Getting Help...getting too much help
Yet another piece of guidance.
I went for my usual morning walk with my silly big dog this morning. Usually I don't take my phone, or I take it just to take photos. Today I decided to listen on Audible to my most recent purchase, Lisa Congdon's 'Art Inc'. I bought it because I totally adore her work and admire the classes she produces on Skillshare, Creative Live and Creative Bug. Honestly though, I probably bought it in the hope that it would clarify things and give me more guidance. It sort of did. I knew a lot of the content already from the mountain of guidance I've consumed over the past ten years of pursuing a creative career. And I had the realisation that eventually you have to implement the guidance to make it happen. Especially the marketing. It sounds daft but marketing it's something I will put off until the end of time. Hearing Lisa talking about it so matter-of-factly did actually remove the emotion for me.
What I've learnt
Over the past two years I've learnt how to use Corel Painter, Photoshop and Illustrator proficiently. I've learnt and trained ongoingly and I'm really proud of how well I know my way around these programs to create designs, illustrations and patterns quickly and deliver them professionally. It's a never ending persuit and I absoloutely love learning more. I never blow my own trumpet, but look at that, I just did! I've also learnt a lot about putting together and managing a creative business. Some of the advise has been perfect for me. Practical, to the point and actionable. But there are many many many people out their offering to help save you and make your business work and I'm steering clear of anyone promising to fix my life at an expensive price tag.
Where I've found the best guidance
Two years ago I started a course on Skillshare by Bonnie Christine on surface pattern design. I didn't know that her beautiful step-by-step approach would absorb me into learning exactly how to use Adobe Illustrator for creative illustration and pattern design. It was exactly what I needed at the time. Since then I've explored other artists classes such as Mel Armstrong, Sue Gibbins and Shannon McNabb.
Business advice
For me the best has come from other creative people. Shannon McNabb's Skillshare class on Air Table really changed things for me. I organise all sorts of things on there from accounts for my business to goal setting, to-do lists and even home expenses. I was also lucky enough to grab the free offer of Make Art That Sells Money Badass Course which is really great at making you look at your relationship to money.
Super useful stuff
I love making lists and setting goals. I bought a Passion Planner last year and I'm going to just keep on buying them. I really enjoy indulging in brainstorming and mind-mapping but these books help you to put a timeline to your ideas and make realistic plans.
Skillshare, a special mention
I'm working on my first Skillshare class, not an easy task for me at all. Seeing myself on camera and editing myself is excruciating. But the free guidance offered in the Skillshare workshop I'm doing has been fantastic and motivating. I highly recommend it if you want to create an online class.
Here's a bit of marketing!