Since I write and photograph, I have more than one creative edge. There is always more to learn about writing, but for now I'll say that one creative edge is to remember all the good prompts and suggestions I have from classes I've already taken. My artist notebook is full of notes and prompts, but I forget to take it out and find prompts to get the writing juices flowing.
In photography there is also always more to learn. Last summer I worked on manual focus. Now I am working on developing better in Lightroom and on using mobile apps to help.
Now the fantasy list of my creative edge ... this is both the fun list and the argh, it's too much work list. Regular social media posting (learning tricks for doing it faster and easier) is on the last list. And then there are the fantasy projects of finding ways to photograph feelings and moods in nature. Lots of trial and error there.
Who is this for? Sincere, serious question. I try to make art. Artists frequently say things that suggest that they don't think what I'm making is art.
Who is this for is the first thing we need to answer when creating something for the public. I do not include art in that, because I think art stands outside of that imperative to 'keep the reader/buyer in mind.'
To answer your question, I wrote a description of who I want to help with Your Artist Knows the Way. You can find it here:
This is one of the best "sessions" of the series. At least it resonated deeply with me. I still have work to do on managing my main project, my travel writing. And at the same time, I'm feeling a pull toward some more creative photography projects. And I'm trying to work on calendaring the year and making it easier to be organized. Lots of edges, creative and otherwise, to navigate. I'd love all the planning to be over so I can just do.
There's always more 'managing' we can do. I am always challenged to stay organized.
You will like the upcoming session on being a 'polyamorous creative.' We all have that 'side art' that calls to us. I find a lot of benefit from having something that's more playful with lower stakes. I know your photos play a role in your travel writing, but it sounds like you are referring to something else.
Maybe you can put a timeline on the planning? So that part of you can rest while the writer and photographer just 'do.'
I started drawing in about 2010 I think. Do you remember when I came to a workshop in Boulder with my friend Viv from England? We did those little accordion books! I am so thankful that you got me started. I did a bunch of Sketchbook Skool classes. Learned different media like watercolor and ink and oil pastel slowly over the years. Then I got an iPad and learned Procreate and started comics classes with Sequential Artists Workshop (SAW). I’ve shared my drawings all along the way, even when I wasn’t at the skill level I wanted to be in. Each medum is a whole new world. And writing for comics is completely different than writing prose! I’ve only recently begun to feel some confidence in making comics. And I would like to learn more of the mechanics. But I’m happy with what I’m making now. Tom Hart from SAW says “Make the comic you can make today.”
Thanks again for all of your encouragement and support over the years, Cynthia! It’s bright me a ton of joy.
Edge: Finding & threading the main point. I have to write & write & write & then untangle to find the "so what." Realizing how much of my life has been that way.
Question I ask: "Where is the joy?" - which brings me back to an aliveness for the work.
Since I write and photograph, I have more than one creative edge. There is always more to learn about writing, but for now I'll say that one creative edge is to remember all the good prompts and suggestions I have from classes I've already taken. My artist notebook is full of notes and prompts, but I forget to take it out and find prompts to get the writing juices flowing.
In photography there is also always more to learn. Last summer I worked on manual focus. Now I am working on developing better in Lightroom and on using mobile apps to help.
Now the fantasy list of my creative edge ... this is both the fun list and the argh, it's too much work list. Regular social media posting (learning tricks for doing it faster and easier) is on the last list. And then there are the fantasy projects of finding ways to photograph feelings and moods in nature. Lots of trial and error there.
Such GREAT IDEAS!!! I’m going to do this- write 3 words, and think about my current project this way. Thank you!!
So glad this resonated with you, Paula! Three words can help make the process richer for us.
Who is this for? Sincere, serious question. I try to make art. Artists frequently say things that suggest that they don't think what I'm making is art.
Again - please describe who you are addressing.
Thank you,
Robert Walker-Smith
Hi Robert, thank you for your question.
Who is this for is the first thing we need to answer when creating something for the public. I do not include art in that, because I think art stands outside of that imperative to 'keep the reader/buyer in mind.'
To answer your question, I wrote a description of who I want to help with Your Artist Knows the Way. You can find it here:
https://yourartistknowstheway.substack.com/p/welcome-artist-writer-unstoppable
Hope that helps you know if this is for you or not when you read it.
All the best to you and your art-making.
This is one of the best "sessions" of the series. At least it resonated deeply with me. I still have work to do on managing my main project, my travel writing. And at the same time, I'm feeling a pull toward some more creative photography projects. And I'm trying to work on calendaring the year and making it easier to be organized. Lots of edges, creative and otherwise, to navigate. I'd love all the planning to be over so I can just do.
Thank you, Ellen!
There's always more 'managing' we can do. I am always challenged to stay organized.
You will like the upcoming session on being a 'polyamorous creative.' We all have that 'side art' that calls to us. I find a lot of benefit from having something that's more playful with lower stakes. I know your photos play a role in your travel writing, but it sounds like you are referring to something else.
Maybe you can put a timeline on the planning? So that part of you can rest while the writer and photographer just 'do.'
I started drawing in about 2010 I think. Do you remember when I came to a workshop in Boulder with my friend Viv from England? We did those little accordion books! I am so thankful that you got me started. I did a bunch of Sketchbook Skool classes. Learned different media like watercolor and ink and oil pastel slowly over the years. Then I got an iPad and learned Procreate and started comics classes with Sequential Artists Workshop (SAW). I’ve shared my drawings all along the way, even when I wasn’t at the skill level I wanted to be in. Each medum is a whole new world. And writing for comics is completely different than writing prose! I’ve only recently begun to feel some confidence in making comics. And I would like to learn more of the mechanics. But I’m happy with what I’m making now. Tom Hart from SAW says “Make the comic you can make today.”
Thanks again for all of your encouragement and support over the years, Cynthia! It’s bright me a ton of joy.
It's fun to trace the path of your emerging artist, isn't it, Donna! I am delighted to have played a role in you exploring new mediums.
"Each medium is a whole new world." - I love that so much!
Make the comic you can make today - SUCH good advice! Have you ever heard of haiku comics?
You are most welcome, for everything, Donna. It's a delight to have you here.
I want a unicorn lava chocolate fountain!!!
Edge: Finding & threading the main point. I have to write & write & write & then untangle to find the "so what." Realizing how much of my life has been that way.
Question I ask: "Where is the joy?" - which brings me back to an aliveness for the work.
😘😘
You are not alone in this, Carolyn. It takes time to reveal the main nuggets. In this interview. Charles Duhigg said it takes him 6-12 months to sort out what his book project is about. I thought that was helpful for those of us who think a) we should know and b) we should figure it out super fast. https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2024/12/16/book-proposals-writing-non-fiction-and-supercommunicators-with-charles-duhigg/
Thank you! I'm in the middle of the Morocco Mess! I look forward to listening to Charles Duhigg.