Drawn In Co-Working at GRIT Studios: The importance of shared spaces and creative connection
It’s funny how these months seem quick and lazy all at once. August felt that way. We didn’t get much sun here in the North, but the lilac evenings made up for it. There’s a certain magic in watching a city sneak into dusk, a peacefulness in sitting by the sea, and spending rainy afternoons with fellow creatives. I’ve been documenting it all, of course, and taking stock of what this summer has taught me. You can read more about it on my Substack, where I shared some of my summer sketchbook pages during my trip by the sea. In this post, I’m sharing a little about our recent Drawn In co-working day. A warm, inspiring time spent with fellow illustrators in the heart of Manchester that reminded me of how much I’ve come to value working with others. It’s funny how collaboration, even in the simplest sense, can spark new ideas and breathe fresh life into our solitary practices. Here's what I learned from that day.
Making art can be such a solitary thing, can’t it? You sit, you think, you go deep within yourself. It’s a journey inward, to the quiet corners of a creative mind. But what I’ve really come to appreciate, is that I don’t want to stay there alone. I crave the quiet moments of connection too, not in the sense of shared work, but in shared space and shared conversations. That’s what I loved most about art school. Although we would work on our individual projects, we worked on them in a shared space. Just knowing someone else was there, also creating, was enough. There was this lovely, unexpected inspiration in passing someone’s sketches on the wall that had been ripped out of their sketchbook, glimpsing a corner of another artist’s process, or exchanging thoughts and ideas by the water cooler. Life drawing is another outlet that gives me this same feeling, where we work in silence, but each of us tapping into our creativity in mutual, silent synergy.
I’ve been so lucky this year to be part of Drawn In, Manchester illustrators’ collective. It’s been a year now since we launched the community (you can read about our launch night here), and it’s been such a gift. We created the group because we felt that connection in Manchester’s art community was missing. We wanted to build a space for illustrators to share their worries, hopes, and dreams, and to remind ourselves that we aren’t alone in feeling them.
At our first event, something that came up again and again was the desire for more a collaborative workspace. Somewhere to work together and bounce ideas off of each other. Thanks to John Cooper, a Manchester illustrator and member of GRIT studios, we were invited to host our August event at this collaborative space in the heart of the city. Working amongst friends, the event offered an opportunity to discuss current projects, to share how we work similarly, and how we work differently. Soaking it all in, as the gentle patter of August rain accompanied our conversations, I found it a wholesome and nourishing time to just to be with fellow creatives. There’s something special about those conversations, the ones that unfold naturally and without agenda. You never know what gem might come from them.
I used to be the artist who tucked herself away, isolated in a room, thinking that’s how the best work got done. But working this way never filled me up. This year, I’ve made a conscious effort to step out, to surround myself with other creatives, and nourish that part of me that craves connection. When I first started freelancing, I wasn’t shy about talking about my loneliness. There were periods when it hit me hard. The more I’ve pushed myself to get out there, the more I realise I’m just quietly extroverted, and thrive on spending time with other people. I need to express my ideas, and time to breathe and share my inner thoughts with other artists. Making connection a priority this year hasn’t just supported my mental health, but overall I feel more balanced and well-rounded in my practice.
We don’t grow in a vacuum. Trust me, I’ve tried it! Creativity thrives on connection, whether that’s the shared excitement of a new project, or just a new set of paintbrushes. So, if you’re looking for it, here are a few ways you can find connection and support in your community:
Join a life drawing class, sketchbook group, or art club. You’ll be meeting other creatives regularly, and can bond over your mutual love of a shared activity.
Find a studio to work in outside of your home. A change of scenery does wonders for the creative mind, and can add breathing time to your week if you tend to work alone.
Apply for mentorship. I had a mentor when I left university, and now I have my agent. This is someone you can bounce ideas off, and trust they will give you honest and helpful feedback that keeps you moving in the right direction.
Engage with your online community. Instead of just liking posts, try leaving a thoughtful comment, ask questions, and start a conversation.
Draw on location. You can be creative in cafes, parks, museums - anywhere! Not only does this one aid observational work, but you’re be surrounding yourself with community.
Attend events. There are book fairs, talks, art festivals going on all the time in our cities. I keep an eye on Eventbrite to see what’s coming up in my local area.
I can’t wait for our next event at the beautiful House of Books and Friends. It’ll be a good one - myself and my agent, Mark Mills will be hosting the talk all about children’s publishing! If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by! Let’s chat, share a drink, and find some new inspiration together.
Until then, C x
How to Handle Rejection as an Artist: Turning No into Opportunity
Learn how to handle rejection as an artist and turn it into an opportunity. Discover tips for maintaining a positive mindset and embracing your journey.
"We regret to inform you…"
How many times have we opened an email that begins with this dreaded little sentence? In an instant, there’s a pang of anger, frustration, regret, and helplessness for yet another opportunity that has failed to materialise. “If only I could get that gig/job/opportunity,” we tell ourselves. “Then I’d be happy.”
On a warm and breezy evening back in April, as I sat with my friends in a bustling backstreet in Bologna, I expressed my sense of procrastination around reaching out to potential clients. When my friends asked why, I expressed that it must be because I fear rejection. And that doesn’t come as a surprise. Rejection in any form equals discomfort, but for an artist, as someone who feels deeply and expresses their vulnerability for all the world to see, rejection can feel like a personal stab to the heart. It feels even worse when you believe the opportunity was made for you. You build the application up valiantly. This is the one, you declare. Desperately clinging to a positive outcome, you sit and wait with all limbs crossed, only to receive a short, impersonal message that reads, “thank you, next.”
Reframing Rejection
As much as rejection feels personal, it really isn’t. There are so many other considerations out of our control. For example, a client could be concerned with funding, other applications, their own time, and so much more before they agree to take you on. Rejection isn’t happening to you because you are ugly, not good enough, not talented enough, or any other negative belief you make a no mean about yourself. In order to break free of rejection feeling like an intimate attack on our well-being, we must reframe our ideas of what rejection means.
Repeat this mantra whenever you feel overwhelmed by rejection: Rejection is redirection. This was my rock when I first started my illustration journey. Rejection is not personal. It is a clear and direct push towards the path you are meant to be on. As soon as you understand this at a core level, you are able to bounce back much quicker and move on from what you think should have, could have, would have been.
The second thing to note is that just because whatever you were hoping for hasn’t turned out the way you wanted, doesn’t mean it will never happen. This kind of black-and-white thinking used to make me fear rejection so much that I would avoid putting myself out there altogether. I believed that if I submit an application and get rejected, I’ll be a failure and nothing will ever work out for me. Wrong! A kinder way to think about this for your inner artist is that it’s just not the right time. Maybe something better will come along. Remind yourself to keep putting your work out there because you believe in yourself and know everything is working out for the best.
Embracing the Journey
As artists, our bounce-back rate is so important for a thriving and consistent practice. Get comfortable with the no’s because each one pushes you closer to your yes. The people who are successful are not the ones who rarely get rejected, but the ones who push forward even with the rejections. Successful people don’t take rejection to heart. They don’t see it as a personal attack but rather a simple nudge from the universe showing them that this person/place/role is not a fit for them… yet. Sometimes, things just aren’t meant to be. Seeing an application as more of a statement of intent has helped me massively in defeating the fear of rejection. Now the goal isn’t to get a yes; it’s to show up for myself daily and just send the application out. To show the universe that I am ready and open to receive. In thinking this way, I have become less fixated on what I do and don’t get and seem to find more ease in opportunities showing up at unexpected times. Many of the opportunities I’ve received have followed a rejection. Last year I sent out an application for a studio space; the universe sent me an exhibition opportunity. I applied for a facilitator role; the universe sent me a commission from a gallery. An early-stage book project fell through; the universe sent me an author who wanted to collaborate on a children’s book about Gene Kelly. Rejection is just redirection.
Getting an Agent
Last month, I woke up to not one, but two rejection emails - such joy! One from a facilitator role, the other from a client who decided to go in an alternative direction. Neither of these were losses, although my ego still felt the blow of rejection. In that instant, I still felt the same pang of disappointment, but I quickly asked myself a very important question.
The question was: How is this a gift?
We all get rejected, so if your fear is making you resist taking action, you better get over it. Because you can’t move forward unless you get a no. Just as we need the dark to appreciate the light, the rain to appreciate the sunshine. What differentiates resilient artists from unsuccessful ones is not that they ignore the “no,” but that they don’t see no as negative. There is a gift in the rejection. Asking ourselves, “Where is the gift?” drastically reframes our beliefs into a more positive outlook. On the morning I received these rejections, I asked myself what positive thought is trying to come through? How is this a gift? This not only snapped me out of a negative thought-loop but over time helps wire my brain to always look for the positive. And I can guarantee you, there is always a positive. On this morning, after taking a little time to reflect on these rejections (but not taking them so personally), I received an offer that I will remain incredibly grateful for. I was offered representation from The Plum Agency! In an instant, one of my biggest goals of 2024, and something I once thought would take years to come to fruition, came true. Even more importantly, I had already received a rejection from this agency in 2020, and I still remember how personally I took it. Four years on, I have now signed with the agency and am so excited to begin working on projects with them. Isn’t it funny how life works out? I’m eternally grateful to officially be a part of the Plum family!
Resources to Support You
The more I pursue illustration, the more I value caring for my inner artist as much as my practice. Over the past four years, I have witnessed how mindset impacts our creativity, yet it’s something I feel isn’t talked about enough. Below I have listed some of the resources that have impacted me massively in my ability to love my work and show up consistently. Wherever you find yourself on your creative path, I hope some of these resources that have helped me will also help you.
Mind
The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest - This book delves into the concept of self-sabotage and how it can hinder personal growth and creativity. Brianna offers insights on how to overcome internal barriers, making it an invaluable resource for artists struggling with self-doubt and procrastination.
The Artists Way by Julia Cameron - I’ve read this book twice now and gain something new each time. The 12-week program is designed to help artists recover their creativity. Through exercises like morning pages and artist dates, Julia Cameron encourages readers to explore their inner artist and reignite their passion for their craft. I have written an entire post on the book here.
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers - I stumbled across this book at my university library at just the right time. The book teaches readers how to overcome fear and take action despite it. For artists, this is particularly relevant, as fear of rejection and failure can often hold us back from reaching our full potential. The book provides tools to build confidence and embrace challenges head-on.
Show your Work by Austin Kleon - This book offers practical advice for artists on how to share their creative process and build an audience. Austin emphasies the importance of transparency and generosity, encouraging artists to showcase their work and connect with others. An interesting and important perspective to keep in mind.
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith - This book has been such a comforting companion for me since therapy. The book's gentle wisdom on managing anxiety, facing criticism, building self-confidence, and finding motivation feels like a warm embrace on days when I feel lost or overwhelmed. It's like having a personal guidebook to help me apply what I've learned in therapy to my everyday challenges, bringing a sense of peace and clarity to my journey of healing. Highly recommend!
Body
The Bare Female - This female-led platform offers beautiful, at-home yoga flows. The routines are designed to reconnect you back to your body, helping to relieve stress and maintain physical well-being, which in turn supports creative productivity.
The Workout Witch - A great introduction to somatic exercises, this resource helps artists understand how to release stress and relax the nervous system. By incorporating somatic practices into your routine, you can improve your physical and emotional resilience, allowing for a more balanced and sustainable creative practice.
Community Meetups - For fellow Manchester artists, Drawn In and Sketch & Cafe are excellent starting points. These meetups provide a sense of community and connection with other creatives, offering opportunities to share experiences, gain inspiration, and get out of the studio.
Spirit
Insight Timer - A meditation app with a vast library of free guided meditations.
Superhuman App - My absolute favourite app for meditations at home or on the go. This app offers a wide variety of guided meditations that cater to different needs, from stress relief to creative visualisation, helping you maintain a calm and focused mind.
Life Drawing/Pottery Classes - Whenever I feel stagnant in my practice, I book a creative class and allow myself to play. Any activity can be a great way to break out of a creative rut, offering a change of pace and a chance to explore new mediums and techniques.
Rest - The most simple reminder of all but so important for sustained creativity. Taking time to rest is crucial for maintaining your creative energy and avoiding burnout. Remember to prioritise sleep and downtime as part of your routine as well as time away from social media. When I’m not making art, I love to bake, walk in nature and visit museums as other ways to refill my creative well.
These resources have been instrumental in helping me nurture my inner artist and maintain a healthy, balanced creative practice. I hope they can offer you the same support and inspiration on your journey.
Launching a Newsletter
I have thought long and hard for some time about having my own newsletter. With the recent AI news taking over my Instagram feed, I have been navigating a lot of frustration and uncertainty about where and how I want to share my work going forward. With this in mind, and perhaps some conversations with friends that seem to be guiding me to where I already know I’m headed, I have decided to launch a Substack at the end of this month called The Artist’s Attic. It is essentially a newsletter, sent straight to your inbox, like a warm hug on a rainy day, filled with ideas, processes, and mindfulness tips for your inner artist to get cosy and enjoy.
I have had this idea swirling in my head for almost a year now, and I feel like now is the perfect time to launch it for good. I have also decided, after much careful consideration, that eventually my Substack will have a paywall. I spend a lot of time and love creating these blog posts but feel that with a circle of close members, I can not only share more personal thoughts with you all but also a more intimate look at my illustration processes. The blog will of course remain here, and I will continue to post updates, but posts like this one—posts that I hope help inspire, encourage, and support you as a creative—will be moving to Substack. To sign up for my newsletter is completely free, and there will continue to be free content and updates for those of you who want to remain a part of the community but don’t wish to pay. The Artist’s Attic is very close to my heart, and I very much hope to see you there.
Thank you, as always, for being here and supporting my journey. Rejection is a part of life, especially in the creative field. But remember, each rejection is just redirection. Embrace the journey, keep pushing forward, and believe in the path you are meant to be on. You’ll get there.
C x
April Travel Blog: What the 2024 Bologna Children’s Book Fair has taught me
Good morning friends! I’m back, fresh-faced and buzzing after a wonderful trip to the 2024 Bologna Children’s Book Fair. In just a few days, the faces I met and the discussions I was a part of have left me feeling utterly inspired and energized to start creating again.
The thing is, there has always been this other part of me, the part that I am continuously witnessing and comforting, that fears taking the next step. During my Italian trip, I really came to understand that the most important step for us to take, is just to take action. Now I’m back and slowly re-shaping my routine to support me, I’m listening to my soul more and more, and balancing what I must do, by showing up every day with my most important tasks, with nurturing my creativity. The creative part of me that is the most valuable, and yet had previously been pushed further down my perceived scale of importance. Being surrounded by illustrators, new and established at the Book Fair, has lit a fire in me. That excitement that comes from my inner artist has been awakened again, and this time I’m choosing to act upon it.
On this bright Monday morning, as I listen to the blustery spring breeze, candles lit and tea brewing (ahh it’s good to be home!) I now have time to reflect and digest my trip to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and what resonated with me the most, I think, is important to share.
Refreshing Routines
Yesterday was also my first Artists Way Book Club after a week of rest, which I have to say was entirely needed. I feel refreshed, energized and creatively inspired, compared to the weeks leading up to Bologna which left me a little frazzled. At this most recent meet-up I voiced my wish of wanting a daily creative practice - a simple act, but one that hasn’t been executed for quite some time, due to my avoidance of feeling like a novice. I admire greatly the sketchbooks by Becca Hall or Lucy Salmon and am in awe of their consistency to show up to their daily drawing routine. It is not necessarily their illustrative ‘style’ that captures me - I do love their illustrations but I am also a fan of my own work, and believe in my own unique creative voice (something that has also taken years to learn) - but rather the way they are showing up as illustrators.
With this in mind, I have returned from the book fair with a dedication to carve out time each morning, just for half an hour or so, to draw. Because drawing is important to me, and my craft needs to be nurtured. Bologna taught me that anyone can have talent, but persistence and a good dose of hard work is so important in moving your practice forward at a consistent and expediential rate. In a Masterclass with Oliver Jeffers on Day two, I made this note on my phone, quoting the man himself. It is a valuable idea that I will keep with me moving forward:
‘Talent without effort is nothing, you only get what you put in. And that’s got to be a joyous experience.’
~ Oliver Jeffers
Even as I write this, I can witness the creative flow I am in. No planning on what I have to write, just a stream of consciousness that comes from listening to what lights me up. And that is because I began my day with an observational sketch. That’s it! My dear friend Jenny told me that observational sketching helps us understand what WE are drawn to, and this in turn helps us tap into our unique creative voice (which is always available to us by the way!) and this act alone can fuel us for the rest of the day, week or even the year! By tapping into this mindful act every morning we not only inspire ourselves for the remainder of the day, but over time we build confidence by showing up again and again and listening, witnessing or just playing with whatever wants to land on the page.
I also bring up this idea of inner joy, because this was undoubtedly the single most important phrase that kept coming up for me during the fair. I listened to talks by Oliver Jeffers, Felicita Sala, Beatrice Alemagna, and each spoke about joy being the seed that transformed their work into their most successful projects. Creating art first and foremost for their inner child, or inner artist, was repeated again and again, and slowly it became apparent to me that this was the secret sauce to being an illustrator who not only enjoys what they do, but can sustain themselves through a long career, and connect with their audience emotionally. Play and enjoyment comes first, creating for the industry second.
Asking the right questions
Witnessing these established artists up-close has also inspired me to begin embodying the illustrator I wish to be, by implementing small easy habits that over time will have a lasting positive impact on my practice. You can do this too by asking; What does Oliver Jeffers (or insert any other inspiring creator here) do on a daily basis that I can also do AND that my inner artist finds exciting? Remember that joy should come first. My own answers to this question inspired me to purchase some markers I saw Felicita Sala using at her book signing, because I’ve been loving using felt tips and markers in my sketchbook recently and decided to treat myself! Another small but significant change I am going to make is to keep my sketchbook in my bag, and pack a pencil case with all the necessities so I don’t have to think about when or where I can draw. If I feel the spark of inspiration, I will have my sketchbook close by, which hopefully will allow my ideas to flow more easily, and keep me accountable by removing the excuse of ‘I can’t draw because I don’t have what I need’. We’ve all been there!
After the exhilarating buzz of the first day, and seeing my illos for Danzando sotto la Pioggia big and bold on Curci’s stand (so amazing!) I enjoyed a well-earned bowl of mushroom pasta with my dear friends Jenny and Amber. Over the course of the evening our conversation veered towards the topic of procrastination - a common hurdle we all face so it seems. It was a moment of honesty as we discussed our own individual challenges. For me, that has been the act of networking, and actively getting my work seen by more and more people. Acknowledging our personal obstacles is always the first step towards overcoming them. By vocalizing our struggles we not only validated each other's feelings but also unearthed the underlying reasons behind our procrastination. It was a moment of collective realization that our perceived blocks were in reality just lessons waiting to be learned.
Feeling the fear and doing it anyway
Armed with this new awareness, I approached day two of the fair with renewed determination. Instead of passively handing out business cards, I adopted a more intentional approach. I made a conscious effort to engage with publishers whose catalogues resonated with me the most. It was no longer about quantity but about quality - building genuine connections that could mean potential, meaningful collaborations further down the line. And it didn’t matter what answer I got, the win was in the act of trying. With each deliberate interaction, my confidence increased. The more I pushed past my discomfort, the more receptive publishers became to engaging in genuine conversations. It was a powerful reminder that the way we approach a situation can significantly influence its outcome.
Amidst the bustle of the fair, serendipity arrived through familiar faces, and I crossed paths with Nicki, a friend and super talented artist, who gave me a gentle nudge towards the Plum Agency stand, where an unexpected opportunity awaited. With courage I asked for a spontaneous portfolio review and the Director of Plum, Mark Mills, gave me an on-the-spot review! His feedback was a highlight of the trip, and provided a fresh perspective on my work, shedding light on areas for improvement while simultaneously affirming my artistic vision. For each suggestion he gave, I noted down the ones that gave me a surge of excitement, and decided that those were the ideas that I should pursue. My meeting with Mark not only confirmed the direction of my portfolio, but allowed me to see my work in a different light, and how I can shape my own place within the illustration market. I can’t see this replicated anywhere yet, because it’s a personal journey, and that means there is no map to show me how to get there, no formula, and certainly no rules. For each of us pursuing illustration it is really the small daily acts that build up to the most important changes, and by following what lights us up, the path ahead will almost certainly be uncovered.
In hindsight, my trip to the Bologna Children's Book Fair was not just about networking or building confidence in showcasing my work; it was a confirmation as to where I should be heading with my creative practice. I am so excited to continue drawing, and plan more artist dates with myself and my sketchbook. I’m willing to learn, open to being a beginner again, and looking forward to where my inspiration will take me next. Thank you dear friends for supporting this blog as usual, I hope you have a spectacular rest of your week. And remember to listen to those small bursts of joy, because often that is where your answers lie
Keep listening! Keep creating x
Witnessing the Discomfort: What I’m discovering with The Artists Way Book Club
Hello sweetest chickpeas! How’s March treating you? I’m back, fresh from a delightful birthday jaunt to London, and still basking in the glow of my debut picture book Dancing in the Rain. Now at 26, there’s a sweet scent of possibility in the air, and I find myself equally at the summit of my goals and on the edge of a new beginning.
This morning, fuelled by a surge of creativity, I feel the need to write. Perhaps it’s the result of a night spent offline, reconnecting with myself and delving into the root cause of some recent overwhelm I’ve been feeling. I've come to realise that often times, the solution lies in rest, play, or simply disconnecting from social media to embrace moments of presence and quality time. Last week was also my second in-person session at The Artist’s Way book club, and having a space to discuss, share and connect other creatives has been completely nourishing. This practice of nurturing my inner artist has been integral to my creative journey, and although it comes in waves, its significance has been amplified by my current exploration of The Artist’s Way. I’m now immersed in Week Four of the book, which is serving as both a guide and companion on my creative path. It’s a roadmap that encourages introspection, self-discovery, and the nurturing of artistic potential (you can read my first review of the book here). These past weeks have been about reconnecting to my ‘why’, and rediscovering what it truly means for me to be an illustrator. And some lessons I’m learning along the way!
Paying Attention
As a prelude to the book club, I met up with some lovely illustrators from Manchester (you can see Nicki and Kate’s work here) in preparation for Bologna Children’s Book Fair. It’s a trip I’m highly anticipating after my first visit in 2023. This time however, there’s a distinct shift in perspective - I’ll be attending as a published illustrator! It’s a curious feeling to know this - a concoction of pride and imposter syndrome. At the meet-up, surrounded by the brilliance of fellow artists, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. I noticed a sense of disconnection from my own creativity, and this realisation hit me like a bolt. I’d become so consumed by the demands of productivity and sense of urgency that undeniably comes from working on briefs, that my creativity had taken a back seat.
Julia Cameron talks about synchronicity in The Artists Way, and that once we start taking action, doors begin to open. While I pondered on this realisation, I made a visit to my old university and attended an inspiring talk by Nick Sharratt. During his talk I found myself drawn not to his fame or portfolio, but to his roots, and his old uni work, characterised by life drawing and observational sketches. "That’s it!" I thought. "That’s what I've been craving!” I think the essence of illustration lies in capturing the world as we see it, and translating mundane moments into magic on the page. Yet somewhere along the way, amidst deadlines and obligations, I had lost sight of this fundamental truth. I guess this happens to all of us, but I hope this serves as a reminder to reconnect to your ‘why’ as you pursue a career in the arts.
Starting Book Club
It took a couple of weeks after this realisation to really immerse myself in The Artist’s Way. My first book club session felt like coming home. It served as a reminder that surrounding ourselves with a supportive community can provide invaluable encouragement and inspiration. The third week was particularly eye-opening for me, as I had to confront feelings of uncertainty around pursuing a freelance career and making enough money to sustain myself. I’ve been sensing this imbalance for a while and with the help of The Artists Way, I’ve finally been willing to look at it in the daylight. I am looking at "it," whatever that may be, and realise that in pursuing illustration, I really lost sight of the enjoyment of being creative. During one of the exercises, we were tasked with noting down our ‘imaginary lives’. Things we’d do if money wasn’t an option. Among the whimsical dreams and aspirations, I found myself avoiding adding art to the list. And this was a shared experience with the rest of the group. We spoke freely about yoga retreats and roller-skating, manicures and cinema solo-dates. But where was the art? The thing we all chose to do because at one time, we loved it.
One discussion we had was around the influence of social media, particularly Instagram, and how it has gradually eroded any connection to our creative selves. The unavoidable feeling of comparison and saturation of curated content builds an atmosphere of inadequacy, and perhaps that’s where the heaviness and pressure to create comes from. This situation however, leaves little room for play and experimentation. From what I’ve learnt, it's easy (and natural) to lose sight of why we create when working towards the pressure of deadlines. My calendar has recently been devoid play, and the art I’ve been making consequently felt a little uninspired, and hollow.
Preparing for Bologna
Returning to the topic of Bologna fills me with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The idea of building a revised portfolio looms over me, and despite having a freshly published book to add to my list of accolades, the prospect of engaging with publishers still feels daunting, reminding me that I am still, and probably always will be, learning as I go.
I have found in these weeks of self-reflection, that this job does require a certain amount of mental strength, and whether you give yourself time to do affirmations in the morning, or to simply delete IG when you’re feeling overwhelmed, it all contributes to self-care for your inner artist. Joining the book club has been the safety net in which I can unpack my own limiting beliefs around time and money as a creative, as well as owning up to the fact that perhaps I haven’t been allowing myself to play as much as I would like. The most important step is to move towards this discomfort, to talk about it, write about it, and ask for guidance when you can. As Julia Cameron puts it; "Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power in it." It's a reminder that every step, no matter how small, carries the potential for transformation.
Other Tidbits:
*My lovely friend Jenny (who started the book club!) makes videos about her illustration journey. I made a cameo in her latest episode! You can watch it here.
*Eternal Sunshine is my album of the month. This song has been on repeat.
*In London I visited Frameless, an immersive experience that blends art and music. While the Impressionist room may not have been my favourite, the ethereal soundtrack and mirrored walls created a very dreamy atmosphere, and I really enjoyed my visit!
*Old movie nights at the cinema are the best! I recently saw a re-run of Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark and it filled my inner child’s cup to the brim!
Moving into a new week, I’ve cut my social media time down significantly and I’ve already witnessed pockets of inspiration come through. I’m getting opportunities that before didn’t have the space to emerge, and ideas for projects that no longer seem so daunting (before I was overwhelmed by wanting to do it all at once). I’m now following those sparks of inspiration, and following what lights me up, even if the answers in front of me don’t make sense right now. I do believe what excites us is what we’re meant to pursue, and hopefully by creating from this space, the answers will reveal themselves in time.
Remember to listen out for them!
C x