This article is written by Tamara Dinius

My husband and I are leaving for a short two-day trip and I will spend considerable time planning out the details so that we have an enjoyable time.  I think planning is an important key to achieving your goals. So why is it that most of us fail to plan for our own creative journeys?

When I set out on my creative journey this past year I failed to prepare for success. I signed up for online classes with a number of different artists. I watched all their videos and read the accompanying files. I soaked up each artists instructions and was fascinated by the different techniques and styles that they shared. I purchased the supplies they recommended and set-up a work space. I was set to have the creative juices flow and make earth-shattering art. But then reality set in.

The brush sat frozen in my hand. Who was I to think I could create art? What would family and friends think of my efforts? How would I compare with other artists and students posting their work on Facebook? Is the time and money I have put into this journey going to be worth it? The insecurity that I started to experience was unlike anything I had gone through before.  I struggled more than I care to admit, but I eventually found my way.  I would like to share with you a few things I learned along the road to creative freedom.

On your creative journey be sure to pack the following:

Self confidence

Know that you have an artistic point of view that is all your own. Don’t try to emulate what others are doing if it doesn’t inspire or speak to you. Only when you are true to yourself can you begin to find your own style. Copying techniques and lessons are fine, but remember to add your own character to your art.

A can-do attitude

Make art. And then make more art. You CAN do this.  As Yoda says, “Do, or do not, there is no try”.

Freedom

Allow yourself the freedom of self-expression. I create my best work when I don’t set boundaries or limitations on my creative process. Give yourself the freedom to post your work within the classroom Facebook pages, or on your own Facebook page. With freedom comes self-acceptance.

Appreciation

Remember to be as kind to yourself as you are to others. Appreciate the efforts you are making and congratulate yourself when you reach a milestone.

Patience

Don’t try and compare your first painting to someone else’s twenty-first. It takes time to develop your own style. You didn’t learn to walk without first learning to crawl. Embrace your imperfections and continue to practice your art. It’s not how many times you fall that matters, it’s how many times you get back up.

Support

Seek out others who are sharing a similar creative journey. Join groups with similar interests on Facebook. Follow blogs, twitter feeds, or Facebook pages of other mixed media artists or companies that support mixed media. Appreciate the hard work of other artists who post their work and leave kind, encouraging comments. I have been in awe of the support that the mixed media art groups give one another.

Your wings

Last, but not least, remember your wings. My wings were no bigger than that of a butterfly’s when I first started my journey. But I have grown, and my wings have expanded to keep up with me. They are a beautiful metaphor for my growth and the changes I have gone through creatively. Find your wings and get ready to soar.

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Author bio:

Tamara Dinius lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and chocolate lab. She was creative from a very young age (her love of markers started in the second grade) and has been taking classes throughout her adult life. Her love for mixed media has taken over most aspects of her creative journey. She believes mixed media allows for a broad range of styles and anyone can find success in this form of artistic expression. Tamara seeks to inspire and encourage others in their own creative journey.

You can find more of Tamara’s work, and her blog, on her website Country Crafters USA or via her Facebook

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