscles were done. It was safer to stop than risk tweaking a muscle.
Currently, I am walking around like a 90-year-old as my muscles are so sore from working out. And when I started the Pilates class, I quickly realized that my glutes were so weak from those swings, I couldn't lift my butt off the ground more than a couple of inches when doing a bridge. Despite what may sound like "this hurt and was hard," I actually loved it for how effective it was and plan to include it in my weekly workout routine.
Real video of me after working out last night:
