This post by Daniellexo, Etsy’s Seller Education Coordinator, was originally published on Scoutie Girl — the blog with a penchant for the passionately handmade. Scoutie Girl promotes the handmade lifestyle and emphasizes thoughtful design, unique materials, and “indie thinking” as well as indie style.
One morning I woke up to a Facebook message from one of my favorite college professors. I was excited to hear from her; she taught me so many lessons about creativity, and I often think about her when I’m sketching or working on new designs. Soon after we connected on Facebook, I caught one of her updates, “Even if they seem like good solutions, avoid ‘clenching’ ideas. Hold them lightly, let them evolve and swim. Good ideas often transform into great ones if you give them enough room to play!” I think I’ve had good ideas, but I know I often don’t give my ideas enough room to play. I wondered why that was, and I set out to write my own plan of attack. Here’s that plan.
Part 1: Forms of Fear
Seth Godin says, “The enemy of creativity is fear.” Creativity has other opponents, but fear is definitely at the top of creativity’s sh*t list. So be a warrior, and know your enemy. Here are the forms fear comes in when you are trying to be creative:
Snobbery
Observe your thoughts throughout your creative process. What does that inner snob have to say? When I’m sketching, mine says, “That’s been done before.” It drives me crazy. My inner snob expects genius right out of the gate. How can I live up to that?
Take notice of that inner snob and shut it up. How do you do that? Give yourself permission to brainstorm, sketch, build and create without having to hear from the inner snob. Tell yourself there’s a time to step back and be harsh, but that time isn’t during the first stages of brainstorming. Giving yourself permission to unleash the inner snob later on in the process, this should free you up during your brainstorming session.
Taskmaster
The taskmaster gets uneasy when you don’t follow your daily routine. The taskmaster is a stick-in-the-mud and fears the unknown. It sees the first flicker of a creative idea and wants to file it away for later. Don’t let it. Put down the dishes, take a break from the To Do list and give yourself a free hour to brainstorm. Here’s the trick, set a timer and don’t let guilt creep in. This is important and you need it. Find a quiet place and think, think your thoughts! And as the brilliant John Cage said, “Be open to whatever comes next.”
Apathy
Apathy sounds like this:
“What’s the point?”
“I’ll never be as good as (fill in the blank).”
“I’ll work on this later.”
And here’s the one I hear the most and want to slay, “I’m not creative.”
My biggest weapon towards apathy is curiosity. Let’s say there may be no point, you may not ever be as good as blank, and maybe you are not “creative” (not true), and what if you did it anyway. Aren’t you curious to see what might happen? What if you sat down and made yourself sketch right now. Don’t you want to see what you might come up with? Not everything you create needs to be shared or consumed, sometimes we can create just to give form to our own weird inner beasts!
Fear kept me stuck from moving forward. Curiosity helped me crush the line of work that I was creating and selling for years and was thoroughly bored with. I got over the fear by letting myself play with a new material. I spent an entire weekend sculpting my new line, just because I wanted to see what I might come up with. I didn’t set out to create new work, I just challenged myself to master this new material and process.
Image by dismountcreative
Part 2: How to Beat Your Opponent
Teach (but don’t be an expert)
Every single time I lead a workshop I’m incredibly inspired to create. When a beginner approaches a new technique or material, they’re not bound by years of experience. They don’t yet know what the limits are (or supposed limits). Each time I work with a new student, I am inspired by their enthusiasm and open mindedness. Here’s the trick though, you can’t be an Expert (with a capital E). You should know your stuff, but if you think you know it all, you won’t evolve in this environment.
Practice
Be creative, in your own way, every single day. Schedule it. Make yourself. Sounds boring and counterintuitive, but you’ll never live up to your full creative potential without practice. I love the daily projects out there, and a good place to start would be picking up Noah Scalin’s new 365: A Daily Creativity Journal. If you think you’ll have a hard time sticking with it, make yourself accountable to your significant other, friend or colleague.
And If All Else Fails, Fail Big
The worst part of failing is that moment of shock — things were supposed to go a certain way and they didn’t. That moment of the unknown is what’s so frightening. Picking up the pieces is the easy part. We know where they landed, now all there is to do is clean up this mess and move on.
Keep that in mind as you create. Why fail a little? Make a splash, if you fail, you’ll have to get out the mop either way, right?
Study
I’m no expert (wink!). So I’ll make sure to leave you with a few of my favorite resources so you can study up.
1. Living Out Loud by Keri Smith
2. The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
3. The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
4. 12 Fantastic Ways to Bring More Creativity Into Your Life by Blacksburg Belle
5. Coffee
Etsy Success Reading Lists | Seller Handbook | Sign up for Etsy Success Emails
413 comments
Sign in to add your ownbirdie1 says:
What a wonderful post! (I love Scoutie Girl!) Yes, those little voices are in my head all the time ~ thanks for some creative ways of telling them to pack up and leave.
2 years ago
nightowlcraftworks says:
Love this post! ScoutieGirl always has such wise & inspiring words <3 I just started sketching & I'm loving all the creativity & ideas that are emerging because I've taken that time! Go forth & play <3
2 years ago
outofline says:
Fantastic! Love to see new ways to move. I've set up "challenges" for myself lately and it's helping to make the growth more fun:)
2 years ago
JAdamsDesigns says:
Wow, that is awesome! I think that we can all relate to all or at least parts of this! Very encouraging! Thank!!
2 years ago
ravenhaired says:
Great post. It's also hard to see the value of your creativity when it's not making you money. Inspires me to try something new I've been wanting to do today.
2 years ago
JudiPaintedit says:
Great read... Thank you!!!
2 years ago
Divas3Design says:
Great article! I love that quote from your college professor. “Even if they seem like good solutions, avoid ‘clenching’ ideas. Hold them lightly, let them evolve and swim. Good ideas often transform into great ones if you give them enough room to play!†That is so true.
2 years ago
doveandflower says:
I never realized it but I DO love messy hair! Everyone should go out with their bedheads untouched. They are all Masterpieces! How freeing that would be:) Plus, Curiosity IS the ultimate fear detonator.
2 years ago
Waterrose says:
Taskmaster....that's my downfall....knowing that I need to get certain things done in my day. So I have to hold off on that creative thought...
2 years ago
peppermintpink says:
thank you! I will have to read the materials listed here for inspiration. I often find that sometimes it is not that I can't get something creative going, but that where do I start with all my creative ideas? It can be overwhelming at times...
2 years ago
NorthDesign says:
great article. Thank you!
2 years ago
myhobbyshop says:
this is great. thanks for the reminders. i typically have a problem with the taskmaster part. i have a list of things that i must get done & get all bent out of shape if i don't "accomplish" them. but its a new year... perfect time for change :)
2 years ago
VitalVintage says:
Great article! The Creative Habit is one of my all time favorite books. So inspiring!
2 years ago
ZhongFuJewelryDesign says:
I like that: "the enemy of creativity is fear." I guess underneath all our excuses that would have to be it.
2 years ago
JacobCounts says:
Lovely article Danielle - Forwarding this to a few friends right now! :D
2 years ago
StudioZen says:
What an excellent article. I was just having this conversation with a friend yesterday. My best creative moments occur when I am able to shut out all the negative inner voices and just let my creativity take over.
2 years ago
Indounik says:
Ace! From the splashzone: 'Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.' ~ T.S. Eliot
2 years ago
sweetlittlefelt says:
Super inspiring :)
2 years ago
myvintagecrush says:
Very inspirational! This is just what I needed, thank you ;)
2 years ago
daniellexo says:
Indounik - really great quote!
2 years ago
girliepains says:
Lovely inspiring feelings!
2 years ago
HomemadeZen says:
Lovely article! One thing I learn to keep the creativeity flowing is to writ everything down as I thought of it, no matter how silly/random it seem at first. Later you read through it again and good ideas always seem to explode and materialize
2 years ago
BubbleGumAndButtons says:
I can relate to so many of the thing you address in this post, thanks for the inspiration and motivation desperately needed as a new little shop in this big old etsy world. Great Post! ~You know it is from "Bubble Gum and Buttons" when you find the button!~
2 years ago
daydreamjewels says:
Awesome article, thanks for the inspiration! <3
2 years ago
Parachute425 says:
Great article. Just the little kick in the pants I need right now. New wings - standing on the edge of the roof - if the wind is just right I might make it this time.
2 years ago
BingoBox says:
Well done - here's to creating without fear !!!
2 years ago
hattieshouse says:
thanks for the boost of confidence...I needed that!
2 years ago
themefragrance says:
great article! loved the featured artwork.
2 years ago
JulieRoseSews says:
I use the book 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron to overcome a lot of these issues. It's a 12-week schedule that nurtures creativity, and whenever I feel myself starting to be snobby with myself, I use that book! Lovely article.
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
I love this article and your words of wisdom! Creativity is in all of us, but the barriers that you mention usually win! Thank you for this inspiring and fight-back article!
2 years ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
Encouraging and inspirational. I have a daily journal that I draw in and write in. If I am too rushed to draw the idea in detail: I write a description.
2 years ago
Acdcraftiness says:
Great Job! I'm just about to start something new, and that prophetic voice is saying "That's gonna look really stupid." No more!! I'm gonna make it anyways, and if it fails, at least I tried it! :)
2 years ago
TashinaFalene says:
Awesome article! Really is the sort of push I needed, thank you! :)
2 years ago
QueenofCuffs says:
Such wisdom !! Makes me realize that the last time I worked freely and created 'outside the lines' was art college (long time ago) I am well overdue for an artistic play date. Thanks for shake up.
2 years ago
Earleyimages says:
great quote
2 years ago
ekra says:
What a great article! Thank you so much Danielle! I often have roadblocks in my creative process, but I never was really able to identify what they were. Now that I read this, I see exactly what things were stopping me. And you know what they say: Knowing is half the battle!
2 years ago
GardenCapture says:
Very helpful. My inner taskmaster and inner snob both get me. Add to the book list: Julia Cameron, the Artists Way. One of my favorite quotes, among many quotes in the books' sidebar: 'Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment' Rumi '
2 years ago
monkeyandsquirrel says:
such great tips and advice. i have the issue of always feeling like what i'm creating needs to be good enough to share. it's good to remind myself just to do it for the fun of it sometimes. thanks!
2 years ago
SilverMadeStudio says:
this article is exactly what i needed, at just the right time (i love when that happens)...my inner voice knows all about these forms of fear, now it's time to re-write my script and get moving!
2 years ago
weebit says:
What a fabulous post, and just what I needed here at the beginning of the new year when I'm diving in on trying something new. The "you're not creative" and "it's been done before" and "you'll never be as good as ____" are always in the back of my mind, it seems, and I love the practicality of these suggestions. Especially No. 5: coffee.
2 years ago
Adornyourself says:
great article, i carry a purse sized sketchbook everywhere i go, so i can jot down or draw things as they come to me.
2 years ago
FeltShmelt says:
Thank you so much for this, i REALLY needed the inspiration and encouragement! Great post!
2 years ago
JacquelineJewelry says:
That was a great post. I don't have too much trouble feeling creative, but it's good to be reminded to let go of that negative voice.
2 years ago
AvianInspirations says:
Great advice. I deal with most of this myself and it's really nice to have such a nicely written bit of advice for how to deal with it. Thanks! Say no to fear and snobbery.
2 years ago
EarthyHabitat says:
Great post! I spent the last week brainstorming ideas on new products and creating prototypes of what I thought could be big sellers. I was having the toughest time! Then last night.. I shut every one of my thoughts, doubts, fears down and just started making something. Turns out.. THAT item was the big winner. Go figure!
2 years ago
grimmandgrete says:
Thank you, great read!
2 years ago
BFStudio says:
What a great post and it came just when I needed a little boost to get started.
2 years ago
brittanylaurendesign says:
Love all the inspiring quotes! Without taking risks, we would never find ourselves I believe. You have to set outside your comfort zone if you want to go far in life with your business.
2 years ago
DuBuhDuDesigns says:
One of the best features I've read filled with sayings I haven't seen before. It's been awhile since I saved this many favorites from one post. Thanks!
2 years ago
AsLuckWouldHaveIt says:
Very good article... thought provoking!
2 years ago
jessamae22 says:
very inspiring article...bookmarking this for future bouts of anxiety/blocks/etc ;)
2 years ago
mydamuckala says:
Wow! This totally applies to me. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Makes sense. :)
2 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great article, its always a challenge to be creative everyday but its important to never loose that spark!
2 years ago
rebrewedcreations says:
Thank you for the inspiration! It's easy to let my creativity get stifled and pushed aside, but I think some of these suggestions will really help me plan time to create.
2 years ago
TheZestyDesk says:
Thanks for all of the resources! I have some new books on my wish list now!
2 years ago
letterer says:
Yep. This is exactly what I needed. Thanks for posting this!
2 years ago
tranifer says:
Fantastic article, very inspiring.
2 years ago
CassiasGarden says:
omgosh, Danielle, I think this is my favorite post of yours yet! TOTALLY pertinent to me right here, right now! Thank you so very much. Ummm....is there anyway you might give us permission to reprint on our blogs with all credits and references held intact? I so would love to encourage others in the way you have just encouraged us! Let us know....... Here's to your very best CREATIVE year yet! Hugs from Texas!
2 years ago
gemmabear says:
Aw, thanks for including my print in this lovely post :)
2 years ago
MissToryDesigns says:
This is SO affirming! Right on the path I've been walking for the past month. Most of my daily doodles are 5 min chicken scratches but every so often one emerges and makes me feel proud. Last night I ignored the voice that said "You're not being productive" and PLAYED with cardboard scraps (instead of silver) and had a blast.
2 years ago
idlehandsdesigns says:
Awesome post! Thank youâ¥
2 years ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
This is such an amazing article!!!!! I have my fears as well but every time I think of my favorite quote: "If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced" ~~ Van Gogh
2 years ago
TheVinylChalkboard says:
Thank-You so much for the lovely, inspiring post!
2 years ago
Humanidad says:
This is great and right on time for some much needed inspiration!
2 years ago
vKnit says:
Great tips! :) xox
2 years ago
genisepark says:
Great article...I like to tell my students to just play, play like a 4yr old but no fighting.
2 years ago
LittleBlueMoon says:
seems like we need to be discipline to be creative too! To get it down on paper, to have that sketch book around always. It was raining today here in Singapore. I stopped to sketch a lazy cat cleaning it paws while leaning against a shoerack of a Malay family. :} I used to think I am not creative. Now, I believe I can work on it!
2 years ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Great post! Thanks =)
2 years ago
pussman says:
I love it!!
2 years ago
Cheerupcherup says:
very interesting article! thank you.
2 years ago
overthemeadow says:
Totally enjoyed that post! Thanks so much!!! :-)
2 years ago
Pajazzled says:
Thanks so much for this! I have been struggling forever with all of these voices. It seems my loudest negative voice is the one which constantly tells me that I'm not a real artist and compares my work to every one else's and finds it lacking. I am trying to recognize myself as a unique individual who as a result will create in my own unique and idividual way...and as such I am an artist. There's a lot of original work I have done but have been afraid to put on our shop for this very reason. Thanks for giving me the courage!
2 years ago
paulajeansgarden says:
thank you for the post. such a reminder to create everyday.
2 years ago
Asianexpressions says:
Love it!
2 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Oh my, alot to absorb in one read, valuable info here danielle, food to ponder for 2011....thanks.....xo
2 years ago
sassyowl says:
What a lovely thing to read today. It was exactly what I needed to see. :) Thank you for sharing!
2 years ago
grandmamarievintage says:
A really strong and informative article. Thanks so much!
2 years ago
TinfenaStudio says:
Creativity is like a wild horse I don't really want to tame, it's so much better to let it run free... your wonderful article reminded me of that.
2 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Oh yes. Such a great article. I try to let my creative gnomes run around and play as often as I can. :)
2 years ago
MetroGypsy says:
DAMN straight on the coffee!! :P
2 years ago
Krystyna81 says:
outstanding advice! If you haven't seen "Black Swan", you really should see it...the lead ballerina had all of the technical skill, but none of the passion to take her work to the next level. Keep working on your skills - but also find your VOICE! Your Passion! And let it out :)
2 years ago
mozelladesigns says:
Very nice article! I know I have to work on defeating the taskmaster and the snob.
2 years ago
blueskyclouds says:
LOVE this article...really great...and I found so many things to favorite, too! Thank you so much.
2 years ago
BossysFeltworks says:
I'd like to add "Bird by Bird" by Ann Lammott to the reading list. She has a really good name for the radio station of fear that plays in your head while you create. But I can't type it here.
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
I always enjoy your encouraging posts Danielle! Thank you for voicing what so many of us face daily.
2 years ago
vitamini says:
Great timing for this post! I often find myself fighting my inner snob; that chick really knows how to get to me! I think the new year is a perfect time for a fresh start, but reflecting on things that didn't go quite right in the previous year can be paralizing. Thanks for the uplifting words!
2 years ago
itbaus says:
thank you so much! make time for each thing to do and keep it up!
2 years ago
dessertfirstdesigns says:
This was great, and so helpful, I'm definitely tweeting this article.
2 years ago
mcldrygoods says:
yay! great article. :)
2 years ago
daniellexo says:
CassiasGarden - I'd be honored if you wanted to repost this on your blog! Just be sure to link to the artists, too, if you use any of the images.
2 years ago
daniellexo says:
That's awesome MissToryDesigns!
2 years ago
AlissaRose says:
Thanks for this! Made me think, made me smile... Now I'm off to create a bit of coffee, some yogurt with warm berries and walnuts... mmm creativity.
2 years ago
coolstuffartgallery says:
Great Article!
2 years ago
TinyArtbyJMullin says:
This is exactly the kind of encouragement I need right now. Sometimes we can be so hard on ourselves, and get caught up in the way things are supposed to be that we are afraid to be creative. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of letting go sometimes and giving myself space to try and think.
2 years ago
QuiteFetching says:
This is a great article!! Thank you so much :) Very inspirational. That daily creativity journal sounds like fun!
2 years ago
SimandCharlieDesigns says:
When I am creating custom orders, my inner snob tells me "That's not my style. You can't make something like that because it just isn't you". After a couple of orders, I'm getting over it and learning to do things that just aren't me.
2 years ago
FreshlySkweezed says:
This came at a great time! Thank you!
2 years ago
ButterflyFeetShop says:
This was really worth the few minutes to read it! Thanks so much!
2 years ago
Kittenscloset says:
thank you for propping me up!!
2 years ago
NoFrump says:
SO helpful! Thanks a bunch!! :o)
2 years ago
FerntreeStudio says:
What a wonderful article. Thanks so much for your honesty and openness! :) angie
2 years ago
LakeViewVintage says:
I'm very practical at heart, so to me, it comes down to this: you have to be your own cheerleader. Trust your instincts. Be willing to start over. Push yourself. Make mistakes and learn from them. And love yourself!
2 years ago
lyonsworth says:
Wow! You really articulated my creativity’s sh*t list. Knowing who the culprits are has given my creative self license to go kick some butt and win some battles. Thank you!
2 years ago
macymaryjane says:
TIMELY. THANK YOU.
2 years ago
mehndiart09 says:
Very inspirational. I'm going to have to start writing an inspiration diary --- b/c i can't keep all the ideas straight and eventually they get lost.
2 years ago
HennaTrails says:
How did you know I needed to hear that?! grateful
2 years ago
AntoinetteDesign says:
wow...this post actually just calmed me down during a workplace "omg-I'm-never-going-to-get-out-of-here-and-do-my-own-thing!" moment! Thanks Danielle, you may have just made my day!
2 years ago
AnniesWearableArt says:
This is a really helpful article to encourage the ALLOWANCE of each individual's creative spark. I really struggled with that 'inner snob' thing for awhile. When you make the mistake of comparing your work to others, you will not be truly free to explore all you are capable of. Morning pages broke me of all that. They are like little daily brainstorms that I start off the morning with writing down-some long, some short, often sketches are in there and occasionally a keeper design or two if I'm particularly~ and peculiarly, prolific. I highly recommend them!
2 years ago
thewOOlyOwl says:
This is great!!! I think it is so easy to fall down and think...holy crap, there are so many sellers out there who rock......and then there is little me..But we have to remember that our own creative strength comes from making ourselves believe IN ourselves!! Great blog!
2 years ago
felicitycrew says:
Some very important lessons... Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
gizmofiberarts says:
Wonderful and inspiring feature.
2 years ago
snookumsandme says:
Thank-you Danielle!!! Wow, did I need that article today! My creativity and drive have been way low after the hustle of the holidays. I've been letting it slide and making excuses. Time to create again!!
2 years ago
thevicagirl says:
I love it! I get stuck sometimes to. A friend once told me "Sometimes you get these ideas stuck in your head, and they just aren't good!" I've been tring to work on it ever since...
2 years ago
wearaddiction says:
Such a great read. I do let my ideas fly & grow but the fear factor & the apathy drive me crazy to
2 years ago
apfelstrudel says:
Creativity makes you see things at all angles. Your article speaks to me. Thank you!
2 years ago
alphabulous says:
Love this post!
2 years ago
RelaxationTub says:
Fear can also lead to stagnation. Where your I've got to do this first in order to do that then your to do's get so long you never "do that".
2 years ago
artbykat says:
I've been doing alot of fearless creating lately and absolutely love it!! You have some great pointers here that i will try..thanks!!
2 years ago
chasedreams says:
Exactly what I needed to read right now. Thanks so much!
2 years ago
GiRLStreetVintage says:
Fantastic creativity. I love the energy. GiRLSTreetVintage
2 years ago
TheMayFlower says:
Great advice. I'm going to be sure to take it!
2 years ago
bunnycrave says:
Ahhh thank you !!!!!!! This is why I love Etsy so much
2 years ago
Garden22DesignStudio says:
Fantastic and encouraging post. Fear is my biggest hold back. I always worry way to much about what others think of my pieces. I have actively been working on not allowing it to touch me or my creative process! Thanks for sharing, Danielle!
2 years ago
AudreyGardenLady says:
Outstanding article!! Love Tara of Scoutie Girl. My inner snob had me stuck for a while but I finally decided to ignore her and press on & a whole nw direction opened for me.....
2 years ago
Chovy says:
This could not have come at a better time...Thank-You !
2 years ago
OneClayBead says:
Great article, thank you! Apathy is my nemesis, and fear of failing big. It's easy to play it safe and just keep making what I've been successful making and ignore the new ideas calling to me. But if I ignore the new ideas, they go away, and the exploration is the fun part of being a studio artisan.
2 years ago
beadloverskorner says:
Great article!! I love the part about failing big! In fact, it might not even be failing - it is all a learning experience. Try this, try that, see how it works.. and sometimes it works good!
2 years ago
theroyal says:
great job
2 years ago
jvdarcy says:
What a lovely post! I found that all of it sounded just too familiar, but it's good to hear it all again as a mental kick in the pants. Probably the hardest part to being creative is that often too many ideas all come at once and it is hard to start and easy to get bogged down by where to begin. So just start, right?
2 years ago
justweddingbouquets says:
This is so true. In my 20+ years of professional crafting my biggest successes have come from a ideas I had, but failed in the assembly and then they morphed into something else. Sometimes you need to let go of the control and let designs take shape.
2 years ago
ClothandPatina says:
What an amazing post! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. So truly inspiring. This is exactly my mantra for this year, go for it, do it big, and believe.
2 years ago
ManInTheMoonHerbs says:
What an inspiring post! My "task master" definitely needs to be put in her place. She's SO bossy!
2 years ago
LazyTcrochet says:
Love this post. That's exactly what I've learned over the last few years, to let ideas transform, not just finish as planned every time. I had never really thought of it that way until now.
2 years ago
sonyarasi says:
Very insightful and inspirational !
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Inspiring article! Thanks!
2 years ago
Alfonzi says:
i love this post!
2 years ago
pinkbijou says:
Great article!
2 years ago
thedirtyhousewife says:
This is great!
2 years ago
oodalollies says:
you have no idea how much this HELPS, even down to this very minute. this very hour. this very day... my inner snob has been whispering in my ear all afternoon. thank you, so much.
2 years ago
dblomquist says:
I love this!! This really hits home for me right now. Thanks for the article!!!
2 years ago
StudioConestoga says:
So inspiring and helpful! Great article!
2 years ago
whileandsway says:
Thank you soooo much for this! Currently struggling with a massive work-load (graduation show) that needs to be completed in 3 months. This quote - “The enemy of creativity is fear.†- is the answer. Thank you thank you for inspiration!
2 years ago
beadsofaquarius says:
i really love and appreciate this post , thank you so much for these all advices!:)
2 years ago
tiemee says:
Wonder.full!
2 years ago
thatchickwhodraws says:
This is EXACTLY what I needed to read today. Thank you for the wonderful advice and resources you have shared.
2 years ago
IdahoHempWorks says:
This is a great article! Haha! I love that coffee is the last word...
2 years ago
dacostabull says:
I enjoyed reading this piece, very inspiring.
2 years ago
kapelusznik says:
ql !
2 years ago
alternatevisions says:
I love this. All I can say is "thank you thank you thank you" for writing it. I'm an aspiring singer as well as an artist & crafter, and these words can help someone in all creative arenas, not just crafting. I'm also DEATHLY afraid of failing where my singing and art works are concerned, because they're so deeply personal. But I'm gonna keep this article on bookmark, and come back to it whenever I need a boost. ^_^ Oh! Plus I clicked the link to your former teacher, and she sounds absotively wonderful- just like you. :) Thank you for the heart, wisdom and soul you put into this- and for sharing. It means more than you know.
2 years ago
Dulcissima says:
What a great post! It's funny how when you are struggling through these things something wonderful like this pops up at just the right time!
2 years ago
OneEyedBee says:
Followed your link to resource number 4 under study..and there it was...learn a new skill! I stepped away from my daily space, organized a group of crafters in my area, and learned many new skills than I could possibly have taught which gave me new ideas. After a year of regular gatherings my shop changed significantly, I began having sales, ditched the products I had been making and now have a whole new direction. Learn something new.
2 years ago
heartsabustin says:
WHoo! I love me some creativity! This was awesome Danielle, thank you!
2 years ago
polarity says:
just what I needed to read today Danielle- love that Arbus quote, too
2 years ago
dbck says:
I needed this article. Thank you so much for putting it out there, and I'm so glad I read it! I've been in a creative funk for a while... and I'm looking for a way out of it. Your article has helped... Thank you!!!
2 years ago
HanaOnYa says:
Very nice article. I needed this today :) Also, I ordered some of the books you mentioned. Can hardly wait to read them. So Thanks Very Much!!!
2 years ago
kayleenanicole says:
very inspiring - thank you!
2 years ago
HurlyBurlyBags says:
I want to be great at everything so fast that often I never end up nuturing my goodness.
2 years ago
BambuEarth says:
love this one! ♡
2 years ago
Skyhawkdesigns says:
I love and live by Campbell's quote, "Follow Your Bliss and doors will open where there were no doors before..." Great post of encouragement!
2 years ago
12anglesart says:
lovely post very inpiring
2 years ago
12anglesart says:
i meant very inspiring :)
2 years ago
whimsicalFantasy says:
Great Article. Fear will always be there. It's about being unstoppable. Feeling the fear and doing it anyway. Very inspiring! :-)
2 years ago
grahamgam says:
thx for reminding me to gave fun and let go of my fears!!
2 years ago
ShadowBoxerDesigns says:
Thankyou for this fabulous article! It was just the motivation I needed today! :-)
2 years ago
pigeonprints says:
great article...these are some of my EXACT issues when it comes to creating new work.
2 years ago
ArtByShayFresh says:
Makes me want to spend some money on art supplies and get busy - RIGHT NOW.
2 years ago
ethnocity says:
Omg.. This is so true.. I can totally relate to this.
2 years ago
4and20Designs says:
This is exactly what I needed to read. Fighting "fear of launch." Think I'll read it again!! Thank you for these soulful thoughts.
2 years ago
PattiTrostle says:
Thanks! Great article!
2 years ago
TheAdornedArticle says:
Absolutely wonderful post thank you so much! I'm especially releived to hear that other people have an inner snob that they battle with-at least it's not just me. I'm going to go shut mine up right this very minute!
2 years ago
Mossmottle says:
My inner artist despises my inner critic. Rightly.
2 years ago
LilacLaneRocks says:
The key to triumph is all in the first syllable-tri. Thanks for your thoughts and inspiration. meri
2 years ago
UrbanTickle says:
Just what I needed...Thanks
2 years ago
MamaRabbitsWorkshop says:
Thanks!! This was what I really needed. I guess I haven fallen into the apathy zone. I now know that can be the beginning of something big!! Can't wait to see what my creative self will come up withnow!! Also loved the quote from your professor!! Very profound.
2 years ago
BlkSheepProductions says:
Great advice! One way we've pushed thru has been to just "Create NOW, Evaluate....later." Don't give yourself time to second guess your line quality or color choice, just GO! The Artclash Collective (Philly based) has a great project every January called Fun-A-Day -- a great way to forge ahead and not look back! (Check one of our Fun A Day projects from last year here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennpants/sets/72157623110074924/)
2 years ago
daniellexo says:
"HurlyBurlyBags says: I want to be great at everything so fast that often I never end up nuturing my goodness." ^This made me smile.
2 years ago
cosmiksouls says:
Great advice for starting off the New Year right. Creativity is a process in which learning new technique and learning more about our own creative stretch is never ending. Freeing up your blocked energy is paramount to growth. The fearless journey with in oneself is really what Indie design is all about.
2 years ago
ClayLickCreekPottery says:
It must have been fate to pick this post to read. I think I will cut and paste the text for future reference. Thanks for your words of wisdom.
2 years ago
adamfonos says:
Images speak louder than words! Love iT :)
2 years ago
MoorelightMysticals says:
I love this post, the images...the content.
2 years ago
LANYARDLADY says:
I'm now inspired to be fearless instead of fearing to be inspired! Thanks.
2 years ago
pulpandpaisley says:
This was EXACTLY what I needed and when I needed it most:) Thank you!!!
2 years ago
JanetElizabethLLC says:
I'm new to Etsy. It's very intimidating to see others' success. That little voice in my head keeps saying " you'll never be as creative as these other people or have that many sells". I have to keep reminding myself that I just started. I love your words of wisdom. Fear is one of my greatest obstacles to overcome.
2 years ago
arsniccandy says:
I love it!! Especially the...."Do what you are afraid to do"...brilliant!:)
2 years ago
graciebeal says:
Thanks so much! i absolutely loved this. i've been doing earrings for quite a while and honestly, it has gotten quite boring for me. I've had ideas and i've let them go! there are definitely some things I'm passionate about, and i realize i need to go for them. thanks so much for the little push!
2 years ago
esla says:
Just what I needed! My inner snob seems to nag me into leaving my ideas on the backburner. Its so good to hear other people have the same problems!
2 years ago
pennyglassgirl says:
Excellent article. I have also been making more of my idea process and am taking much more time to sketch and formulate before jumping in. I love where the creative process is taking me when I let it play a little.
2 years ago
BotanicalBead says:
Fabulous article, thanks so much for the inspiration!
2 years ago
NattyKnits says:
Just what I needed at just the right time. I've hit a wall in the last few days. I still have the ideas but I'm trying to confine them, grab them too tightly. A little success before the holidays made me think that if I worked harder maybe I could be that successful all the time. I'm finding it too stressful. My ideas need time and space to evolve. Thank you for making me feel like I'm not the only one who feels this way.
2 years ago
FabricFascination says:
I enjoyed this post from beginning to end.
2 years ago
tamdoll says:
Great article! Just today I was faced with some serious procrastination - after I had tons of ideas and made sure I had time to work on them... sometimes just pushing through and treating creative time as "work" helps me.
2 years ago
nfractal says:
Great article, inner critiques are just board little kids, if you give them something else thats interesting to do and they'll stop bugging you:). Another book that's helped me is SARKs book "Making your creative Dreams Real" She has a whole section just about the inner crituqe...
2 years ago
JoyCorcoran says:
This is just what I needed to hear. Sometimes it's easy to move forward creatively, but it's hard to be fearless all the time. Thanks for encouraging us. Let's play!
2 years ago
Fromhere2Daydreams says:
Was your instructor Brenda Ueland? Because I read her book, "Learn to Write" and she said a lot of the same thing you've said. She is amazing and so is what you've written here. :)
2 years ago
SimonAndCool says:
Wow, what a great post! Just about everything you mentioned has crossed my mind at one point in my life. Luckily (being a little older and wiser now) I've been able to overcome some fears. Thank you for posting these tips to help with these obstacles.
2 years ago
SpoonfestJewelry says:
And then there's "stress". That would be my biggest creativity killer. All my great ideas go temporarily in the tank. It's a totally different mood and mindset, and not conducive to idea generation. So for the new year, I (we?) must practice creative coping skills!
2 years ago
Studio30Baby says:
The nicest thing about Etsy (other than doing what I love and making money :) is learning over and over again how many people are like me in thinking and passions...all of a sudden I'm not weird :) This article hits home and has great advice.
2 years ago
ishishay says:
much needed and much appreciated!
2 years ago
winterpeach says:
I just let apathy take me away from my new pattern for 2011. I wandered over to the computer to see what could distract me thinking "I can work on this later." A funny thing happened - I pulled up the blog & read this...I'll be heading right back over to the sewing machine now...
2 years ago
iheartnorwegianwood says:
I once had a prof who said that you need to get all the crap ideas out to make room for the good ones. I totally agree, that's what sketch books are for! They're not galleries, they're moving, growing objects full of successes and failures.
2 years ago
jessicasnider says:
LOVED it! Applicable on all levels!
2 years ago
OliviaClare says:
That is so true about sometimes winging it. Being a virgo can get in the way of creativity...haha!
2 years ago
StitchKnit says:
Perfect timing for me to wander in....loved your article & the list. I will start my creativity journal tonight. I love to journal but have never done one with this focus. Thanks for the great idea............I'm off to see what I can uncover.
2 years ago
HulaGirl1922 says:
mmmm...YUM! on my to do list: “I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.†~ Louisa May Alcott grazie ♥
2 years ago
Evamini says:
I think that creativity is a big world to explore. Itis a mixture of several things: your own fantasy, your learnings (if you are a constant craft researcher), your curiosity, your skills... It is true that creativity is influenced by our mood, or by a creative item that is not sell for months or by....a lot of things. When we are not confident in ourselves. But creativity is a way to be free, to fly, to feel alive... so we have to work hard in order not to loose it. Thanks!! Eva
2 years ago
steebee says:
This was exactly what I needed to read. Thank you :)
2 years ago
riorita says:
I embrace the words of this article. Am going to adopt it!
2 years ago
SomethingSeaBlue says:
wowwow owowowow!!! that was the most inspiring article! I have to save it! and read it when I am allowing fear to cripple me! soooooo true! how often I have said those same things to myself...out of fear!!!! excellent...thank you soo much!!! great suggestions...
2 years ago
LaventimeDreams says:
Great thinking to start the new year with Thanks!
2 years ago
CalicoJewels says:
This is a great article, and I can really relate to this particular quote: "What does that inner snob have to say? When I’m sketching, mine says, “That’s been done before.†It drives me crazy. My inner snob expects genius right out of the gate. How can I live up to that?" When I design a new pattern, or try a new technique I often expect to get it perfect the very first time and am hyper critical of myself if I don't. It can be frustrating.
2 years ago
vadjutka says:
Thanks for this inspiring post! Indeed fear is the biggest enemy in every aspect. My biggest fear is mediocracy, hahaha.
2 years ago
aileenrae says:
Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts and ideas. I so often file my ideas away for later. I really hope I can put down the dishes or whatever I'm doing the next time i'm hit with some great and fun idea.
2 years ago
TheHappyTreeHugger says:
Thankyou so much, so inspiring and encouraging....You have made me smile!! :0)
2 years ago
ginmartini says:
Such a seemingly simple concept but I've been guilty of stifling my own creativity at times. Or putting thing off because I have convinced myself that it won't work. Some of it comes from my lack of knowledge in some techniques. What I've learned is that if I try, just TRY, I can't fail. If a garment doesn't fit a client properly, I can always take it in or add more fabric. So now I have to constantly tell myself, when that voice pops up, to just do it! If it's wrong I'll fix it, but at least I'm making progress! I also am constantly studying books, learning better ways of doing the techniques I already know and trendspotting. Then when i get to sketching That's when that other little voice comes in and tells me "that design has been done before, you just saw it that magazine! " so I have to kill that voice by simply continuing to sketch and design! Thank you for posting this article, I honestly thought this was a big deal! It's good to know I'm not the only one! Gin
2 years ago
MsBittyKnacks says:
Great reading!
2 years ago
avpottery says:
Wonderful. This all rang true for me as I pretty much reinvented my body of work about 18 months ago.I was too comfortable and getting bored and yes it really was pretty scary with lots of failures at first. Persistence is essential. Thanks for a great artical.
2 years ago
breadandroses2 says:
Not only is this feature timely, chock full of encouragement & spot on tips but so are all the previous comments. Starts my day on a great note. Thank you so much!
2 years ago
nortneytoggle says:
So eloquently put, it is as if you are inside my own thoughts. Thank you for this inspiring post! I absolutely love the images!
2 years ago
VioletUnderground says:
Great article! Very inspiring and encouraging!
2 years ago
ImpulsiveCreativity says:
Great post! Very inspiring.
2 years ago
rusticcarvings says:
Wonderful article and so true! I've been trying to challenge myself and work outside of my normal bounds - it's not easy. And there have been do-overs. But it's fun, too. Well, when it's not frustrating. ;) LOVE the Mark Andrew Webber print!!
2 years ago
pecanieregirl says:
Thanks for the inspiration. Great article!!
2 years ago
Briellae says:
Love it! Now time to work! ;)
2 years ago
oldworldprimitives says:
I really needed this pep talk - I am bookmarking it to come back to read again whenever I feel like I'm getting stuck.
2 years ago
sunrisetreasures says:
When I have an idea I'm a lil nervous about I tell someone about it. Makes me more accountable and they encourage me and even pest me about it. My sister will keep tabs on my progress with a new idea. This was a terrific read!
2 years ago
amradesigns says:
Great advice! Something I need to work on
2 years ago
gigantour says:
Really inspiring
2 years ago
tinyearsjewelry says:
I read Seth's Blog every day, and his advice on marketing and business, along with his passion for art and creativity in everything helps to point me in the right direction. I highly recommend his daily read for all shop owners. Casey @ tin years
2 years ago
countrygarden says:
Uplifting. I can relate with the creative snob within - already been done before, what else can you do... but then it helps me to push myself
2 years ago
chrisssmith22 says:
Thank you, I am still learning. Mostly that I can have a bunch of different stuff and its ok to appeal to more than one Genre. That all I make contributes to my success.
2 years ago
ViviansKitchen says:
The title alone says it all. Fun and reflective read.
2 years ago
maymers says:
Sluuuuuuurp. Yummmmmmmm. Just what the creative doctor ordered. Thanks for this!!!!
2 years ago
TheGrassPillow says:
Thank You. Just what I needed to hear to get motivated again this New Year.
2 years ago
bellacruz says:
Good read. I appreciated the "don't be an (E)xpert" thought. That's why it's sometimes great to work with kids in jewelry making. There are no rules for them, in color, design, style. And they treasure their little creations! Also, must agree that nothing beats a good cup of coffee for creative thrust.
2 years ago
JaneCooney says:
Great article - thanks!
2 years ago
sannipanni says:
Fantastic! Gonna grab a cup of coffee now and get creative. :) Thanks!!
2 years ago
TheSewingGin says:
Thanks for getting my creative juices going.
2 years ago
FatCatCrafts says:
Thanks, so helpful end encouraging! My downfall is definitely the taskmaster. I get really mad at myself if I don't stay on perfect schedule. Time to stop that and get sewing!
2 years ago
ScrapunzelPixie says:
Great post. My trick when I'm feeling fearful and panicky is the 'five minute rule' - what can I do in five minutes? Beats apathy and the taskmaster head on! The journal looks great too, putting that on my birthday list :)
2 years ago
AquamarsBoutique says:
Very helpful :) Its nice to see things in a different perspective :)
2 years ago
IndyspireArt says:
I enjoyed your post. This is a topic that most can relate to. I have just started reading a book by Jill Badonsky titled "The Nine Modern Day Muses and a Bodyguard" that is a fun guide to creative inspiration and touches on the subjects you have mentioned.
2 years ago
clarify says:
All of your points hit the mark so completely it is scary. We all suffer from fear, apathy, snobbery and the taskmaster at some time or other, with me it is continual. It is wonderful to see it spelled out so clearly and to know that we can do something to combat our own demons.
2 years ago
artfields says:
Sometimes the fear and apathy are absolutely paralyzing. I find the internet an escape from facing my true artistic dilemas. on the other hand, your article helps put things into place.
2 years ago
LyBly says:
Amazingly inspirational! I need to shut my inner snob up in the worst kinda way!
2 years ago
fifthseason says:
"the enemy of creativity is fear" and I've also often heard it said that the opposite of love is fear, so by creating fearlessly we are loving fiercely, and we all know, this world needs more loving
2 years ago
papermichelle says:
Really, really loved this. I think I needed to read it right now.
2 years ago
RetroReborn says:
Wow! Love this! I will remeber this when I am feeling stuck! thanks!
2 years ago
RemingtonCreations says:
I love this article - thank you. I like the part about doing it anyway.
2 years ago
DestinyAccessory says:
Great article!!! Thanks!
2 years ago
TheModernBetty says:
I love this! It is pretty discouraging when you don't feel like you're being rewarded but thanks for reminding us to keep going! thanks!
2 years ago
Ebrown2503 says:
All I can say is Yes, indeed. The first person outside of the family who looked at my beads said 'Oh, how weird.' I was deflated for about 2 seconds. Then I reminded myself what I knew about them. I knew they were really cool and highly unusual. That was 4 years ago and thousands of beads later...To all the newbies, keep going!
2 years ago
PleasantPeninsula says:
Thanks, Danielle for the encouragement! We could all gain from a little risk-taking I think. Inner snob = so true
2 years ago
andralynn says:
Sometimes it's hard to step outside of the "safe zone" and try something new. We're definitely our worst critics! Thank you for the encouragement!
2 years ago
denises72 says:
This is my favorite post. Thank you!
2 years ago
NickisDesigns says:
Wonderful!
2 years ago
LaBellaTerra says:
Wonderful! Fabulous! Great! I love the 'wing it' -all good advice to keep that Muse growing & expanding our creativity and thinking outside the box when doing our art.
2 years ago
OrdinaryMommy says:
I lurve it! Thanks for sharing your insight, Danielle!
2 years ago
UneBelleVie says:
Wonderful article! This is exactly what I needed tonight, and Etsy articles always come through :)
2 years ago
jamiespinello says:
Thanks for sharing the book titles, they are on my wish list!
2 years ago
IDesignArtStudios says:
Inspiring!! I need to get after being creative now!
2 years ago
IrishVikingDesigns says:
I think anytime I am in a creative funk I will refer to this article. Thank you for sharing and inspiring. :o)
2 years ago
CarbonKitty says:
great read!!
2 years ago
wildbraidart says:
My greatest joy is in creating something from almost nothing. My collages are sometimes made of the least pieces of scrap paper I can find; as long as they have the color I want. My fiber work is often made of odds and ends of yarns. My favorite beading tool is to take a box of add seed beads and weave them into something beautiful. My newest escapade is to take pieces of old jewelry, lots of old earrings or earrings pieces and pins and link them together to make bracelets or necklaces. Here's a piece I just posted. It has a sunburst pin(back removed), a mother of pearl and red rhinestone earring(clip on back removed) and a little gold flower with pearl center, all connected with wire and links to an expansion bracelet from an old watch. All in remarkably good condition but even that isn't the point. The point is taking scraps, sometimes in good and sometimes in not so good condition, and piecing them together to make a new whole. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to express my vision of my own creativity. http://www.etsy.com/listing/65059192/mother-of-pearl-flower-expansion
2 years ago
AleciaWesner says:
Definitely an article worth revisiting (a few times). Fear can truly be paralyzing. Great timing, I needed this! xo
2 years ago
AmberGypsySky says:
Everyone loved this post and so did I! That snob voice inside me comes out constantly "Well that's been done before" and then I think I will never come up with an original thought ever again. This is not true! So thank you for this post so very much!
2 years ago
AmberGypsySky says:
Everyone loved this post and so did I! That snob voice inside me comes out constantly "Well that's been done before" and then I think I will never come up with an original thought ever again. This is not true! So thank you for this post so very much!
2 years ago
SinisterSoaps says:
I came upon this post just as the little voices in my head told me to stop thinking. I over think everything and often end up holding myself back because of it. Finally the voices told me the right thing to do. Stop thinking. And here I found new inspiration. Thank you.
2 years ago
MixxMedium says:
really great post, need to share this!
2 years ago
ManoBello says:
I love this post. I could read it over and over and......
2 years ago
valeriatelier says:
very inspiring - thank you for this post!
2 years ago
TheWoodenAttic says:
Very inspiring Danielle, I loved this blog. Being a toy designer/inventor for the past 20 or so years my career depended on my creativity and I can honestly say all our inner adversaries you mention above that try to hold us back from our creativity infect us all and for always. It seems the more positive and supportive feedback we get from our peers the less power these demons tend to have over us. I would like to add two books to your list on being creative. "A WACK ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD" by Roger von Oech, first published in 1983 and now in its third print I believe, is incredibly mind opening and helps to deal with all the negative forces that hold us back from being free to think. The other is a book written by two very successful toy and game inventors, husband and wife team, titled "INVENTIVITY" (inventive+creativity) by Maria & Charlie Girsch. These two books have helped me over the hurdles and through brainlocks many times. I hope they might be of help to anyone who takes the time to read my comment here. The next time anyone gets into a creative jam because of their inner voice remember, the person that came up with the "Pet Rock" never in their wildest dreams thought that little rock would make them a millionaire. There's no such thing as a dumb idea!!!
2 years ago
LavenderField says:
Love this article, thanks for getting it from ScoutieGirl (I love that blog) and bringing it here :0)
2 years ago
chloescakestands says:
A very worthy article! Thank you!
2 years ago
PippiHepburn says:
What a great article. A great read to start off the new year. I love the inspirational photos too. Thank you.
2 years ago
mariakatajewelry says:
Look this article!!!! A friend share this with a small group of crafters. Articles like these really help me continue making what I love to do: Jewelry. Best of all though, creating new pieces with my daughter.
2 years ago
lynntodddesigns says:
Really great advice here... a boost I needed :-)
2 years ago
miribilist says:
Excellent post, Positivity is the way! Fear be banished for I shall leap forward and conquer it!
2 years ago
DigitalCS says:
This is one of the bests I've read her!!!!
2 years ago
villaylle says:
Thank You for this article! I also wear my first "proto-type" item for a test run & see what others have to say. If I get no comments it's too common. I've noticed quite often that the products that draw most attention are the ones with EYES. It's all in the eyes I guess.. :-D
2 years ago
AlphabetCityStudio says:
I knew FEAR is what prohibits me to create and work, but I didn't know what the fear(s) were in particular. Thanks for pin-pointing and defining the fears of creativity!
2 years ago
grrkey says:
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is another fantastic resource. It shows, "how to identify, defeat, and unlock the inner barriers to creativity." I highly recommend it!
2 years ago
annagreenjewelry says:
Great article and great references. Thanks!
2 years ago
FrancesPhotography says:
Wonderful read. Thank you. Doubts come flooding very so often and I am glad I am not the only one. Go for it! My motto for 2011!
2 years ago
TiffinyDesigns says:
What a great article!! Thank you!
2 years ago
painteddaisies1 says:
Brilliant! Thank you for the encouragement on how to boost the creativity in our lives. I look forward to this new year and what it has in store for my creative juices!!
2 years ago
ModelCitizen says:
Diane Arbus forever! Lovely post. Logging off and heading out for an adventure now!
2 years ago
BambuEarth says:
NICE! ♥
2 years ago
princesstadam says:
Your post has captured what every artist/blogger feels when they're staring at a new path and wondering whether to take it.
2 years ago
AlexisSoutham says:
Thank you for this article, its great to be reminded that your not alone in feeling 'the fear', and get some tips on how to beat it.
2 years ago
redredmelt says:
Love this. I find a cup of coffee on a brisk morning while pulling weeds gets me creative. Then, all I have to do is wash my hands, turn on the torch and start playing with color. Thanks for the good read.
2 years ago
GingerPeachyKids says:
Wonderful encouragement! Thanks!
2 years ago
LeahChristina says:
So helpful and good to know I'm not the only one who goes through this!!! Thank you!
2 years ago
blackgermanshepherd says:
Fearless. Yes. I'll take that!
2 years ago
jillianpaintedesigns says:
Great post! Sometimes I don't give myself permission to be creative on a daily basis, only when I can fit it in between everything. Great suggestions on how to keep the juices flowing... Thanks!!
2 years ago
vuedesign says:
Loved the article! Here's to MORE "living in the moment" in 2011.
2 years ago
WhisperingOak says:
Great article. To me this article came very timely.
2 years ago
hairfallsinlove says:
Mahalo! And I love the images you chose to feature, very cute art!
2 years ago
frommylifetoyours says:
Very helpful. Plan to follow those steps .
2 years ago
tuckooandmoocow says:
Fantastic article. Thoroughly enjoyable and really makes me think about goals for the year to come. Thank you!
2 years ago
sofiapinelli says:
oh...I needed that.
2 years ago
SouthernScraps says:
Great article! Sometimes it helps to just "go for" something and not listen to the voices in your head.
2 years ago
stickstaffcane says:
I liked that you let us into the conversations in your head. It's good to admit that you hear voices!
2 years ago
crudeco says:
Encouragement the best gift from one crafty person to another.
2 years ago
elettrarossa says:
Thank you so much for this post! It's been kind of having a mother's advice :) or chatting with a friend who knows you very well!
2 years ago
CroShelly says:
Thank you. Great article. Inspiring!
2 years ago
MissHildebrandt says:
'5. Coffee' ~absolutely~
2 years ago
tigerbee says:
Yep 5. Coffee is one of my favorite creativity tools! Thanks for the motivation!
2 years ago
doodlindiana60 says:
Thanks for the insight and inspiration! Just what I needed to push forward and believe in what I do. Have a great day!
2 years ago
anadollies says:
i really love this article, it definitely made my day! i was feeling depressed all day about not being creative enough and this made me look forward to the future :)
2 years ago
northcountryglass says:
Thanks for sharing. This is great to help me start the new year! Trish
2 years ago
silkychicks says:
this is such a great post as a reminder that we need to let go of fear & allow our creativity to soar.. Because I paint with other women it helps as we encourage each other & are positive about the results we get from playing with beautiful colors & materials :)
2 years ago
lisaspurse says:
Thank you! I fight the snob and the taskmaster daily and have been for years. Your insight helps me see clearly AWESOME thanks!!
2 years ago
dragonflymystdesigns says:
Great article!! Thanks for sharing!!
2 years ago
seiamicisandco says:
Danielle, you are the BEST!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for keeping us focused, motivated, and most of all, inspired. Another wonderful feature article with some really fabulous takeaways.
2 years ago
JdeSignSbyJay says:
All of the things that were mentioned in this post really hit home. Thanks for sharing. This has been a true inspirational read.
2 years ago
sammysgrammy says:
Great lessons in this post. You inspire me Danielle.
2 years ago
Snowdon says:
Great advice Danielle, thank you! Fantastic visuals too, very inspiring. I love your last point about coffee, works for me every time!
2 years ago
silvermoongalleria says:
I LOVE THIS! (; ~Absolutely true, Thank you for sharing in such and inspiring way~
2 years ago
girlyart57 says:
I need a kick in the A** to get creative again....I think Im blocked.
2 years ago
ValintheValley says:
Excellent article for the start of a creative New Year ! I LOVE Mark A. Webber's print/quote. Thanx Danielle ! That is e-e-xactly what I needed to read right now. Bonne Année !
2 years ago
agambroult says:
yes! the inner snob. Mine is a biatch, and is constantly telling me these ides aren't original enough, clever enough, progressive enough. Thanks for touching on that.
2 years ago
wwwjewelrybyandrea says:
Fantastic advice. After spending the weekend trying a new technique and wondering how it measures up against other's this article makes me just glad that I tried something new.
2 years ago
Motherofthree7515 says:
I LOVE this! I often think to myself that today is not a day for creativity, but boy am I wrong! I just need to give myself a chance to think out side this box!
2 years ago
sparkleandstorm says:
Thanks for the inspiration!
2 years ago
ExpressiveTemplates says:
Very cute article. Thanks for the inspiration....It's a new year so that means more time to try new things...
2 years ago
zehland says:
This is perfect for me right at this moment. Thank you!
2 years ago
smilingbluedog says:
Very inspiring, and timely! I get stuck every now and then... and don't know why. I didn't know I was a snob, but that's exactly what gets me stuck. Thanks for pointing out and giving titles to these creative hurdles. Marking, to read again :)
2 years ago
folkhearts says:
"Even if they seem good solutions, avoid "clenching" ideas. Hold them lightly, let them evolve and swim. Good ideas often transform into great ones if you give them enough room to play." I love this concept!
2 years ago
evelynfields says:
Beautifully said!
2 years ago
daintyloops says:
these are really lovely <3
2 years ago
montaguescrafts says:
This was very inspirational thankyou for your non expert information.I read every word and i'll be definitley applying it in my business endevours.
2 years ago
Jrisco says:
So inspiring for my BLAH of a Monday...thanks so much!
2 years ago
BlackDaisyDesigns says:
EXCELLENT post! Love it. I fear I'm guilty of fear too. The snob version. And mine also says: that's been done before. Argh.... I think I'm going to sit down and have a talk to my inner snob. ;)
2 years ago
HibouCards says:
I know it's been said a million times before me here but I still had to say thanks for this amazingly inspiring post! It is just what I needed to hear today as I was fearing getting to work for all the wrong reasons ;) Thanks for being genuine in sharing your doubts and fears and for sharing the positive outcome :) xo Anne-Claire aka Hibou
2 years ago
everydaypretty says:
Inspiring post. Im telling my inner snob to quiet down and let me do my thang!!
2 years ago
EarthCandycreations says:
Very cute, funny and positive thoughts! Thank you!
2 years ago
SpottedFish says:
What an inspiring article, thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
spontaneousreality says:
Many thanks for the genuine and inspiring article, it has put a smile on my face!
2 years ago
CailinBoucher says:
Best Etsy article I've read in a long time! Filled with great ideas for pushing through the fear of my work "not being good enough". I'm really going to try to tame my inner snob & allow myself more space/time to simply play and be free in my creatings.
2 years ago
KnitsbyRegina says:
I love this blog post, if that isn't ever the truth. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. In the end instead of asking....Why bother? Ask your-self "Why not try" instead!
2 years ago
Valyssasflowers says:
I so love this part :"My biggest weapon towards apathy is curiosity" MINE TOO YAY
2 years ago
DesertMonkeyDesigns says:
That hit it all right on the nose! So true and so inspirational!
2 years ago
danicad333 says:
Thanks for the great advice. I see my inner snob, taskmaster, and apathy every now and then. Now I know how to use them to better my creativity.
2 years ago
danicad333 says:
Thanks for the great advice. I see my inner snob, taskmaster, and apathy every now and then. Now I know how to use them to better my creativity.
2 years ago
ASenseofPlacePhotogr says:
I'm reading the creative habit right now :)
2 years ago
brienna says:
I want to cry when I read this because it is so incredibly motivating. I feel like drawing a stream of consciousness and not worrying why my birds wear dresses or my bunnies have umbrellas; thank you for your humble brilliance, it touches artists to know that they need to give themselves the freedom to create and fail.
2 years ago
LittleRedShoeDesigns says:
Thanks for the great advice, further reading and a reminder that all of us need to slap a inner critic around and just get it done! I'm putting the pot of coffee on right now! :)
2 years ago
LittleRedShoeDesigns says:
That is...slap OUR inner critic!
2 years ago
Malimoo says:
Thank you! I'm just getting started with my shop so this is great advice to keep in mind.
2 years ago
Malimoo says:
Thank you! I'm just getting started with my shop so this is great advice to keep in mind.
2 years ago
Lipeony says:
excellent article! I have all those little inner voices battling it out all the time XD
2 years ago
LostInTheValley says:
Thanks! I needed some words of encouragement today! That little voice of doubt needs to be stomped on!
2 years ago
NatoBottoArt says:
Holy shitake mushroom that was a long list of responses to scroll through.. Great Read.. Inspiring..
2 years ago
Chainfemale says:
Thanks for inspiring me today!
2 years ago
paintingsgalore says:
Thankyou for the post! I think I will definitely make a painting today... and If my inner snob gets in the way I'm going to put that on the back burner...not my art... I'm very excited!! Make ART!!!!! NOW!! WOOHOO!! What A blessing :)
2 years ago
HeroDesignStudio says:
Great article, thank you for posting.
2 years ago
CarlasFunkyArt says:
Thank you for the inspiration, fear of failing....love the part about the mop! :)
2 years ago
Jennifav says:
This is total and complete Greatness! Love all the quotes! ^_^
2 years ago
jilldredge says:
Love this article, thanks for the great help!
2 years ago
LanternsontheTree says:
Thanks for the great article! I love, "Always Do What You Are Afraid To Do." Anytime I have done this, the pay off has been BIG and rewarding!
2 years ago
JewelsbyJasmin says:
I really like this article and I love the quotes!
2 years ago
TandJsoaps says:
Besides being a soapmaker I am also a high school art teacher. I was talking to my students about fear and creativity recently. The other night your article came up and I shared it with some of my students. Thank you!!!! They loved it :)
2 years ago
maggieandmollyandmeg says:
What a wonderful posting. So true ~ many times in my life I have questioned my own work ~ often being my worst enemy and hardest critic. I will try hard to let the creativity flow. I feel since finding Etsy that my mind has opened to endless possibilities. Thank you, Etsy
2 years ago
TheScarfTree says:
Great posting agreed! Creativety is an amazing thing!
2 years ago
TheScarfTree says:
Great posting agreed! Creativety is an amazing thing!
2 years ago
TokulCrafts says:
Practice = life = creativity
2 years ago
kabellos says:
If your going to fail, fail big. >>>
2 years ago
MyFunkyCamelot says:
Thanks for the shot in the arm! go for it and do it big!
2 years ago
ShinyRockDesigns says:
I've never considered myself creative until I started creating! Now I do! I've nipped some of my fear by accepting that some will like it and some will not. We all have individual tastes! That's what's fun about creating!
2 years ago
TheMillineryShop says:
Great post. Thanks.
2 years ago
OnceMoreAround says:
Great post! I think fear and apathy (because of laziness) get to me the most. Now I know how to conquer them better. Thanks!
2 years ago
VintageExpedition says:
I love the article, I am struggling with making a living and avoiding the kinds of jobs I know I can get and yet make me scream! I am so happy to have joined a group to keep me moving towards the side of myself that I have been care to avoid, yet secretly am "scared of". I have another shop I am about to add to... StudioMonique! This was a supportive article~ thank...
2 years ago
ktowersphotography says:
Great advice
2 years ago
ktowersphotography says:
Great advice
2 years ago
renegadeperceptions says:
This is a really great article. Thank you!
2 years ago
Paper2Roses says:
This is a wonderful post, Thankyou!
2 years ago
mudijudi says:
great post, thank you!
2 years ago
mielcanela1 says:
I was just going down the hill with apathy as described above and Gosh! call it destiny or whatever, what a big advice I have just received!!, so picking myself up and going to my workshop to brainstorm :) xxxx THANKS
2 years ago
mielcanela1 says:
I was just going down the hill with apathy as described above and Gosh! call it destiny or whatever, what a big advice I have just received!!, so picking myself up and going to my workshop to brainstorm :) xxxx THANKS
2 years ago
megbydesign says:
I loved it, thank you!
2 years ago
thepapermoonstudio says:
Great post!
2 years ago
fairyladyglass says:
The only fear I usually have is when it ends up being a waste of expensive material but, even in that atleast, there is a lesson to be found.
2 years ago
Eternitee says:
Love the post. i can always use a reminder to quiet the critic in me
2 years ago
olana11 says:
Thanks for posting this!
2 years ago
DaisiesandDamsels says:
Great article!!
2 years ago
PoppengaArtStudio says:
The comment in the article that mentions "new material" struck a cord with me: I bought an etching/printing press and it arrived today. I'm going to pull some monotype prints with it this weekend!
2 years ago
JewelryStories says:
I was looking for something else and got sidetracked and ended up reading your article. I guess the universe made me stumble upon your post. It was just what I needed. Thanks so much for making me realize that I'm not the only one out door fighting my inner snob but more importantly thank you so much for giving me some much needed tools.
2 years ago
crazyhoundstore says:
Thanks for the great article. You have encapsulated so much in so few lines. Thank you. I put off putting my plan together for this year and your links have given me the push I needed.
2 years ago
chicoreeshoppe says:
My "inner snob" has really gotten the best of me and so I thank you for the inspiration to tell her off and get back into the motivated, creative me!
2 years ago
jnoriginals says:
Excellent post! I keep a folder with creativity posts, and this one is being added. Your post, Danielle, provided a springboard to my own (included a quote from you, as a matter of fact): http://www.judy-nolan.com/2011/01/12/cementing-the-creativity-habit/
2 years ago
DawnSmithDesigns says:
Love this post! It's so encouraging and inspirational...especially since my word for 2011 is "create". I have a folder for creativity posts too (just like Judy) and this is definitely going in there!
2 years ago
vsroses says:
Thank You so much for the inspiring post!
2 years ago
LillieRainDesigns says:
Thanks for the inspiration and the great ideas. Sometimes my inner critic gets the best of me. Just let go and have fun!
2 years ago
schmutzie says:
This weblog is being featured on Five Star Friday: http://www.schmutzie.com/fivestarfriday/2011/1/14/five-star-fridays-134th-edition-is-brought-to-you-by-flann-o.html
2 years ago
HumphreyGlenn says:
That was great! I loved the part about failing big. Seems so much like my life right now. Maybe it was my creative side that killed my, "wanting to work every damn day"! Schedule killer! All I really want to do is paint.
2 years ago
WendyExpressions says:
Thank you so much far sharing this!! - so many great thoughts and ideas on how to push myself forward! - LOVE it - thank you again!!!
2 years ago
HollyFerencze says:
Fantastic read! I really appreciate this!
2 years ago
sancynam says:
Fear and doubt often stand in my way, thanks for the ideas and advice. Another reason why I love Etsy so much, I can find inspiring and encouraging blog posts whenever I need a boost.
2 years ago
ReiningBitsandBling says:
WOW!!! ya'll too? ha! I am just starting my shop and have found about a million other things to do except post my items for sale!! I guess I'll suck it up like you said and dust myself off and get busy! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
2 years ago
silkoak says:
Thanks for the wake up, Danielle. Fear always creates amnesia of possibilities The Art of Possibility and Living out Loud are favorites that I go back to again and again. I also loved April's post of 12 Fantastic Ways...
2 years ago
SallyDavisDesigns says:
Such an inspiring and practical post - exactly what I needed to read as I get started on etsy. Very encouraging!
2 years ago
helloplastic says:
I hate me because I feel excited when I have to start something but, just finished, i feel like everything I do it's stupid and unuseful. I don't Know I want more, i can get NOO satisfaction...and I TRY AND I TRYY ;)
2 years ago
TheEnchantedSlipper says:
I loved this post. It gave me permission to keep being creative during a time when everyone is telling me to get my head out of the clouds. :) Thank you for that!
2 years ago
mycartouche says:
It is really true that facing your fears is the only way to get over them. It takes some time and it is not that easy. I just started my shop and working bit by bit on my creativity’s sh*t list. Also trying to shut up that inner snob in me. It talks all the time, even when I am writing this post . Snob go to sleep :) Thank you Danielle for such a nice and inspiring blog post.
1 year ago
FreelyExpressed says:
Yes, very inspriring. It also makes me feel like I am not the only person with problems. Fear is the only enemy for everything. Thank you!
1 year ago
FreshRetroGallery says:
Just what is it about coffee? I relate.
1 year ago
BlueSquiggle says:
Great article! Truly inspiring - will read this again and maybe again and again. There is never too much positive thinking!
1 year ago
NicoAndMooMoo says:
Just read this article (I know... I'm "a bit' behind") and I took so many notes my hand hurts! Thank you Thank you and Grazie! ^_^
1 year ago
Tanya Young from CuriosityMcGee says:
What a wonderdul article! Everyone can relate to the topic. I am starting a new project and struggling with resistance and doubt, which is only fear of the unknown. It is a good article to read again.
1 year ago
Erin Haldrup from DesireSt says:
What a sweet article! Thanks Danielle - very very good advice!
1 year ago
Katie Louise Leach from HopeForBinati says:
Thanks so much for the advice :) Love this article. Will be reading and re-reading again!
1 year ago
Jana from HappyFishShop says:
Thank you so so much for this article! Very inspiring!!
331 days ago
Nina Neu from NinaneusArtStudio says:
great article. Thank you!
252 days ago