Attraction to distraction.

What’s with me? Seems more than ever my mind is all over the place. Every little thing 1 or thing 2 becomes a distraction. My ‘to do’ list just needs to become my ‘to done’ list already!

2020 has been one weird year. Since my last post, both Jeff and I have lost our jobs. We’re OK and still laugh a lot, but there is stress and uncertainty, and the big question: WHAT NEXT? I am constantly thinking about getting a new job AND how to become my own boss. This is a good thing. The challenge is real but also exciting. Where this is tripping me up is how this chasing derails my intention to create a better art practice. Now it’s not all bad, most of the things I’m chasing are creative activities. I just have too many interests and have a lot of FOMO. 

My attraction to a creative life is 100%, my effort in making it happen is about 36%. The what, the how, the why are always there. Should I focus on painting, collage, digital illustration, watercolor, printmaking, or just start with my sketchbook? 

my brain: “Uh oh, here comes a shiny object, let’s go chase this for a while”.

My brain is wrapping itself around getting a new ‘real job’. I’ve had a good career in advertising but do I have to stay there? Time to reinvent. REINVENT, I’m 56! Just kidding, I’ve got a lot of doing left in me. I want the next chapter in my career to reflect my love of design, color, style, and fun. I want to design beautiful things, so directing my efforts specifically toward branding and visual identity work feels right. 

my brain: “Here we go again — detour”.

The industry is all about digital design? How do I get there? OK, let’s talk about all the classes I’d have to take just to get up the hill. Yikes!

my brain: “This is a lot, go back to plan B, the ‘you are your own boss’ stuff”.

Still, all the classes and tutorials I have on my watch list. All those art books I’ve bought and need to revisit for inspiration. The podcasts I need to point me toward answers and action. The mistakes I need to make while searching for my artistic voice.

my brain: “I’m tired, go clean house, and organize your closets”.

These are just a few of my distractions. The thing is I have too many ideas. I find inspiration everywhere. I consume art like oxygen. I make notes, and color palettes, and have built a reference library I could just browse through for days while in a dreamy state of envy.

The practice. The work. That’s the SMIT (Single Most Important Thing). This is where I need to dig in. I’ve been the most dedicated employee and have mused “if I work this hard for myself I’d have an amazing business” — haha — but right? Why is it I honor time management and deadlines for work and other projects, but my own art practice deadlines come and go?

Recently I came across a podcast by Antrese at The Savvy Painter called “Defeating Overwhelm - Finding Clarity”. It was a kick in the pants, a pat on the back, and a gentle nudge all rolled into one sweet 29 min pep talk. I love it when life drops something right into your lap right when you need it. 

Peace, love, and happiness. xo

now give this a listen:  
https://savvypainter.com/defeating-overwhelm-finding-clarity/