“Often it is tenacity, not talent, that rules the day.”-Julia Cameron, Finding Water

The artist and the independent business owner often connect on points that have to do with value and self worth, especially during the “in-between” times where worth cannot not be falsely connected with sales (because sales are low or nonexistent).  Questions like:

• Is the work worth the constant battle against self worth?
• Am I just fooling myself when it comes to the value I am placing on my art/business
• Is my work/business improving over time and/or am I objective enough to recognize decline?

photo credit

When I find myself falling into this type of negativity, I have constructed a number of truth telling mechanisms which help me to redirect my feelings/energy into more positive directions.  I look to:

• Blogs – this is by far ONE OF MY favorite sources.  I look to the Handmade Spark blog and
  • http://studiomothers.com/ – parenthood and writing resources
  • http://wishstudio.com/blog/ – parenthood and all things creative
  • http://craftsanity.com/ -the best craft podcast out there (my opinion!)

• Book stores – I will peruse the aisles of book stores looking for biographies of noted artists.  I recently read Julia Cameron’s autobiography “Floor Sample” –incredible insights into the artist’s life.

• Other independent business owners and Artists via Twitter – Though we are in different parts of the world, I know that these bright and creative women are there to engage and encourage me when I need them (and vice versa)

Shout out to –

@levansphoto

@kimwcreations

@danikeithartist

How do you get out of your discouragement rut?