This month, I’ve centred the blog on the theme of new beginnings. For today’s post, I wanted to take some time to reflect on new creative ventures, things I’ve been trying recently, and how this has formed some new beginnings through my creative process.

I’ve written a lot about how to find inspiration in the colder and darker months, and developing a more intuitive process. Whilst quite new for me, I think the biggest new beginning I’ve taken to recently is feeling comfortable sharing my work. I’ve also been developing a business in which my art takes centre-stage.

This post is more of an inner monologue than normal; thank you for joining me for some rambling reflections! I hope you find them useful, or that they resonate with you in some way.

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Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

It’s been quite scary to open myself up like this; sharing your work can make you feel quite vulnerable. But I’ve found it immensely liberating. It took me a while to get over the fear that nobody would like my work and post it anyway. I like my work, and think I have something meaningful to say and share. That’s what should be important.

Riddled with impostor syndrome at every turn, I had major nerves in selling my art. I’m not a painter, but I do tell stories. It’s what I’ve tried to do with my photography and through writing on this blog. Although sharing my photography isn’t new, sharing the stories and personal connection to it has been. Assigning value to my work has been a new horizon for me, and something I didn’t immediately feel comfortable with.

Navigating Modern Trends

Setting up this business has been a labour of love, and I’ve been learning a lot. It can be a little disheartening when you pour your heart into something and it gets lost in a sea of SEO, popularity contests and algorithms. I try to convince myself that it’s not something I care about, although it’s not quite true.

I have no desire to go viral, or to be famous. But I would like my art to be seen. For my work to be enjoyed and appreciated. Numbers can be intoxicating when you get them, and for a little while I found myself chasing that high. But I realised they don’t actually matter that much when you care about the process of creation.

Being a slave to these algorithms stifles creativity, in my opinion. Navigating algorithms as an artist is a never-ending battle, and one I don’t think you can win without significant cost. When you stop creating what you want to create in an effort to keep up with the Jones’, you lose your authenticity. You lose what makes your work yours – and you work is important – so long as you believe it is.

Eradicating Comparison

However, I tried to reframe this from what I learnt when I was training to be a teacher. You can’t please or reach everyone. But if you reach just one person, if you make a positive impact in some small way, that’s enough. You’ve made an impact that one person won’t forget, and I think that’s quite beautiful. Think of every person you remember for small acts of kindness or moments of wisdom. Now think of how many people may remember you in the same way.

It’s said that comparison is the thief of joy, and I’m beginning to internalise that. I’ll keep sharing the things I create, knowing that they bring a little bit of magic to someone somewhere. I have faith that the universe will bring my work to someone who needs it. I hope that any other artist or creative out there – no matter your medium – does the same. This world values productivity, and often only assigns value to money. But I believe that art – no matter its form – has the power to bring so much more value.

Understanding Your “Why”

For a long time, I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to say with my work, and that held me back from taking a gamble on making it work. I had an epiphany during the autumnal equinox, however. I simply want to spread joy.

I’ve always wanted to make the world a nicer place, to bring a little happiness to people. I want to encourage connection to the everyday wonders of the universe. I want people to look for little signs of hope in everything they see. And that’s what I’m trying to do with my art.

There are many reasons an artist shares their work; it’s important for you to understand your reasons. It’s very easy to lose sight of that in the mess of networks, celebrity, and virality, and sometimes it feels a little like shouting into a void. But I’ve realised my offerings to this void always reach someone – and that’s all I ever wanted to do. That’s what keeps me inspired at every turn, and encourages me to stay authentic as a creator.

If you’re looking for a structured approach to understanding your goals, the ’31 Days of New Beginnings’ workbook might be for you! It’s based on teaching theories, psychology, mindfulness, and spiritual practice. It’s designed specifically to support users in understanding their motivations, what is holding them back, and how they can move forward.

So, my fellow artists and creatives, what’s your “why”? What inspires your desire to create? I’d love to hear your stories!