Let's start with a little wake up.
Okay, you are into your new project. You are committed. Your reputation is on the line. If you didn't want to do the project or cannot because of a millions reasons, say NO. Maybe is not an option. All Maybe does is feed confusion, frustration, and procrastination.
As much as I dislike categorizing by groups, I think I need to do so for clarity. There are basically four groups of creative types: The Professional (I get paid), The Hopeful (not getting paid yet), The Hobbyist (I don't care if I get paid), and The Skeptic (I don't have any talent).
The Professional
You know you are worth what you are paid. In general you manage your art as a business. The very first principle of the creative process is that you should want to do your project. "I am a professional artist. I don't have the privilege of choice." You sure the heck do. Your responsibity is to find personal satisfaction in the mundane. If you can't, then you need to find another outlet for creative expression. Don't gripe about your limitations. Stir up your creative core and deliver. That is why people pay you to do what you do.
Just as a reminder...there are thousands waiting in line to take your place.
The Hopeful
A basic principle of getting ahead in anything is to stay hungry. The trap most Hopefuls fall into is to give away their work...FOREVER. Eric Maisel says that the Starting stage is challenged by the anxiety of a weakened mind. For the Hopeful, the weakened mind is to surrender to compromise. You bust your butt to create a unique style and creative expression so that you can become a Professional. You know, get paid for your work.
A friend or smooth talker comes along and offers you a "chance" to do some work with them. You know, we all are struggling to get a reputation. The solution to this problem is to show some backbone. If you are not doing work that will further your goals, then you are not going to reach your goals.
The Hobbyist
Congratulations! You are the child in the candy shop. Creative expression for you is an adventure. Start anything. Try everything your heart desires. Starting a project for you is like breathing air. Don't beat yourself up for not finishing one project or another. You don't have to hold up to the expectation of the Professional or Hopeful. Your art is fun.
Secretly, some Professionals wish they had your childlike fascination with creativity.
The Skeptic
This person has convinced himself or herself that they do not have a "creative bone in their body." I don't buy it. Everybody has creative talent. The typical question the Skeptic asks is "what good is it to be creative?" Were you embarrassed in 7th grade because somebody made fun of your minimalist tie-dyed tee shirt? Geez, get over it! You have a creative core that is aching for expression. Do something. Anything! When the voices of your past start throwing doubts answer with "SHUT UP!"
Come on, just start doing something that is creative. If you aren't satisfied with the results, post a comment. We will work on it together.
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