Just Start Already

I’ve had the idea to start this blog for several years but kept getting stuck in a loop of questions—What do I write about first? What platform should I use? Should I use Substack? How does that work with Squarespace?

Even after I discovered that I could easily add a blog page to Squarespace, the questions kept coming—Which template looks best? Are the photos I have good enough? Will I be able to batch-write posts? How often should I publish? Do people even read blogs anymore?

The barrage of questions stopped me from writing—or finishing—any type of post. And then I hit a point where my internal chatter became a nuisance, and I knew it was time to just start already.

I wanted to create this blog as a space separate from social media—a place to share my story and give a glimpse inside my creative process. I’d also like to share tips and resources that have helped me along my art journey.

I am fascinated by the stories of people’s paths to their creative lives. Through stories, we find connection. I’m especially drawn to stories of other artists—particularly those who are self-taught, women who discover their inner artist later in life, parents who juggle raising kids while managing an art business, and artists who kind of look like me. 

Since 2019, I’ve sold original artwork, prints, and handmade goods (including painted ornaments); designed and painted murals in my community; and exhibited in two group shows. I also tried having a shop on Society6 but didn’t keep up with it. Then, there was a year when I took too many online courses—learning about surface pattern design, Illustrator, Photoshop, and art licensing. While I love to learn and consider myself a perennial student, it was too much information for me to fully absorb and implement.

The following year, I prioritized making art traditionally (rather than digitally), realizing it was my preferred way to create. I sold a few original paintings, completed a semester-long drawing and composition course at a local college, taught my first art workshops, and participated in two holiday markets.

pictured: 100 Day Project No. 6; sold artwork; sketchbook practice; still life assignment; teaching art workshop; hand-painted ornaments for holiday markets

Currently, I’m working on being intentional about where I put my creative energy. It feels like I’m in the messy middle of my artist life and I often feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. The more I share that, the more I learn that I’m not alone in that feeling.

I’m currently doing the 100 Day Project for the seventh time. You can follow my progress on Instagram or visit my website to see all the 100 Day Projects I’ve completed.

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