The Big Leap

Ever find yourself scrolling through Instagram, admiring the bold moves and exciting new work of other artists, and thinking… Why not me?

You're not alone.

I hear this a lot in my workshops and coaching. That nagging feeling of being stuck, the lack of excitement in your own work, the desire to mature and evolve – it's a common struggle. You know you need to take yourself more seriously, but the "when" and the "how" seem to elude you.

If you don't take action now, when will you?

This feeling of being stuck is a signal. It's a sign that you're ready for a breakthrough. It's time to take the BIG LEAP!First, understand the ebb and flow of the creative process. Growth isn't linear. It comes in cycles. Sometimes, we need to nurture our artistic seeds, quietly reflecting, experimenting, and honing our skills. This is a crucial period of incubation, a time for introspection and artistic gestation.

But there are other times, like right now, when we need to push ourselves beyond our comfort zones. We need to take action. We need to learn, grow, stretch, think, create, and explore.

The truth is, taking the big leap can feel daunting. But it's in these leaps that true artistic growth happens. It's where the magic lies.So, how do you take that leap? Here are 10 tips to ignite your artistic journey:

🌟 Identify Your "Why": What's the driving force behind your art? Reconnect with your passion and let it fuel your leap.

🌟 Embrace Discomfort: Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to experiment with new techniques, materials, or subjects.

🌟 Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break down your big leap into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone along the way.

🌟 Seek Inspiration (beyond social media): Visit museums, read art books, engage with other artists in person. Fuel your creativity with diverse sources of inspiration.

🌟 Silence the Inner Critic: That voice that tells you you're not good enough? Silence it. Embrace imperfection and trust the process.

🌟 Find Your Tribe: Connect with other artists who support and challenge you. A strong community can make all the difference.

🌟 Invest in Your Growth: Take a workshop, hire a coach, or dedicate more time to your art. Invest in yourself and your craft.

🌟 Document Your Journey: Keep a sketchbook, journal, or blog to track your progress and reflect on your experiences.

🌟 Don't Be Afraid to Fail: Failure is a part of the creative process. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.

🌟 Just Start: The biggest hurdle is often just getting started. Don't overthink it. Take the first step, no matter how small.

Remember, artistic growth is a journey, not a destination. There will be times of quiet reflection and times of bold action. Embrace the cycles, trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to take the big leap. Your art deserves it. You deserve it.

Stay creative,

Beverly Todd

P.S. Ready to take your art to the next level? Join me for a Getaway Workshop or BIG YES Creativity Coaching -- we'll break through creative blocks and make your best art yet!