Ooh, creating pictures, creating baked goods; sounds like a great way to share your time out. I suppose I've got that built-in with church: I've got the band and a kids club to help out with most weeks... I hadn't appreciated how good that is for me before.
Yes! Back when I was overbooked I couldn't possibly see how good it is to have some standing plans/obligations in the community. Not until I had pruned it all away!
This was so on the mark, especially about community. Isolation and art seem to go hand and hand until the ideas fade and all you're left with is yourself. You've inspired me to look into places to be in my community. (I recently moved so I'm new to everything)
"the ideas fade and all you're left with is yourself" WOW you put that so perfectly! That's exactly it. And I was like "um...guys? guys!? anyone there?" See if there is a Creative Mornings there!
I really resonated with all this, and loved what you said about baking being important, too! I also work by myself illustrating and after years of telling myself I needed a part time job doing absolutely anything else, I went and started working at a local cafe this year! It's been the best decision. I love having a reason to ride my bike there every morning and know that even on days I can't create, I can absolutely serve someone a lovely cup of coffee. The community is so nice and I highly recommend it.
This is so bolstering to read! I've definitely missed feeling like I'm part of something and being on a team! Especially if it's something that isn't related to drawing so I can kind of turn that part of my brain off.
This resonates with me! Thank you for sharing! Cheering for more “baked in” than “burnt out” in every sense! And to participate in the accountability piece, what is the “2nd background/value challenge piece”? Or did I miss it described? Eeks! Sounds cool though. :)
I'm sad/glad it resonates! Let's help each other feel better! 😂 It's SO hard to stay home alone and continually output creative work when I get energy from other people. Yes to "baked in", that will be the chant of 2025! And here's a link to that challenge I mentioned! https://kaylastark.substack.com/p/i-have-to-get-better-at-backgrounds?r=1srz7
I have the second study sitting out on my desk now!
I hear you on community! When I started illustrating full time again this year, the isolation really affected me and I realized much I needed social connection (outside of my immediate family). I started to become more active in my local SCBWI chapter, meet up once a month with another illustrator, and still continue to substitute teach on occasion for those exact reasons you mentioned. Good for you for recognizing what you need and listening to yourself!
Thank you! I'm glad I realized and took some action before I was too sad/overwhelmed to do anything. Where is your SCBWI chapter? We have regional one here I should get more involved with!
It's definitely good that you listened to yourself and were in tune with your needs. I'm excited to hear about your new journey into baking!
My chapter is the Kansas/Missouri chapter. It's pretty inactive but we have an Illustrator Coordinator now regional co RA who is trying to do more. And now that I have more time, I'm trying to help too!
I appreciate you being so open about this!! My mental health improved considerably when I joined a community studio space for my work. It's so important we do stuff we love that isn't always for a work project!
Yes! I miss my community studio, but have been going into the ceramic studio my husband manages and seeing people there AND scheduling regular coffee/coworking dates with friends.
Ooh, creating pictures, creating baked goods; sounds like a great way to share your time out. I suppose I've got that built-in with church: I've got the band and a kids club to help out with most weeks... I hadn't appreciated how good that is for me before.
Yes! Back when I was overbooked I couldn't possibly see how good it is to have some standing plans/obligations in the community. Not until I had pruned it all away!
This was so on the mark, especially about community. Isolation and art seem to go hand and hand until the ideas fade and all you're left with is yourself. You've inspired me to look into places to be in my community. (I recently moved so I'm new to everything)
"the ideas fade and all you're left with is yourself" WOW you put that so perfectly! That's exactly it. And I was like "um...guys? guys!? anyone there?" See if there is a Creative Mornings there!
I really resonated with all this, and loved what you said about baking being important, too! I also work by myself illustrating and after years of telling myself I needed a part time job doing absolutely anything else, I went and started working at a local cafe this year! It's been the best decision. I love having a reason to ride my bike there every morning and know that even on days I can't create, I can absolutely serve someone a lovely cup of coffee. The community is so nice and I highly recommend it.
This is so bolstering to read! I've definitely missed feeling like I'm part of something and being on a team! Especially if it's something that isn't related to drawing so I can kind of turn that part of my brain off.
This resonates with me! Thank you for sharing! Cheering for more “baked in” than “burnt out” in every sense! And to participate in the accountability piece, what is the “2nd background/value challenge piece”? Or did I miss it described? Eeks! Sounds cool though. :)
I'm sad/glad it resonates! Let's help each other feel better! 😂 It's SO hard to stay home alone and continually output creative work when I get energy from other people. Yes to "baked in", that will be the chant of 2025! And here's a link to that challenge I mentioned! https://kaylastark.substack.com/p/i-have-to-get-better-at-backgrounds?r=1srz7
I have the second study sitting out on my desk now!
I hear you on community! When I started illustrating full time again this year, the isolation really affected me and I realized much I needed social connection (outside of my immediate family). I started to become more active in my local SCBWI chapter, meet up once a month with another illustrator, and still continue to substitute teach on occasion for those exact reasons you mentioned. Good for you for recognizing what you need and listening to yourself!
Thank you! I'm glad I realized and took some action before I was too sad/overwhelmed to do anything. Where is your SCBWI chapter? We have regional one here I should get more involved with!
It's definitely good that you listened to yourself and were in tune with your needs. I'm excited to hear about your new journey into baking!
My chapter is the Kansas/Missouri chapter. It's pretty inactive but we have an Illustrator Coordinator now regional co RA who is trying to do more. And now that I have more time, I'm trying to help too!
I appreciate you being so open about this!! My mental health improved considerably when I joined a community studio space for my work. It's so important we do stuff we love that isn't always for a work project!
Yes! I miss my community studio, but have been going into the ceramic studio my husband manages and seeing people there AND scheduling regular coffee/coworking dates with friends.
The fact that you realized it is the first and primary big step. Now: one day at a time, listen to your needs, and you will be fine ❤️🩹
Thank you! I agree, knowing is the first BIG step.