Fill or Kill? Navigating Your Artistic Choices
In the artistic journey, all of our decisions affect not only our work but ourselves. But how do we, as creators and guardians of our creativity, discern what fuels our work and what depletes it?
When I’m making decisions for what’s next, I ask this simple question: will this fill me up or will it kill my flow?
As artists, we are constantly confronted with new opportunities and ideas. Should we sell our artwork online? Should we enter it into shows? Should we open ourselves up to critique? Should we take a part-time job to take the pressure off?
Some of these decisions are like wind under our wings, making us feel more alive and vibrant in our work. Others can feel like weights tied to our ankles, dragging us down, sapping our energy, and clouding our vision.
Understanding what fuels and what depletes our work is a personal and often complicated process. You’ll want to consider:
The Emotional Impact: Does the project make you feel excited and energized or does it invoke dread and anxiety? Your emotional response is often the first indicator of how sustainable this next step may be.
Your Vision: Does this idea align with your broader artistic goals and visions? Or does it feel like a diversion or a dilution of your true voice?
Learning and Growth: Will this opportunity help you grow, learn new skills, or explore new dimensions in your work or life? Growth may be uncomfortable, but it pushes you forward instead of holding you back.
Time and Energy Investment: Is the time and energy required equal to what you will gain?
Your Inner Voice: Sometimes, the best guide is your intuition. If something feels off, consider taking a step back to understand why.
With these in mind, here are some journaling prompts to help you dive deeper:
1. When have I felt most alive and invigorated in my work? What were the common elements?
2. Recall a time when a project drained me or led to burnout. What were the warning signs?
3. What are my non-negotiables in my art practice? (Post these on your wall! In your planner! On your forehead!)
4. How does this potential opportunity align with my core values?
5. What fears might be holding me back from embracing beneficial opportunities?
6. If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to? If I say no to this, what am I saying yes to?
7. What is my intuition telling me about this opportunity?
And remember, every artist's journey is unique. What fuels one may deplete another. Maybe you've seen your favorite artist presenting at a gallery and thought, "I should be doing that!" But if you're an introvert (like me!) who would spend a month stressing over that event and a month recovering afterwards, it may not be for you. The key is to know yourself, know your work, and stay true to your vision. Your choices can allow your creativity to flourish in its most authentic form!
Yours in Creative Community,
Sarah K
