Art progression and Business burnout
Hiya,
Long time no see!
So
how are you? Are you doing okay? Hopefully, you said yes, if not just know that
this too shall pass.
I
know that was a super deep way to open a blog post, but lately, as I have
started my freelancing career, it has been a jumpy, draining journey. The reason I'm talking about this is that my art career is currently going
through a bittersweet stage at the moment.
What
had happened was, lately that my artwork has been improving. So for the past
few months since launching my screen printing career, I have been practising
methods and techniques to help improve my artwork. And it has been fun, and
sometimes frustrating, (again the unpredictable fun of screen printing!),
but what I can say is that it was all worth it.
My
screenprints improved from using basic paper stencils, ( Like the stencil's
you start with when screen printing before upgrading to photo emulsion) I used
paper stencils to make my The Cross "It is Finished" print for Easter
Sunday last month to my most recent "Toucan Flower "Live freely,
Bloom wildly" print. And It is weird because we currently have updated
methods of screen printing i.e. Photo emulsion, drawing ink and screen filler.
But I suppose using a paper stencil, forced me to make up for the basic print by
adding more background patterns and details. Thus my art prints appear more
stimulating to the eye, and less like it was lacking in that sweet something.
Also, the watercolour technique that I used to create the background have
improved a little.
 |
| Toucan Flower Screenprint art |
What this experience teaches me is that, when it comes to art or
any skill, even though we can't hear it enough, like a broken record, practice, practice, practice makes perfect. And not only that but also
experimenting with various mediums to see what works and what doesn't. If it
wasn't for the fact that my photo emulsion, acetate paper, and screen filler
remover had finished (and is pricey), I wouldn't have known to appreciate the
simplest form of screen printing. Which leads me to my next news...
Lately, I've been somewhat stressed and anxious because of
financial woes. I understand that when it comes to talking about finance
(especially finance from a freelancing perspective) it can be quite a taboo
subject. However, I'm not only writing about this experience for my sake but
for others out there who are in a similar position. As mentioned I've run out
of certain significant
equipment useful for screen printing, however as I am under the NEA agreement
for my self-employment, there isn't a lot of money coming in, but there was a
lot coming out. And at this point, I've been running around like a mad woman,
trying to find financial aid in the form of a grant, loan or temp job. So far,
I have a lead on some money but nothing has been confirmed yet. And I haven't
received much money from my online print on demand shops either. So instead of
wasting all of that energy, moping around, being sad and feeling sorry for
myself, I decided to write a blog post about it, haha!
For
anyone else who is going through something similar, I know that it's hard and
you may not get over it the next day or even the day after. However, in the
meantime there are plenty of other ways to invest in your business or
career, that isn't finance based.
How
to be productive, when you don't want to be!
1)
Make Art: Make, draw, paint, sketch whatever you want, whatever you are feeling
(And maybe don't share it with the rest of the world via Insta!)
2)
Find other creative tasks useful for your business: Gee...You can make a small
blog post or a quick social media update. Or have fun pinning on Pinterest, if
you have a business Pinterest account, or even if you don't pin is still
productive as its considered research, its like a visual google! I'll include a
link on how to use Pinterest to promote your portfolio or business.
3)
Take a walk or dance to some music: exerts energy, reduces stress and helps
produce those fun endorphins. Therefore, helping you to focus so much better.
4)
Rest! : I know that some people find it so hard to put down there phone and
rest, but sometimes your best ideas come when you least expect it. Therefore,
it's great for your mental and physical health to take a breather, for however
long you want.
Even
though the last 2 tips weren't so much work related but personal related, being
your best self is vital if you want to keep doing bits for your business. If
you're sick, you won't be much use to many people and that includes your
business. So before you work on work, work on making yourself better. (Try
saying that 3 times fast, I DARE YOU!)
Thanks
for stopping by and Keep being creative,
Gloria
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