As artists, we all go through spells of losing our spark.
Since I first started my jewelry business, I’ve had at least 6 major spells of completely losing motivation to make and sell jewelry.
Most of it has been due to burnout – I tend to take on too much, burn the candle at both ends, and wind up overwhelmed, exhausted, and needing to get far away from it for a while.
I know many jewelry artists who spend most of January recovering from the hectic Fall and holiday jewelry-selling season and custom orders.
Another very common cause of losing motivation is when roadblocks (real or perceived) seem to be keeping us from getting where we want to be in our creative business.
Jewelry artist Lynn White has just begun the Artist Motivation Blog, a lovely haven of support, encouragement, and inspiration.
It’s brand new, and Lynn invites all of us to become regular visitors and join in the discussions there.
I’ll let Lynn tell you more about it:
The Artist Motivation Blog
by Lynn White
The inspiration for the Artist Motivation Blog came about from discussions started in January on Rena’s Home Jewelry Business Success Tips about What’s Stopping Your Jewelry Business?
In the post Made a List – Here It Is several thoughtful comments were shared.
One of my favorites was a comment from Lisa in the UK.
She proclaimed that what we perceive as negatives could also be positives.
This inspired me to share motivational information with other artists on a blog.
So much creativity is contained inside each of us just ready to emerge.
Let’s let that happen!
We can create many beautiful things if we don’t let our personal obstacles stand in our way.
I would like this to be an interactive blog, with people commenting on how the day’s post has impacted their art in a positive way.
Enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm.
Shared life experiences can help someone else going through the same issues.
Sometimes all we need is a pat on the back from someone else.
This Artist Motivation Blog is about YOU.
Please join me in making it a success.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi…I accidentally opened up Rena’s website which I had bookmarked and saw this blog which was mentioned today!….ironically, I have an order for a specific bracelet to match earrings which the customer purchased and I had lost my motivation due to a loss in my family…your blog saved my desire to create!…thank you…my business is only 2 months old and I will be looking to this blog for inspiration and connection to other jewelrymakers…anita
I was so excited as a new Twitterer (?) to find that someone had validated the loss of enthusiasm in their jewelry business!
I’ve been ill for a number of months and have challenges with depression. I assumed that once my health returned, so would my motivation. It’s slowly coming back but it has surprised and disappointed me as to how long it’s taking.
I’m trying to work my blog a bit more to direct traffic there. And as always, we jewelry designers have to act as photographer, creator, marketer, bookkeeper, etc.
I’ve added you to my following list on Twitter, thanks!
Today as I was standing in line at the grocery store and glancing at a magazine with Michael J. Fox on the cover, he is quoting…
“Happiness is a decision.” That made me stop and think, and yes I do agree with that statement.
Bloom where you are planted….
When ever I need motivation I look into my Antique Jewelry books, Look at Etsy which fascinates me…. or better yet dig into your supplies and play around with your materials. Mine are sumptuous ribbons and sparkly things which seem to make me want to turn them into a creation. Its amazing just sitting down for 10 minutes and you might find yourself starting a new project… Arbie
I’m so glad to be able to share my lack of motivation sometimes and also glad to know that many more go through the same. Usually it’s caused by burn out. Too much to fast or simply overworked and uninspired. My husband and I are working on a vending project for this week and we are hoping for the best. Past sales have left us a little scepticle but hopefully this one will be a winner. Our business is relatively new so things are slow. Wish me luck fellow jewelry makers. All the luck to all of you also.
What helps me when I get a block, is to think of making something for someone that I haven’t met yet, that needs to feel and look better. If I think of helping a person who needs a boost in their life “a little bling”, then my inspiration returns. Remember, “it’s not all about you !” The beauty of hand crafted jewelry is that we have a hand in bringing out the beauty in others!
Rosetta
Thank you so much for this motivational niche. I do feel so discouraged sometimes that it kind of paralyzes me. Some thing happened to day that I wanted to share with you, my fellow jewelry artist friends:
Up in the sky, I saw a bunch of birds were flying forming a v- shape. There was one of them who fell behind, sort of lost. The group of birds changed their direction to pick up their wandering, lost friend and showed her the right path.
This gave me some hope. You guys give me such support and direction in this blog. Thank you.
P.S.Dear Linda, I wish you all the best. Something will come up soon and help you guys.
Hey Girls,
Lynn White has really started a good thing here. I have the end of Spring blues. Like Tamra, I have been sick for quite some time, with a surgical nightmare and a chronic illness that will plague me for the rest of my life. I also injured my hip really horribly which keeps me up at night.
Thanks so much ladies for the honesty you have shared about these road blocks. It gets very humid here in NY, which affects my disease and makes me really sick. On top of that, I feel like throwing in the towel. I cleaned up my studio (well, at least it looks clean after you shove piles of unattended paperwork and junk under the couch) and now I feel empty after Christmas and Mother’s day.
Empty. Yes, that is a great word for describing how I feel. Pain does that to you, and does not help your self esteem. I have an artist friend who does not ever discuss money with me. She is a professional graphic designer, artist and sculpture, mural consignee, and actually is know all over the country for one of her eggs that brought her to the White House, and for one of her Cows in the intensely juried Cow Parade selection in N.Y. City. This is what helped me when she responded to my doubts: “I think you just need to keep working. Heck, I haven’t sold a think since last year! Art is what keeps me grounded just because it is what I do and because I love it.”
Beautiful.
I think we need to remember to take breaks. Long if necessary. Ballerinas get injured, and even though they could be out for quite some time, their muscles remember. In this sense, I feel burnt out. I just want to be well again so that I can get out there to sell. I also want to stay in touch with you gals because I am feeling a comraderie here that is growing fast, and I am liking it! I think we need to do other things, like paint or draw or jump into a river. Get away from it all and be kids again. That desk with tools will not go anywhere.
Thanks, Lynn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXOXO to all,
Elizabeth