I remember a while back visiting the Art Institute and going through an exhibit for a particular artist. Making my way from room to room I read about the artist’s life and various high and low points the museum deemed worthy to include.
It was a compelling life story. Walking past each piece you could see how the artwork was influenced by his experiences in life, both pain and joy. Those moments became the fuel or drive that inspired his artwork. Finally, at the end of the exhibit there was a comment referring to the artist as prolific.
Prolific is defined as marked by abundant inventiveness or productivity.
My reaction was two-fold, I wanted so desperately for that to be true of me AND I felt a combination of angry & sad because, at that time, it seemed impossible that prolific could ever apply to me.
At that time, I was talking more about how I wanted to create than actually creating anything. Plus, I had a inner vocal critic who had a lot to say about any project I even started to consider.
Is this the “right” project? What if it looks bad? What if no one likes it? What if I don’t finish it? Ugh.
Fast forward to today — I am creating every single day and have artwork that derives directly from what happens throughout my life, in addition to doing artwork on larger topics that I am passionate about.
I don’t hear much at all from that inner critic, and it would be reasonable to describe me as prolific by the shear volume of content that I am producing. So what changed?
I was bitten by a radioactive spider and, using my new heightened senses, I am able to create artwork every day. No, wait, that can’t be right…I was an orphan whose magical heritage was concealed from me until one day I discovered my true lineage and now I have the ability to create all the art I choose.
OK, so obviously I’m just having a little fun, although the spider idea may explain a current phobia.
The truth is that the only difference between where I was previously and now is that I made a decision to do the work every day.
That’s it. The completely unsexy, un-Hollywood story is that I began showing up and producing artwork every single day. By doing so, I strengthen my ability and confidence, while also giving me a new lens through which to see the world.
Currently, I have more ideas for projects that I want to create than I may ever be able to get to.
For example, we are almost ready to launch our first non-paper product. Woo hoo! We have 5 coffee mugs that will be available in our shop very soon. I’ve also got an idea (see there it is again!) for a promotion that will give you a chance to win a free mug of your choice.
 Hello Darkness, My Old Friend 11 oz. Coffee Mug |
 Carpe The Heck Out of This Diem 15 oz. Coffee Mug |
More details to come, but if you are not signed up on my website, click here to address that now because those kids are the first to hear about what’s going on, get access to my best deals, as well as all the free stuff that makes their friends jelly (or at least mildly intrigued).
So, in what area would would like to be prolific? What is one thing you will start doing today to get you closer to that being true of you?
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