Creativity: It doesn’t always work out and that’s ok

Despite my best efforts and excitement when approaching my art, it doesn’t always turn out how I expected. By expected I mean, good! At least it hasn’t turned out “good” in my mind anyway.

Remember, Pete, it’s a journey
I am a visual person who thinks in pictures, and if a piece of art doesn’t turn out in the way I had envisioned in my minds eye, then there’s almost a sense of failure and a waste of time a materials. But at the same time it’s important to realise that it’s ok not to get it right. The creative process is, after all, a journey, which is rife with self-doubt, experimentation, wins and losses. Even in my freelance business I have good days and bad days. Good when the outcomes seem to be innate in me, and bad when the outcomes feel lost. I try to remember that it comes in waves, good and bad, but that’s something I do need reminding of from time to time.

To make anything in the real win
Do I quit when the going get’s tough? Of course I don’t! With my art for Illofy, I reflect and try new ways to get the result I want. I couldn’t stop being creative even if I tried anyway. Drawing, painting, even thinking abstractly, is who I am and just how I work. Regardless of the outcome, the real win is actually making something… anything! Whether it turns out to be a failed mess or an almost prefect thing, I’m glad I keep going no matter the outcome.

In any case, I’m still working on my process and how I convey my ideas to the page or canvas. Like when I first started out in illustration, there was loads of experimentation before I found a my go to inky style. My art journey is the same.

If you’re reading this, I do appreciate your companionship (albeit digitally) on this journey of mine. It means a lot.

Thanks for reading. Pete :)