by Linda | Mar 21, 2012 | my creative journal
It might seem like a completely duh! realization, but I was thinking about how often we know what we should be doing, but just can’t get ourselves to do it.
Whether in our creative businesses or everyday life, we aren’t always applying all the good knowledge we have at our disposal. We all know that we should exercise more and eat healthier for example. Why is it that we can all agree on things we should be doing, but can’t carry them out all the same?
We can all set intentions and goals, but we don’t always follow through. Those darn new years resolutions! I started to think about the lack of willpower and wondered if I was lacking that strength in my character. Was there something wrong with my pre-frontal cortex? I found myself wondering about the science of it all.
So I decided to read The Willpower Instinct (Amazon affiliate link) by Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. I’ve come across her articles before and wanted to learn more. I appreciate how she’s taken scientific studies and boiled them down to plain English, so that we can actually apply the learning to our lives. It turns out, we can strengthen our willpower by learning more and doing exercises to strengthen it, as with most things in life.
I’m going through the book by tackling a chapter a week, working through the exercises and challenges. It’s a bit like The Artist’s Way, discussing a topic/issue and providing exercises a chapter a week, simulating a workshop. Of course, the difference is that this willpower book is based on scientific studies in addition to real-life experiences and results of workshop participants. It also encourages the reader to make themselves a science experiment, so we can truly learn through our personal experiences and results.
In our creative businesses, we are often looking for help and motivation to take ourselves to the next level. I started to notice that the gurus and advisors out there, all offer pretty much the same advice. They might twist and turn the topic around, but it’s the same stuff in essence. I realize that different styles of teaching are necessary, because we all learn differently…
… but even before we get to the all the information, we need to get off our butts and take action. That’s really the most important thing and we all talk about it. Beating procrastination and motivating ourselves! There are a lot of tips and tricks out there, but I still didn’t feel like anything went to the core of the issue. Sure, there are many reasons – going down to the level of our inner most fears. But I really wanted to understand the why from a scientific perspective.
Of course, I probably sound like the very thing I’m talking about. Duh, we all know that we have to get our butt into gear. We all know that, but struggle with it and realize it’s a challenge… so how do we get out of that funk? I beat myself down all the time, for not having patience, willpower, the gumption… I dunno what’s wrong. As if I’m missing something and maybe I’m not meant to do these things that I want to do.
From just the introduction and first chapter of the book, I’m learning that it’s a natural human thing to succumb to our temptations. It’s not a judgement on our character. We might have known a bit about that, but it’s even better to hear the science behind it. It lifted a weight off my shoulders, to know that I’m not doomed! How silly, huh? I think when it comes to our personality or character habits… it seems like something we are stuck with, that we can never change who we are. But it’s just not the case. We think of these intangible aspects as separate from getting in physically in shape, for example… but we can change and train our brains. It’s certainly not easy! No pain, no gain!
This week, I’m trying to identify what blocks me from doing what I need to do. Awareness is the first step to change… you have to know where you are standing at this moment, in order to head in the right direction!
by Linda | Mar 15, 2012 | my creative journal
This week I’ve been going back to the basics, cleaning and clearing to make room for the new in my life. I know it’s all very zen. I think I need it… badly. Besides physical organization, I’m also going back to the foundations in creative play. Trying to simplify my outlook and decompress from deadlines and projects.
I’ve been spending time just playing with paint. Mixing colors and mixing even more. I’m not looking to create a final product. I’m just playing and observing the paint up close.
I love seeing all the colors laid out, the different values and intensities. If I keep mixing this with that, more hues are revealed. Going back to this simple creative process, led me to a big picture realization. There are limitless combinations possible and every little mix changes the original color. But the basic properties are still there, it’s a metamorphosis…
It made me think of people like you and me. Our color is made of our unique combination of experiences. And as we grow and learn, more is added to the mix, changing our color. Each of us is unique and beautiful to look at. Even the seemingly muddy colors, upon closer inspection revealed a beautiful range of tones in the light. Depending what you mix in, you can keep morphing the color. Lighten up, darken up, color up…
I suppose I’m really getting all zen now. Thinking about the basics helps to ground oneself. We can always use a bit of simplicity and build up from there. For now, I just need to play a bit.
How can you benefit from going back to the basics in your creative business? In your life? In your Art?
by Linda | Mar 13, 2012 | my creative journal
Many people think of the conservation and preservation of fine art prints, but I want to challenge you to involve yourself in the creative expression and USE those prints. Since offering my Girls With A Message as downloadable printables, a lot of project ideas have opened up for me. I think that involving yourself in the art, not just admiring… brings you into the process and message. I think it’ll mean more, because you’ve put your unique touch into it.
I decided to decorate and embellish my art print, adding that glam that makes me smile with delight. I printed my artwork on photo paper, then printed just the bow of her hair onto cardstock and cut it out. BTW, see the color difference between photo paper and regular cardstock prints below?
I took that cut-out bow and covered it with some pink tinsel glitter – super glam and girly! I love it! Funny how it fits onto the magazine page image that I was using as scrap paper under. She looks mysteriously glamorous…
When my embellishment was completely dry, I put a bunch of foam tape on the back, so that I could attach it on top of my full print.
Working on a separate piece of cardstock means that I can experiment a bit, without directly working on my art print. It also adds an extra 3D pop effect and if you used temporary adhesive, you could probably switch out different decorations as well.
It’s a simple decorative element, but adds so much to the life of the print. A personal touch that makes me look and smile.
How can you decorate and embellish up your 2D images? Add some glitter, pop-up elements, put real earrings on her ears… it’s up to your imagination. Have any ideas to try out?
by Linda | Mar 10, 2012 | my creative journal
While organizing my bookshelf, I came upon some half-finished journals and sketchbooks. I’m constantly making new journals, trying new papers and formats. So that creates a whole lot of mess when it comes to chronology or any sense of completion. I rarely date pages and work out of order all the time. You can call it freedom, but it’s also chaos.
I also don’t share all my art journal pages because they can be pretty mundane, just a book of my random musings. Or they can be a flood of negative emotions, something I don’t want to post publicly. I don’t shy away from destroying pages or even entire journals. I take them apart and keep only what I like. It’s a way for me to process negativity. As time passes, certain pages don’t hold the same meaning anymore.
Although it may seem unauthentic to edit, there really is no right or wrong way to art journal. And no one says you have to treat them as masterpieces to keep forever, it’s all up to you. And honestly, we edit everything in life! There would be too much to consume otherwise. I personally really like the feeling of cleaning things out, making room for the new.
Of course, I’ve been trying to see things from a different perspective and thought I might try being more systematic. Work in one journal before going to the next. Going for simplicity and positivity in the end. Maybe that would eliminate the need for me to edit after the fact.
What is your creative art journaling process? Have a favorite journal? Do you destroy or toss things out? Would love to know how others keep or don’t keep their sketches/notes/musings.
by Linda | Mar 9, 2012 | my creative journal
I’ve been working a lot with geometric shapes in my design work lately and created a shell or scallop pattern. I thought the pattern would make great background papers, so here’s a mini pack for your personal use. There are a variety of scales and colors included, along with a oh-so-touchable canvas texture to these papers… hope you like ’em!
Download Shell Papers ZIP (74mb)
If you like this freebie, please help me spread the word to your crafty friends. You can keep updated by signing up to my email newsletter as well. Thank you and enjoy!
by Linda | Mar 8, 2012 | my creative journal
This past week, I’ve been following along the Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit and realizing I need more foundation. Although it’s not good to be stuck in the stage of forever planning or analysis paralysis – when diving into action we inevitably will reach a point of needing more direction, just the same.
I can be an impatient person, jumping into something to follow my inspiration and spark of energy. But we all know that those spurts can’t be sustained without a bigger plan. At least, that is how I feel right now. I go through cycles of high productivity mode to the slump, confusion, and crisis mode. It’s not a good cycle. I want more tranquility in my life and although it’s impossible to have complete balance, I would like to reach some kind of… equilibrium that I’m happy with.
I’ve realized that my left-brain ways of planning can only take me so far… why am I not using my right-brain skills, as well? I’m sure there’s something that can help me with building my business as an artist and illustrator – duh!? We usually think of business and marketing as left-brain skills, but maybe that is narrow minded. I can’t really explain it, but I just connected and felt that I needed to go down this path. I have heard of Jennifer Lee’s book, The Right-Brain Business Plan (Amazon link) before, but had the impression that it was the easy way out for those who didn’t want to do a real business plan. Now that I’ve learned more about it, I realize my error. It is a detailed book with a whole lot of information – simply presented differently. I finally ordered it and can’t wait to get started.
Realizing how my perspective changed for this specific thing, suddenly made me wonder if I’m blocking myself out of a whole lot of things in life and business. We all make assumptions and generalizations. Is it blinding us from seeing, accepting, or considering those things that might help us out? I truly mean no offense, but I used to think yoga and zen stuff was all hokey and weird. Oh, I’m not into that stuff, I thought. I’m practical and grounded. I suppose the only way to explain it… is that we fear the unknown.
Although I don’t run out with open arms to every single new thing out there, I do feel much more open-minded nowadays. In fact, I try really hard to remind myself, that whatever I feel, it is just the first impression. And we know how our impressions of things change dramatically over time.
So all this to say, this week, I’ve been in a soul searching type of mood. I’m making plans, organizing and cleaning up my space. I’m making room for the work I need to do.
If you want different results, then you have to change the way you are doing things, right? Do you have a business plan? Have you assessed your progress and adjusted your course along the way? Perhaps you need to open your mind to new things?
BTW, happy International Woman’s Day, festa della donna here in Italy. It’s our day. Let’s do something awesome!
by Linda | Mar 7, 2012 | my creative journal
This doodle illustrates how lame I can be…
*chuckle*chuckle*
Seriously, very funny! Multi layered and the lines of her outfit, you know? Okay, it’s funny to me anyway…
by Linda | Mar 7, 2012 | DIY printables
Looking for a cute tweet tweet birdie image to color up?
Here’s a little something I illustrated and feel free to download for your personal use – Heart Tweet Digistamp. Just please do me a favor and spread the word to all your crafty friends.
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by Linda | Mar 1, 2012 | my creative journal
We don’t like to talk about money, not just creatives, but everyone. It’s uncomfortable for whatever reason.
Art of Money – Tara Gentile
We’ve all been taught that it’s not so polite to talk about money. I don’t know why, but the subject is taboo. It’s too prying to ask someone how much they make a year. It’s pompous to announce how much profit you’ve made from a great product release.
We are always reluctant to reveal numbers and figures.
Maybe because we aren’t making enough for our efforts and it’s embarassing. Or maybe because you don’t want to shine the light on your monetary success for fear of resentment or targeting by scammers.
Whatever the reason, the lack of discussion makes us all a bit clueless when it comes to understanding money. In a hush hush environment, we are bound to make incorrect assumptions. The more we don’t talk about something – the lack of education – the more problems come out of it. No surprise that creatives always have a hard time pricing their work and services. There are no perfect formulas or a widely accepted rate standard. Actually, there are professional rates published in the Graphic Artist’s Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines (link to Amazon.com)
… but it doesn’t apply to all the creative work that is done today. Also depending on your lifestyle and location, worth and pricing seems to change.
I think that being clueless means that we don’t know our own worth. Money is an important and necessary part of our lives. We need money to survive, even it it’s not everything of course. It’s just another element that shouldn’t be pushed under the carpet or banned to underground communications.
It’s nice to know that many folks are opening up and discussing the topic of money. Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income actually posts his income reports on the internet, sharing the sources in detail. Maria Brophy has just written a post about how money is commitment. Tara Gentile’s book, The Art of Earning, opens up a conversation on the topic of money and wealth.
I hope that one day, I won’t hesitate so much to talk about money, numbers and figures. I want to know my self-worth and treat money as just another “thing” in life. No taboo, no shame, no fuss. I hate the “starving artist” term and I would like “thriving artist” to replace it. If you think about creatives of all types – the passion, joy and empowerment of their work should be the thing that comes to mind. Not the starving, you can’t make a living or struggling lifestyle notions that are usually brought up in conversation.
What’s your relationship with money? Do you often hesitate to talk about it? How would you like it to change? Let’s talk about money.
by Linda | Mar 1, 2012 | my creative journal
You might have guessed from my blog name, BackToPaper, that I ventured into the digital world too far and eventually found my way back to the tactile world of sweet, lovely paper. Indeed I was a digital junkie since age 14, chatting on IRC with friends and building my own blinky marquee type websites. I was a totally geek and started blogging and eventually got into all aspects of digital design. Years later, I just fell out of it all. Little time in college and even less time when I started working.
When being on the computer became a work activity, I yearned for off screen time. I turned to old fashioned crafting and handmade hobbies. Over time, I realized there was a need for balance. I love digital for so many reasons, but love the non-digital as well. Perhaps it is not surprising that my scrapbooking is hybrid to the core. Nowadays, isn’t it always hybrid with printing digital photos and journaling? But why not take it a step further and print your own pattern paper?
I’ve found that it’s really easy and simple to print all those beautiful digital scrapbooking papers you see – check out my shop! When it comes to printing at home, you need only to pay attention to a few things. A few tests later and you’ll be well on your way to hybrid scrapbooking.
Probably the most important aspect of printing at home, is choosing what paper you print on. Regular cardstock usually isn’t going to give you the vibrant colors you see on screen. I print all my papers on matte photo paper. It gives me the best color quality and it makes total sense, it’s for photos after all. See the two sheets of green chevron paper in my photo? The top sheet is on photo paper, the bottom on regular cardstock. Significant difference.
Check your printer settings! Many home printers have the option for borderless printing and custom sizes. This means you can print exactly what you need, not necessarily waste a whole sheet if you don’t need it. So remember to dig into those printer settings and options and check your paper size.
Print quality setting makes a huge difference in the final result. People seem to not believe there is a difference, but you usually don’t see it unless you print the same image using all the quality types. Then you can see the actual difference. It’s always best to use te highest quality possible! I’ve noticed that on certain types of paper settings, the high option is not possible for my printer. This actually makes sense, because without the proper paper, you aren’t going to see the results.
When the printer, ink, paper and settings are all in sync, you get the best possible result from your equipment. Probably the biggest tip, is to read the manual for your printer and figure out what it can do. You’ll be surprised… following directions actually helps. I’ve been printing my own patterned paper and loving the results and freedom it allows. If I need something, just print it, no need to run to the store!
