Choosing Creativity...
A new chapter calls for a new newsletter.
Lately, I’ve been taking time to prioritize. Instead of a chaotic hustle forward, I’ve been honing in on the work that brings me the most joy. Experimenting with my photos and finding possibilities in what an image can be.
Not being attached to the outcome is scary, but it’s also kind of liberating. Creating for creation’s sake. I’ve always had a streak in me for shaking things up, I just don’t talk about it too much!
I’ve been sharing my work more, and even got my fine art portfolio website going. I’ve been making connections to finally get my work on walls in places where they can do some good.
For instance, here are a few shots from a hospital in Kansas that used some of my photographs to add some Midwest beauty to their clinic’s staff and patient rooms.
I’ve also been leaning into my YouTube videos, sharing my journey as I take photos, make art, geek out on the cameras and lenses I’m using, and gear up for the holidays on Etsy while still making it home in time for dinner.
And while I’m not really slowing down, I’m being more intentional about how I spend my time. And yes, it still revolves around taking photos, making videos that inspire others to follow their path, and lots of backyard adventures with my family.
So this is your reminder to capture the things that speak to you by choosing creativity.
Choosing it over endless scrolling or mindless shopping or watching prank videos you won’t remember tomorrow.
Whatever you’re avoiding with these things, go the other way, and see how it feels. It’s what I’ve been doing lately, and once you get past the fear, it feels pretty good.
For instance, I’ve committed myself to writing a new piece of fun horror/thriller fiction each day during October. Every story is inspired by a photo I’ve taken. I look at each photo, and then I “write/draw” on top of the photo using ProCreate. You can get a sneak peek of these here:
What’s REALLY fun is that I have no idea what I’m going to write every time I sit down to do this. You can see an element of play with what I’m doing in this time-lapse:
I’ve also started designing some fun stickers and graphics that would be great gifts for photographers. Why? Because creativity rocks, and why not?
Etsy is still doing well for me, and I think it’s a good option for artists everywhere (ESPECIALLY YOU!). I’ve added new products and I’m super proud to have sold a large, 72” canvas to a customer in Kansas just a week ago.
This is the photo, and how I imagine it looks in their amazing modern home:
If you want to learn more about selling on Etsy, I have a video for that here:
This is a new beginning for me, and I am going to share everything I learn as I go forward with you.
Let’s choose creativity together!
Thanks for being here, and let me know what you think or want from a newsletter like this in the future.
I’d LOVE to hear from you!
Great read.