Travel With Other Creative Explorers
Collaborating and Connecting with other Artists
I think creatives are meant to be the leaders in this – EXPLORERS in pursuing our creative hearts. And more importantly, we are NOT meant to do it alone!
There are two sides to the creative journey. Sometimes the creative life is painted out to be an unrealistic dream job. Other times it is depicted as a fruitless dead end. While you might see artists that appear to have it all figured out, you will also encounter “naysayers” that insist pursuing a creative career is foolish.
So, that’s the conundrum.
There’s an artist’s dream on one side of the pendulum and on the other end is a crippling belief that it’s impossible. Both sides can be toxic. Most artists and creatives travel the line in the middle. We travel where dreams meet reality and it’s not for the faint of heart. We are meant to be leaders – explorers in pursuing our creative hearts.
Truth be told, the creative life is a lot of work. A LOT OF WORK. Every exploration expedition comes with it’s rewards AND obstacles. You’re wearing many hats ( artist, content creator, project manager, photographer, videographer, bookkeeper, marketing guru, etc.). Plus, you may deal with a fair share of rejection. However, the journey can be a beautiful one. A rewarding path of determination, persistence, pushing boundaries, new experiences, and COLLABORATING with others. The end result of of creative pursuits are the songs we listen to on repeat, movies we watch, dances that delight us, art we enjoy, products we decorate our homes with, and countless inventions that have changed our lives. All of which came to exist because someone persisted and collaborated to get it done.
I'm empowered by the idea that you can make this creative journey what you want. We are trailblazers. It doesn't have to be perfect (what a relief) and it doesn't have to be dire (you CAN make a decent living), but if you don't put in the work...it's nothing. We are crafting this creative life as we go and WE ARE NOT ALONE.
We travel in teams.
The best thing that happened to me was finding other Creative Explorers. Not just people who share a common hobby or loved ones that support you, but a creative community that has made their creative goals their daily work. Finding an active community is like putting together an “expedition team” full of people that have complimenting skills (or skills that you’re missing). Seasoned artists that are offering mentorship or classes. Fellow creatives sharing their stories and willing to join forces. Peers supporting and cheering each other on. No one has it perfectly figure out and the road is constantly shifting for all of us, but together we are stronger.
You are putting together your own unique (constantly evolving) team. Not everyone will compliment you and that’s okay. You’re an explorer so your mission might not align with everyone. Your connections are fluid. As you move forward, you may link and unlink only to link up again at another time. I’m convinced that the only way to successfully travel this creative road is to have resources and allies for when you’ve broke down, need directions, are running on empty, or you’re looking for inspiration.
I am so thankful I met my current community and I look forward to finding future collaborators too. For example, this post is a part of a monthly post by the Illoguild. We are from all over the world. We write these newsletters to process our own journies and to push our boundaries.
This month Illoguild is discussing the topic of “Collaboration”. Join us for a FREE LIVE ZOOM on Monday, February 17th at 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EST where we will be discussing this very topic.
Maybe it feels like everyone has a podcast these days, a YouTube channel, a newsletter, a product to sell, or is making creative content somehow. It’s true. There’s a lot to see and a lot to consume. Yet, there is room for everyone to give and there is something for everyone to receive. Which means there’s plenty of opportunities to collaborate. We are stronger when we are connecting to each other.
Here are a few of my favorite creative explorers and some current collaborations:
Lilla Rogers with Make Art That Sells:
Margo Tantau at The Foundry and her podcast Windowsill Chats:
Margo recently chatted with Bonnie Christine who I also enjoy!
Sarah Horne’s mentorship and classes:
Adam Ming & Katie Stack with ArtGym:
Illoguild Chats:
Mark Hoffman Gab N’ Doodles:
The lovely Highlights Foundation:
…these are just name a few.
Of course I am thankful for YOU. Thank you for listening or reading this newsletter. I am so happy we’ve connected and I look forward to future collaborations.
Until next time, take care!
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Thanks for sharing Brenda. Always so good to hear from you.