Comments on: Where Motivation Comes From

By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:44:44 +0000

I love it, Alison. You have to do it, so might as well enjoy it – but not too much. 🙂

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By: Alison Nicholls

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 13:59:55 +0000

I find that I am sometimes side-tracked (often, if I’m truthful) by the marketing of my work. I feel I’m a jack of all trades, so I enjoy the social media/newsletters/blog side of things. And as we all know, its very easy to spend hours on the computer without meaning to, and when I have an exhibit coming up, with lots of publicity involved, this is a big problem. Sometimes that terrible little voice inside my head tells me that I prefer the computer to my studio work. But over the years I’ve realized that this terrible little voice is wrong – that when I decide to put painting above all else that is when I’m happiest. Which is why I’m signing off now to go and paint!
Thanks for the motivation, Alyson!

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By: Ellen

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 20:28:02 +0000

In reply to Lidija.

Your comment here SO resonated with me! For years I’ve worked towards a botanical illustration certificate with a full time job/household demands, and I was upbeat/motivated/excited while learning many techniques with immense improvements. Hours put in every night, loving seeing the progress, feeling accomplished, getting good feedback. I am at the end of it.Here is the difference for me: now that my day job of 30+yrs is gonefor a few months now, and I have all the time I kept thinking about all I wish I could do, I feel lost since I’m not good at self management. Since I’m not an outgoing, forward person with no contacts/art friends, I feel so isolated and doubt if I can make a career out of this- what I always thought I would like. Now, I’ve even fallen out of practice with my art and struggle with motivation since I remember the bodily stress I put myself under reaching those goals before. My body isn’t as resilient anymore. I keep looking for motivational videos and sketching to try to come out of this mess, lol. I realized through this article it really is all on me, because even my hubby saying he believes in me doesn’t push me enough even though I’m grateful for it. The last thing I could stand though is another corporate job. I love Allyson’s blog but can’t seem to move ahead, and it’s killing me. Art is the only driving force I ever had in my life.

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By: Sharon

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 20:56:43 +0000

In reply to Karen.

Big Magic, book written by Elizabeth Gilbert. A must read for all creatives!

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By: JenniferK

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 03:11:08 +0000

Wow, glad you shared this blog post! I hadn’t seen it before. Simple, but profound and so, so important! I need to think some more about these questions in regard to some of my art (I do various types of creative work, some of which have been neglected and I’d really like to find my way back into). Thank you.

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By: Kelley Ball

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 16:25:39 +0000

What a “deer in the headlights” moment! That is the missing piece…what is my WHY? Thank you for the leading to discover my own WHY and to be content with it. I have watched others boldly go forth in the world as artists with a full quiver of business savvy and drive and the resulting success. I am not ashamed to make art just for me and to share with my loved ones. I do, however, get really jazzed about the opportunities to share the processes with others and that wonderful moment when they get to see something inside themselves bloom. That is my WHY.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 22:28:28 +0000

In reply to Koni.

Koni: Bless your heart. First, you must find people who are supportive of your art. Look for an artists’ group. That can sustain you.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 22:27:13 +0000

Aw, Mary, thanks for being here. Some people need motivation to get into the studio – never mind about the biz part. Sounds like you have that covered.

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By: Mary Kemp

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 16:40:27 +0000

Dear Alyson,
I’ve been following you for a while now and whenever I need a kick up the backside you’re there to give it! You keep me questioning and sharing when really all I want to do is be quietly in the studio listening to the radio and painting. I’m ready for the year ahead. Thank you so much.

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By: Koni

Sat, 13 Jan 2018 14:11:36 +0000

Wow, so timely for me as well. I have gotten some great advice from y’all. I now realize i’m not the only one who experiences this now. I will be looking forward TODAY answering these questions and moving forward.
I have one question, (which in my mind is the biggest road block) what do i do with what i make? My small family doesn’t really like my work and online sales aren’t really happening. And then there’s the self defeating behavior of “maybe i’m not really an artist”.

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