Quote Creations

Introducing a new line of creations that will inspire you to aspire. Quote Creations isn’t just another hanging sign, but a piece of art that repeatedly draws your eyes back to reading inspiring quotes over and over again (a sort of eye candy). These unique creations are original designs, which combine hand painted backgrounds with original photographic images. Most importantly, each sign is infused with positive intentions of encouragement, hope and inspiration.

Quote Creations ETSY Shop

Plagued by Self-Doubt

Many artists struggle with the persistent voice of self-doubt. It plagues them when they attempt to bring to life a new idea. It can cause them to constantly second-guess themselves, questioning if their art is good enough to warrant the right attention. Self-doubt surfaces when they hear a comment on their art, performance or novel that wasn’t favorable. It’s the ingredient that under lies creative block. It repeatedly whispers in the back of their mind, “you’re just not good enough.” It can strike suddenly when they feel envies of someone else’s creative success. Self-doubt can be so overwhelming, the artist develops a relentless hunger for validation or approval driving them to bury it with substances.

One of the most common causes of self-doubt is negative self-talk. It’s the repeated statements running in one’s head that criticizes, belittles and shames. Constant replay of negative dialog slowly chips away at self-worth, which can leave the artist feeling less certain of their abilities. In addition, ignoring or brushing off one’s own accomplishments and successes, have a way of derailing self-confidence. Because each negative thought produces an emotion this can inevitably cause the artist to feel discouraged or hopeless.

Begin to take notice of the statements you tell yourself about your creativity, about your art, or you as a person. Are the words coming from a caring and gentle voice, offering support and encouragement? Or are they words that are slowly damaging your self-worth, resulting in procrastination, unproductively or creative paralysis. A simple shift in self-talk is the beginning of sustaining a positive attitude throughout your career as an artist.

Further recommended reading: Learn How To Jump Over Hurdles
How Positive Thoughts Affect Our Success in Art

Free Audio – Gentle Rhythm of Mindfulness

Narrated by Lisa Riley. Use this guided meditation when you find yourself flooded with difficult emotions or stressed. Practicing mindfulness can help you better cope with those times when you feel overwhelmed.

Free Audio Download

Diversify Your Gifts in a Struggling Job Market

We made the decision to pursue a career in a specific art, whether it’s to become a writer, dancer, artist or designer. We spend a lot of money, time and energy going to school, getting the training to develop the skills and the knowledge in that chosen profession. All the while, hoping to actually be able to make a living doing the very thing we felt passionate about when we first embarked on that path.

But what happens when you find yourself in the midst of a struggling job market with fewer opportunities in your trade? How do you deal with being repeatedly turned down, because the employer was flooded by applicants? In the state of our economy, creative professionals are having more and more difficulty finding jobs that match their qualifications.

One of the advantages to being a creative individual is that you have the ability to approach a problem from multiple perspectives and apply your creative skills to other applications. Don’t be afraid to diversify your gifts and talents towards other forms of creative work. Stay open to the idea of branching out even if it’s in an area outside of your trade.

This doesn’t mean you are turning your back on your chosen profession. Nor does it mean you have failed your dream. It’s more about finding creative ways to make adjustments in order to ride out the waves of this challenging economy.

Although facing repeated rejection and disappointment can be distressful and taxing on your confidence, try not to take it personal. Part of adapting and surviving changes in the job market is to resist the belief that there is something lacking in you. Remember many creative professionals are experiencing the same struggle.

You are a multi-dimensional, creative, gifted and diverse individual. You have the ability to endure and apply yourself in ways that will help you rise above any career challenges or survive a lull in the job market.