An exciting thing happened this week; I was featured in a local magazine. It was a 2-page, full-color article telling my story and showing photographs of both me and my artwork. I proudly shared this news on social media, basking in the glow of this opportunity to potentially expand my audience.
However, as I thought about documenting this journey, I realized there was more to this story.
You see, I became aware of the possibility of being featured in this magazine shortly after I first started my 365-day challenge. I received a call from a friend who wanted me to know he passed my name along to the editor of a magazine he provided photography for because he thought it was an interesting story.
At the time, I remember thinking this was affirmation of doing the challenge and was excited to see what would come of it.
For days I kept a diligent eye on my email for any communication regarding the interview, but as days dragged into weeks, and then months, I forgot all about it.
Nine months later, I received a direct message from the editor asking if I’d be interested in being a part of their “People Issue” in November.
As I look back, I realize that during those 9 months I could have taken the fact that I hadn’t heard anything as reason to get discouraged or possibly even give up.
How often do we give away our power, or look to external circumstances, to affect our perspective?
Fortunately, I am clear with myself about what I am doing. I continue to show up every day knowing what it is that I am building. It’s just a matter of time for my work to find the right audience.
Therefore, any time I perceive a lack of interest, it doesn’t derail me because it may just mean that person is not my audience.
My encouragement to any artist is to be clear with yourself about what you want to do. What kind of art do you want to create? Who do you want to work with? Where do you want your artwork seen or how do you want it used?
Keep focused on the big picture of what you are wanting and know that it will take time. A long-term perspective helps us stay on course, rather than being derailed by our current circumstances.
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