Day 358,149,836 of 968,627,192 or whatever. What day is it? What month are we in? Is this close to being over yet? Just some of the questions that have crossed our minds lately.
Some of us have thrived in this situation and others the complete opposite. What about you? Are you thriving or struggling? I’ve had conversations with some artist friends who are loving this quarantine and are thriving in their craft, creating, creating, creating!! That’s amazing and inspiring!
For me personally, it has been somewhat of a struggle. I myself thought, now that I have so much time on my hands I can work on pending projects or new ones. The intention is there but something is missing… motivation!
It’s hard to get motivated with the current state of the world.
For one, I should be blogging more often since so much is on my mind but….motivation! It took me a while to write this entry, but I found a little ounce of motivation to do so.
Is there an app. that can scan my brain and transcribe it onto this blog? Isn’t there an app. for everything these days?? hmmmm….
As artists, we love creating because it gives us life. Once we stop creating, we feel like we’re suffocating. I’m constantly inspired by other artists and what they are creating these days but when motivation is missing, it’s hard to take that inspiration and apply it to your craft. It’s like an equation, Inspiration + Motivation = Creation!
For me, most of my sparks of inspiration (and sprinkles of motivation) come from people. The interactions and conversations with friends/family or even strangers sometimes. I enjoy meeting new people and learning about them, everyone has a unique story and those stories inspire me. Think about it, how many times have you had a conversation with a stranger and learned something interesting? You became inspired and maybe created something or did something amazing! In return you also might have inspired that one stranger you had the conversation with.
We are now limited to human interaction and converse through computer screens (not the same) No more sparking that conversation with a stranger when you’re waiting at the car wash, hanging at the bar or restaurant you frequent, or even when you’re in line to get into a music venue to see your favorite band play, just to name a few. Do you know how many amazing conversations I’ve had with strangers while waiting to get into a music venue?? More than I can count! (I go to a lot of shows, wait let me rephrase that, I used to go to a lot of shows) I had quite a few huge concerts planned for this year, 2020 was going to be an epic year for shows! But you know, stuff happened…
I had a huge personal photography project that I had planned to start this year. I did so much research and brainstorming but that remains on hold until further notice. I’ve been trying to figure out a way around it but have not figured it out just yet. I might have to wait until it’s safe outside. The motivation has been lost but the project idea still remains.
So in the meantime, I’ve been digging into my photography archives and coming across photos that haven’t seen the light of day. Old photos that I’ve taken have become new again. It’s also been quite a journey and learning experience revisiting those photos from past photo shoots, travels, and shows. I have come a long way but there is also more room for improvement. As artists we are constantly evolving and looking for ways to improve our craft, in other words we are always learning. I will forever be a student in my craft and in life!
Having a creative mind (as some of you can relate) requires a lot of stimulation to maintain it active and in shape. I have done puzzles, colored/painted, organized, re-organized, watched movies/shows, worked out, listened to music (oh wait, I already do that on a daily all day long) cooked, cleaned, made cocktails (working on those bartending skills) read books and articles (a lot of reading) Zoomed with friends and family, taken long drives, washed my car, listened to podcasts, social media surfing, some online shopping, updated my online portfolio (might have to do it again) Did I miss something?
Side note: All the things listed above don’t really require much motivation (ok, maybe working out does require some) they are tasks that we do to keep us active. When it comes down to our craft, the motivation is lacking and it gets replaced with over analyzing every detail, self criticizing and that’s a recipe for disaster.
Oh yes, I have been playing piano (so therapeutic) I have dabbled in it in the past but now I’m properly learning. I took music lessons for a couple of years when I was a kid and was able to read music, now I’m relearning. Being able to play some of my favorite songs is super exciting! It keeps my mind active and it doesn’t require too much motivation, I just do it! It’s one of those natural things to me because music has been part of my life since I was in the womb (see previous blog entry about music)
I have thought about podcasting again but can’t seem to find the motivation yet! I had a short lived podcast with another friend/business partner back in 2016. I will find the motivation and figure out how I can bring it back or develop a whole new one. Stay tuned!
All ideas require motivation to make them a reality. We can have ideas for days but if that motivation is nonexistent, then it’s just an idea.
The key word in all of this is “motivation” I know many of you are currently going through the same thing. We must find it, activate it and not let it go!
I’m optimistic that we will get back to our regularly scheduled lives soon, we just have to weather this storm first. Things will definitely not be the same but we will adjust accordingly. Hang in there and stay safe!
How are you keeping yourself motivated these days? Any suggestions welcomed! (comment below)
Creatively Crazy 