Make a Start! It is Not a Dress Rehearsal

 

3 Ways to Move Forward as a Creative: Embracing Personal Growth and Innovation

Creativity is a journey, not a destination. As creatives, we constantly seek ways to push our boundaries, discover new horizons, and bring our unique visions to life. Moving forward as a creative involves a blend of reflection, resourcefulness, and the courage to venture into unknown waters. Here are three ways to move yourself forward on your creative journey:

1. Embrace What You Have and See How Far You Can Go

Often, we underestimate the potential of the resources at our disposal. Whether it's a limited set of tools, a small budget, or even time constraints, these limitations can actually foster creativity. By fully embracing what you have, you can push yourself to innovate within those confines, often leading to surprising and unique outcomes.

Practical Tip: Take inventory of your current resources—skills, tools, and time. Challenge yourself to create something using only what you already have. This helps sharpen your problem-solving skills and shows how creativity can thrive under constraints.

2. Create Things You Never Thought of Before

Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. This involves experimenting with new mediums, techniques, or even genres that you haven’t explored before, you open doors to endless possibilities and new perspectives.

Practical Tip: Set a regular time for experimentation in your creative schedule. Dedicate this time solely to trying out new ideas without worrying about the outcome.

3. Bring It All Together with a Personal Touch

Your creative journey is deeply personal. It’s shaped by your experiences, beliefs, and aspirations. Bringing your personal touch into your work not only makes it unique but also resonates more deeply with your audience. Reflect on what ‘personal’ means to you and how you want to express that in your work. Also check out post - Arts and Wellness Cafe

Practical Tip: Reflect on your personal story and values. Consider how these elements can influence your creative projects. Are there specific themes or messages you want to convey? Integrate these into your work to create pieces that are truly reflective of who you are.

Moving Forward: This Is Not a Dress Rehearsal

Remember, this is not a dress rehearsal—this is your life, your creative journey. Every moment is an opportunity to create, learn, and grow. By focusing on utilizing what you have, exploring new creative environments, and infusing your personal essence into your work, you can move forward with confidence and purpose. Embrace the process, trust in your creativity, and watch as your artistic path unfolds in ways you never imagined. Stay Blessed and be a Blessing.

Before You Go.....

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Join us for the Artsy Meetup Marathon - See in 2024 with Us

Introducing the Artsy Meetup Marathon

December 31, 2023 - January 1, 2024

Artsy Meetup Marathon

When I think about what I want to spend time doing next year, creativity is at the top of the list. And that’s why I said YES to Kiala Givehand when she invited me to teach in the 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Artsy Marathon.
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We are going to bring in the New Year being creative with amazing people surrounded by our art supplies. 

We would love you to join us?

This year's Artsy Meetup Marathon is:

• 24 Hours of Creative Lessons from a variety of guest teachers (names below).  You don't need to be there all 24 hours, the recordings will be available a few days after the event.
• The Scedule will be live on the website
• an opportunity to learn, play, and explore with other creative souls.
• a list of techniques, tips, and tutorials for your visual journaling and documented days. 
• There will be several GIVEAWAYS throughout the night
• a powerfully creative way to bring in 2024 with intention.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Teachers

Kiala Givehand - mixed media bookbinder, storyteller, printmaker, & wisdom keeper -- @kialagives

Tiffany Goff-Smith - mixed media artist -- @SouthernGals_Designs

Kristen Radden - creative divination junkie -- @otm_academy

Rachel Torda - artist, writer, seeker, & watercolor mermaid -- @thedreaminglotus

Meghann Early - intuitive art journaler & junk journler -- @meghandthemoon

Amanda Trought - mixed media artist & blogger -- @realityarts

Shemi Dixon - mixed media artist & youtuber -- @shemidixon

Leaca Young - artist & reiki practicioner -- @leacayoungart

Tina Riley - art & heART journaler -- @tinarileyimaginariums

Kristi Nazzaro - mixed media artist -- @soul_positive

Suzanne Earley - mixed media artist, quilter, and founder of strawberry moon magazine -- @suzanne_earley

Liz Constable - book artist, teacher, & author -- @bookartstudios

Dee Dee Catron - mixed media artist & mark maker -- @deedeecatron

Aly Million - mixed media artist and journaler -- @alycadabra

Brooke Henry - maker, teacher, art journaler -- @bbhenry_art

​Susanne Randers - paper lover, eco dyer, and bookbinder -- @mitkrearum

Vanessa Oliver-Lloyd - art witch & collage fanatic -- @dansmoncrane

Misty Granade - abstract mixed media artist -- @misty.granade

Cindy Gilstrap - mixed media & journaling artist -- @junqueart

Kristin Peterson - mixed media & collage artist -- @alteredstatesstudio

Joyce Van Der Lely - artist & empowerment guide -- @joycevanderlely

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We are going to have so much fun at the Artsy Meetup Marathon, and you will have so many hints and creative tips to see you into the New Year.  JOIN THE PARTY!

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Before You Go

Check out Filling the Creative Well Mixed Media Course - LEARN MORE

1000 Dog Portraits - Work Published

In keeping with the post I shared a while back about celebrating your achievements, I thought I would share some of my artwork that got published in a book some time ago, but we can still celebrate!  In fact I have a journal dedicated for things that I have achieved, so that I can look back as a reminder and see how far I have come.  It is important that you write down all your achievements, not matter how small.

The Book that my work was published in was published in 2014 and is called 1000 Dog portraits, curated by Robynne Raye. I created 2 playful paintings which were selected.  It was a reminder to me to 'go for it' and not hold back and allow the critic to voice their untruths.

On the Run - Amanda Trought, 1000 Dog Portraits

My main focus was to have fun and bring out the colors in each of the paintings, and I like the cartoon like feel of my dogs, and they may one day feature in a children's book of their own.

Amanda Trought Art - Dog Portraits

It was great to see the diversity of work from both artists and designers from around the world, and to have my work published alongside them.

I think I might spend some more time playing about with colors and shapes, and see what other playful characters that I can come up with. Why not try it out yourself.

Cole my dog is wondering when I am going to do a painting of him, he loves posing for the camera, and makes sure we only get his best side!

Cole, Such a majestic looking dog

Hanging out with Cole

Stay blessed and be a blessing and keep your eyes out for many other creative goodies that will be coming your way.

You can check out the book  HERE on Amazon 

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Follow Your Dreams - Do What You Love!

 What are you dreaming of?

When I was growing up - even with the qualifications,  if you wanted to show your art work you needed a gallery to represent you, to publish a book you needed an agent/publisher, if you had a name you might get an advance.  Similarly if you wanted to be on TV or in the movies the agent would come into play and there was a very small window of opportunity if that - with certain roles going to the select few and you might be lucky to get a few walk on parts in a crowd scene.  'Its who you know not what you know'  were words I heard my father say a few times.  There were no guarantees, if it was thought that 'your face didn't fit' chances were slim to none.

But would you allow that to stop you?

Many have stopped short on their dreams, maybe having thought of what they want to do with the lists bouncing around their heads, having resigned themselves to not even getting close, maybe meeting a celebrity is the icing on the cake or reciting to who ever will listen how they 'nearly got to' 'always wanted to' came close to' pursuing their dream.  The graveyard is full of unfulfilled dreams and visions.

For every problem that exists there are thousands looking for the solution or alternative solution, the answer comes in many shapes and forms.  What if you held the keys to the very thing that others were looking for?  What if you didn't do it in the traditional sense but from a different point of view?  Becoming the publisher for the field that you want to enter!

The use of technology now a days means that you can be at one part of the world providing a solution for someone on the other side of the world while pursuing the dreams of your heart - what you have been dreaming about, wanted to pursue, someone else wants that product, solution, and it is sitting in your head, in your heart, and on your note pad.

So in the scenarios that I gave earlier and being of the artistic kind (the writer, actor and artist) -  the tables have turned on your ability as a creative to get your work in front of those who need and want to see it, sell your work, show in a gallery, publish that book and more.

It is time to create your own story - see the vision and make it plain...., it starts with a thought, you have to write it down and then look from every perspective to see how you can make that baby become a reality.

Don't over complicate it for instance agonizing where you are going to sell your book before you have written a sentence.  If you want to publish a book it first starts with you writing, forming a habit, and putting down on paper that which you want to achieve.  Why not join a challenge or two like 'the Ultimate Blog Challenge - posting every day for 30 days) and not only be committed to yourself but to sharing and being among others who are pursuing their dreams.  When you know what you want to do and the steps that you need to take, when those discouraging times come and you don't feel like showing up, you show up anyway.

All things are possible, do you believe?  It starts with believing that you can achieve your dreams and goals. If you are in the arts as mentioned, you can self publish, start a YouTube channel, or Podcast, have your own Website, and sell your art online all over the world in different formats.  You don't need to wait for permission, you just have to press publish or send!

So with that said, I believe in you!!, I know that you can do all that you set out to do, change your perspective, speak encouraging words to yourself and get around others who are encouraging, reaching for their own dreams. Like you I am working towards the dreams and goals that I have - I am not an expert, just someone who thought you needed to hear these words of encouragement today.

Now, go be the amazing soul I know you can be - I believe in you!

Stay blessed and be a blessing!  

100 Days of Handmade Foam Stamps

If you would like to see the stamps daily you can check out my Instagram HERE

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I am also taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and you can check out the posts HERE

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Mixed Media Art Courses to Check out

SALE - Enjoy $10 OFF all courses until 30th April Click on the image to see the course.

Use the Code at the checkout - create2

Mixed Media Art Collaborations, Textile Love and Courses Offers!

 

I am taking part in a monthly art collaboration and will be painting this image.  The video goes live tomorrow, and you can set a reminder - if you do join I will be in the chat answering any questions that may pop up as we see how the painting takes shape.

  

The monthly collaboration is a great way to get together virtually with other artists and share the love we have for creativity.  In this collaboration we do not have any prompts you just create what you are inspired to do.  One of the things that I would like to share over time is my love for creating sculptural art and working with recycled materials.  

As a mixed media artist I love creating full stop, and I always have a million and one ideas of things I want to work on, or experiment with - and I give myself the time each and every day.  I schedule the time for myself and show up even if I don't have a particular project in mind.

I also do a lot of work with fabric - painting my fabric, creating sculptural elements in the art and the stitching of these pieces are very therapeutic.

The arts (across the board) have a very positive effect on health and wellbeing and it is important that you try and do something every day.  The arts have been used in may medical environments - hospital waiting rooms, recovery rooms, corridors, my dentist has a nature scene on his ceiling which has a relaxing affect as you try and drown out the sound of the drill.

What ever you do I hope you are able to take the time to do something creative this week, and I would love to know what creative activities you find the time to do.

Stay blessed and be a blessing

If you would like to see the stamps daily you can check out my Instagram HERE

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 I am taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and you can check out the previous posts HERE

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Mixed Media Art Courses to Check out

SALE - Enjoy $10 OFF all courses until 30th April Click on the image to see the course.

Use the Code at the checkout - create2

Home Made Foam Stamps Week 5 - The 100 Day Project

Here is Week 5 Handmade Foam Stamps and the art piece created with the stamps.  The image says Soar, and it has been great re-establishing myself with the stamps and taking them to their next level and mounting them properly and creating some new designs.

Here are the stamps with their backing and the art piece crating using them.  The ink used is waterproof, so this enables me to add paint on top and create layers so that you can see hints of the stamps peeping through.

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Courses to Check out

Courses - Enjoy $10 OFF all courses until 30th April Click on the image to see the course.

Use the Code at the checkout - Create2

Spill your heART - Episode 6 - Artistic Inspiration

 

I am excited to be on the panel for Episode 6 of Spill Your heART hosted by Nathalie Kalbach on

Friday 30th July 12 Noon EDT

Panelists include Birgit Koopsen, DeeDee Catron and myself and we will be discussing Artistic Inspiration and what to do when it goes.

As professional artists we will share practical tips for finding and energizing your artistic mojo. We will also discuss how to encourage it when it gets sluggish, takes a temporary hiatus or when it goes completely missing

This webinar will focus on tips and tricks for locating, encouraging, and maybe even fabricating artistic inspiration so that you can get on with things and make the magic happen. Looking forward to seeing you there!.

 What do you do when Inspiration leaves the building?

REGISTER HERE

#Artsysecondsunday - Frida Inspired Painting

It was great taking part recently in the #artsysecondsunday.

You can check out my video below as I am doing a Frida Kahlo Inspired painting, I share what has inspired me about her work and create a painting in my art journal. Which you can check out below.

Products Used in this page

Folk Art Paints - https://amzn.to/3xoyrnZ

Watersoluble Neocolors - https://amzn.to/3pPYlPc

White posca pen - https://amzn.to/3zoxiij

Water-soluble Graphite Crayon - https://amzn.to/2U6o4Hl

Gesso - https://amzn.to/2RSDWMK

Stencil - https://amzn.to/3gkAALZ

Artsy Second Sunday is an art video collaboration organized by Martha from ilove2paint (AyalaArt) 

We are a group of Painters and Mess Makers that want to bring you joy and awesome paintings, every Second Sunday of each month. Please follow the links to find ALL sorts of styles and mediums in a fun filled binge. 

You can leave us a comment, a thumbs up, and of course you can subscribe to each channel if you have not done so. Our videos are done for you and feel free to ask any questions. Enjoy! 

Here are the participating artists, click on their names to go to their videos.  On the day you can join us in the LIVE premier or check out the videos after.  I have put them in order of appearance starting with Martha who goes live at 12 noon. (EST)  

Martha from ilove2paint  

Eleni S-artstuff 

Diana Art  

Archu's Art World 

Nina Fickett Designs 

Mural dreams by Laura 

Amanda Trought 

Mixed Creativity by Marie  

Nicky Parr 

Britta Mindartdk 

Mona L Creates 

Mary PittsburghArtistStudio 

Peg Adkins R 

Shel Paper Ocotillo Studio 

Look forward to having you join us in future sessions! 

Arts and Wellness Café - What is part of your creative practice?

 Arts and Wellness Cafe

Join me in the Arts and Wellness Café as we look at the idea of having a creative practice. What is it that you turn to to get you back on track.

I always begin my day in my studio with a cup of herbal and a cup of ordinary tea, light my oil burner and sage stick and then allow myself to play with materials and supplies.

Cup of Green Tea made with Flower petals clitoria ternatea

I have recorded a video on the flower, it has a lovely color and you can see it HERE on my YouTube Channel.

At the end of the Arts and Wellness video I share with you some of the projects that I am working on - I am really excited, I have been pushing myself in a variety of directions.

What ever you do in your creative space, make sure that you spend time on you!

While you are at it, remember to take a look at the Life Book FREE Taster Session HERE 

Life Book Teachers for 2021

Get 20% off when you Pre-Book

It will be starting Tomorrow (Monday 28th and continue to the 11th October)

I also share some of the things that I have been working on in the studio.  I have been experimenting with Leather and working with a wood burning tool to create patterns and designs

Designs in Leather

You can check out some of the wood burning tools HERE and HERE on Amazon  You can also take a look at some of my favorite supplies HERE

Let me know what your creative practice comprises of and how you deal with the times when you don't feel like creating.

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Creativity Tips - Feeling Creatively Stuck

When you are feeling stuck and not sure what to do creativity, just play with your supplies, check out my latest video of one of the ways in which I get myself back on my creative tract.

Join me on Patreon

Art Journal Process - Working in multiple Art Journals

Art Journal Play

Check out some of the other videos below - sharing your creative voice and art journals

Creative Encourager - If you want to talk about creativity and the direction you are going and need a listening ear, sign up for a FREE 30 minute call http://bit.ly/Encoura

Need Art Supplies - check out some of my Amazon Recommended HERE