It’s not about just following your own little path; it’s about putting yourself out there, stepping up and doing a happy dance, singly loudly and digging deep to pave your own path.
Because your path isn’t going to magically make itself. It needs you to build it.
Take that risk.
Ask that question.
Show your patterns.
Say hello to that art director. (whilst hanging out wearing your fancy pants that you designed yourself)
Facing your fears and taking risks doesn’t have to be terrifying. Remember, every great adventure begins with a single step, and every path starts with one brick — no matter how scary it may seem….
take
that
leap!
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” — Susan Jeffers
1. Use Mindfulness
Now mindfulness might sound fancy, but it’s really about paying attention to the present moment. Here’s how it can help:
- When fear strikes, don’t shove it away. Recognizing your fear is the first step to moving past it.
- and then Flip the Script: Instead of letting thoughts like “this is scary” take over, try saying, “This is scary, but I’m doing it anyway!” It’s like when you were a kid and jumped into the deep end of the pool for the first time. It was terrifying, but you did it, and it felt amazing!
2. Take Calculated Risks
Now, I’m not asking you to go book a stand at the national fair immediately or approach the shop that you would love to get your work into. I’m asking you to think about what you want to do, seriously sit down and write a list of where you want to sell your designs, to whom, a dream client, an even bigger dream client.
The truth is, not knowing what you want is not a reason to not do anything.
It’s the reason to start doing something.
Take those baby steps.
Lay a few bricks in your path to reach your goal.
Here’s how:
- Research and Prepare: If you’re planning to showcase your art at a big craft fair, start with a smaller one first. Think of it as a practice run. Chat with other artists, get a feel for the event and gather tips from those who’ve done it before. It’s like baking a cake; you wouldn’t start with a wedding cake before mastering cupcakes!
- Strategic Pitching: Want to be featured in a design magazine? Don’t just wing it. Prepare your designs that match the magazine’s vibe. Read their backstory, stalk the editor in an ever so nice way!
3. Chat with other folk like you.
Find your tribe of people who have walked the path you’re on or are on a similar path. Their advice can be like a Building 101 guide to laying down the pavers, helping you make the right choices.
Will you make the wrong choice?
Absolutely.
Will you learn from that?
100%
Remember when J.K. Rowling pitched “Harry Potter” to 12 different publishers and got rejected by all of them? She kept going, and now look where she is. Surround yourself with people who remind you to keep going, even when it’s tough.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
So get out your best shovel, people. Roll up your sleeves — It’s time to go to work.