Our Creator Created us to Create. I’m not sure who said this first. I thought it was Julia Cameron author of “The Artist’s Way”, but after a quick google search, I couldn’t find the direct quote. I say and think it so often, it’s become a part of me. Heck, maybe I said it first? It’s definitely not an original idea, but I do love how it sounds and the multilayered message it holds.
Our Creator Created us to Create
Sometimes, I feel as though I have to pinch myself. I am a working artist. People pay me to create for them. They trust me with their most prized possession (their baby) and pay me good money (great money actually) to create art that will forever display in their homes. Even when I type these words, the concept baffles and humbles me.
I always knew I wanted to be an artist. Not just as a hobby, I wanted to make a career of it. I used to really struggle with creative blockage. A lot of artists do or so I’ve heard. I struggled to come up with original ideas and it was maddening to me. I’d refer to myself as a “copycat artist”. I could copy anything, but I couldn’t see something new in my mind and bring it to life.
I wish I could tell my younger self to stop stressing so much and read more books! There really are no original ideas and everything is derived from something else. There is even an entire book written about it,“Steal like an Artist”. I don’t really like the phrase “imposter syndrome”, so I’ll say it like this… creative confidence is a white whale many struggle with. The ability to “copy” will work in your favor, so copy your heart out! And make sure to read or listen to “The Artist’s Way” because it’s a great resource for unblocking, creating for yourself and tuning out the noise.
I’ve become a firm believer that if you want to learn a new skill, the best way is simply to dive in and try it. Practice and doing it over and over will get you there. But if you’re like me, that approach is not fast enough so there are a lot of wonderful FREE resources out there to try. First, you’ll need a library card. And if your library doesn’t offer these programs, check your nearest city or others in your state. Most libraries will allow you to have a membership with them even if you don’t live in the city district. Pretty awesome of them! I love the library and below are just 3 reasons you should too 🙂
Creativebug is a wonderful resource for all things creative and best of all it’s FREE with your library card! Painting, knitting, quilting, baking and so much more. It’s like Pinterest but better because you don’t have to worry about clicking on that link to NO-WHERE and being redirected to a virus.
Lynda.com is another great resource if you need to learn a new software program or social platform. From Photoshop, SEO and Social Media Marketing… This site has you covered! And again FREE with your library card!
Overdrive & Libby For audio & e-books, be sure to check these out! I’m not sure why there are two different names, but Overdrive is where you’ll sign up & Libby is the app to listen or read on your mobile device. And again, completely FREE with your library card.
For best results, take in the information and shut off all electronics for the next few hours while you immerse yourself in your new craft.
Our Creator Created us to Create
Earlier this year, we had a lot of leftover watercolor paints from my son’s birthday party we decided to put to good use – USE WHAT YOU HAVE! I often say I get most of my inspiration from my kids – they paint my world in color. For weeks, I watched and encouraged the kiddos to paint with watercolors. Pretty soon after, I joined in the fun and our evenings became spent water-coloring to our heart’s content. We took a break from the digital world and enjoyed the present moment with paper, paints, and brushes. It was a lovely change of pace.
During a newborn Lifestyle session, at a client’s home, I became so inspired by their space. The decor, a painting displayed above the baby’s crib and the floral crib sheets all inspired me to put my new craft to use. I stole like an Artist, I copied what I saw around me, and I also created something completely new.
I hope you enjoy the images below and I really hope those resources help you find your creative way. You were created to create, so go out in the world and create something beautiful today! ~Lauren
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