Great piece, my sense is that your artistic side is flowing first, beating all the other aspects of your work. You've got to let and allow the rhythm to flow first and then see where it takes you. All we can do is follow the flow that seeks to emerge. Those who trust the flow trust themselves. We walk, and the path appears.
After giving 9 years to an IT company no matter how miserable it made me because I couldn’t stand the thought of not having a steady income, I was forced to reconsider when I was laid off. Strangely enough it felt more liberating than a loss. I went on a solo trip where I realised my innate calling to write and express myself through my words whereupon I also came across your page on Instagram. Your words, encouragement and writing style have been so inspirational and have done so much for me and I couldn’t thank you enough! This letter feels like it has found me at the perfect juncture as well. Thanks so much for sharing! 🤍
I came to a similar-ish realization about my art yesterday.
I was asking myself the question. "If I wanted to show up and become a bestseller or rising publication in any category, (on Substack) which one would it be?" After sifting through them, I found the category I resonated with most was art and illustration.
Which made me realize I needed to switch my internal publication status to reflect that and that I am choosing to put a greater emphasis on the artistic aspects of my craft.
Great stuff. I have always struggled with this myself. Being a creative at heart, not having the time to fully realise it because our current system demands productivity for credits to exist regardless of fulfilment.
We hit the ground running and before we even start figuring out our existence and purpose the bills start coming in.
I remained sane by always exercising my creativity regardless of the jobs I’ve been in.
The main problem I have found this last half century is the artists conundrum, making a living with that creativity without feeling like I sold out. Reconciling that has been the biggest obstacle of my life.
I love this. I’m seeing some reflection of my own journey with art here, the playful “let’s see what happens when I try this!” Versus the urgency and pressure of a perfect end result. I was just telling one of my boys (he’s 21, I suppose I should be calling him a young man now…) that my favorite art pieces have been the unintentional ones. Where I’ve just put extra paint that I loved the color mix onto a piece of paper, the design I carved on the other side that no one was going to see, and on and on. Playing in flow without pressure, that seems to be the key to something. Enjoying this change, and nice to read about others doing the same.
Great piece, my sense is that your artistic side is flowing first, beating all the other aspects of your work. You've got to let and allow the rhythm to flow first and then see where it takes you. All we can do is follow the flow that seeks to emerge. Those who trust the flow trust themselves. We walk, and the path appears.
Absolutely, follow the current
…and move with the 🌊
always a pleasure to get some authentic insights behind
the "construction" we make of people online (in our heads).
eager to see what you come up with next.
even if it feels messy for a while,
whatever you take on seems to work out great for you
...as things usually do when done with intention and integrity
After giving 9 years to an IT company no matter how miserable it made me because I couldn’t stand the thought of not having a steady income, I was forced to reconsider when I was laid off. Strangely enough it felt more liberating than a loss. I went on a solo trip where I realised my innate calling to write and express myself through my words whereupon I also came across your page on Instagram. Your words, encouragement and writing style have been so inspirational and have done so much for me and I couldn’t thank you enough! This letter feels like it has found me at the perfect juncture as well. Thanks so much for sharing! 🤍
For sure ! Life can be so much more exciting than spending half of it on a boring job
I came to a similar-ish realization about my art yesterday.
I was asking myself the question. "If I wanted to show up and become a bestseller or rising publication in any category, (on Substack) which one would it be?" After sifting through them, I found the category I resonated with most was art and illustration.
Which made me realize I needed to switch my internal publication status to reflect that and that I am choosing to put a greater emphasis on the artistic aspects of my craft.
Here is a link to the bestsellers page ( https://substack.com/leaderboard/bestseller/rising ) if anyone wants to investigate the existing categories.
Yes ! I could definitely spot your great taste when I saw what you’re up to on Cosmos. Excited to see the unfolding
Great stuff. I have always struggled with this myself. Being a creative at heart, not having the time to fully realise it because our current system demands productivity for credits to exist regardless of fulfilment.
We hit the ground running and before we even start figuring out our existence and purpose the bills start coming in.
I remained sane by always exercising my creativity regardless of the jobs I’ve been in.
The main problem I have found this last half century is the artists conundrum, making a living with that creativity without feeling like I sold out. Reconciling that has been the biggest obstacle of my life.
It’s a fine balance for sure
It’s great to see you back Nik!
🔥🔥🔥 let me know if you wanna come up to Ericeira for a coffee
Sure thing I’ll message you
I love this. I’m seeing some reflection of my own journey with art here, the playful “let’s see what happens when I try this!” Versus the urgency and pressure of a perfect end result. I was just telling one of my boys (he’s 21, I suppose I should be calling him a young man now…) that my favorite art pieces have been the unintentional ones. Where I’ve just put extra paint that I loved the color mix onto a piece of paper, the design I carved on the other side that no one was going to see, and on and on. Playing in flow without pressure, that seems to be the key to something. Enjoying this change, and nice to read about others doing the same.
Those are the best ! Thanks for the reflection
🤍
Love this!