I have learned something this past week that I think is one of the most valuable lessons an artist can learn: Expect the unexpected.

I can’t tell you all the details right now, but some news concerning my book illustrations was passed down to me from the author that caught me totally by surprise. I should have known things wouldn’t go as expected, or even as I dreamed, but after a day of pacing, thinking, and occasionally punching a pillow, I have come to terms with the news. (Don’t worry, my illustrations are still going to be used, just not in the way originally planned.) I think it’s important for artists to see every opportunity as the universe’s way of pushing us in the right direction. So while I was given this chance to illustrate a book, that does not mean that I am supposed to do this as my full-time career later on. Indeed, the news I received seems to be pushing me in a new direction: working solely for myself. There is that old saying that when one door closes, another opens. I whole-heartedly believe that. And while I may be sad right now, I know that these events are all part of the universe’s journey that will lead me to a job that I love.

There are other ways to expect the unexpected that don’t lead to punched pillows, however. In fact, they can help expand your work and push you into new creative directions.

Many of us don’t want to admit that our subconscious knows more than we do. But the simple truth is that if we give up what we perceive as our ‘control’ of a situation, the end result is something completed unexpected and yet totally awe-some.

When I was working on “Daughters of the Forest,” I had no clue how the girls would turn out. Many of you will remember that their feet were the last thing I did. I was sitting at my desk, himming and hawing and what type of shoes they should have when suddenly the idea of deer feet popped into my mind. I ran with it. The result is a wonderful piece that is my current favorite.

And just a few days ago I had pulled out my bamboo pen, ready to draw dung beetles (per my boyfriend’s request) but something inside kept saying, “Feathers!” So I listened to it and this curious rooster came out instead of the beetles. (For all of you dung beetle fans:  don’t worry, the dung beetles will be next.)

So really, we all need to take a few minutes before we start out projects to listen to what that voice inside of us might be saying. And when you’re in the middle of the project and a funny idea pops into your mind, don’t instantly dismiss it. That is your inner artist trying to tell you something. And the truth is: it’s smarter than you are.

Nurturing your inner artist by Kathy Orf