I’m not motivated by things that come easily. The reward at the end of a struggle is what drives me forward. That’s why I love climbing mountains.
EVEN AS SOMEONE WHO LOVES HER JOB, I often feel the need to escape. Going outside offers me some perspective and a much-needed break from my creative business. Because I both live and work out of my house, I sometimes feel like I’m always working. That’s why weekends in the mountains are so important for me. It gives me time to step away from the e-mails and truly refocus on what’s important, which, for me, is making new memories with friends (or my dog) in nature.
I’m not motivated by things that come easily. The reward at the end of a struggle is what drives me forward. That’s why I love climbing mountains. If you’d asked me ten years ago if I’d ever climb Mount Rainier, I would have laughed and said, “No way.” That’s what’s exciting—doing what I would have considered crazy before. I’ve learned not to say “I’ll never do that,” because so often I’ve proved myself wrong.
You need persistence to make a living as an artist. There will be countless obstacles, letdowns, and failures. I’m constantly trying to figure out how to stay relevant, how to market my business effectively. But there will also be victories, and that’s what you have to hold tight while you let the other, not-so-great things go. Keep finding enjoyment in art and give yourself time to step away when necessary. Whatever you do, keep that goal laser-focused, and don’t give up on yourself.
BROOKE WEEBER
Our creative endeavors take many shapes: pen- and-ink drawings, needlepoint, plein air watercolors, the perfect granola bar, poetry. And whether or not your ambition is also your livelihood, enthusiasm and creativity wane now and again.
Here are some tips for how exploration can help you regain your creative inspiration:
STEP OUTSIDE Fresh air does wonders for the restless mind. No need to devote the whole day (but by all means if you can spare it!)—an hour’s walk through a city park or a short hike on a local trail is the perfect reset.
SWITCH MEDIUMS If you’ve been staring at a computer monitor all week, change to analog. Using your hands to knead bread or knit a scarf or build a fire will make room for growth. It can also help you think through a problem: a pen and paper can take down whatever block the computer screen had thrown up.
START FROM SCRATCH If you feel like you’re treading the same path over and over again, it’s okay to scrap a well-worn mindset and begin once more. Often, inspiration and confidence are found in starting again.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW Prepare to feel humbled but inspired by the challenge of gaining knowledge and skill.
HANG OUT WITH KIDS The younger, the better. You may notice kids have a certain confidence, are proud of what they make, and don’t limit their ideas or stories the way adults sometimes do. Their youthful perspectives are contagious.
GO EASY ON YOURSELF It’s okay to not always be creating. It’s okay to un-curate your life.
VISIT A MUSEUM Even if you’re not a visual artist, there’s a comfort in being surrounded by color. Exposure to others’ work and history in a low-pressure environment coaxes new thought.
TALK TO SOMEONE DIFFERENT Seek out someone you respect from a completely different discipline, medium, market, or job. Ask what they’re working on, what’s got them stuck, or what’s inspiring them. Help them. Applying your mind to a new challenge can free you up in your own work.
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS Disconnecting for a full twenty-four hours is especially generative. After setting up camp and cooking a simple meal, all that’s left to do is relax with your thoughts and the night air.
