It has been a long time coming for me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace a freelance mindset. My life has always been filled with vibrant colors, bold patterns, and innovative ideas. I guess, at this current moment unforeseen circumstances have forced this freelance shift to happen, or maybe it was the muses of creativity kicking me in the butt and saying "Get out there and do it!".
Either way, in the recent past, I have felt that the creative passion that used to fuel me had started to dim. I've been in the corporate world of design for over 10 years, which is crazy to me since it was never my intention to work for someone else this long. I'm feeling stuck outside of my creative process, and I refuse to accept this as my permanent reality. Things have changed, I need to be available and take care of my family more than I can with an 8-5 gig, and I have chosen to start my journey of reigniting the creative spark that had once defined me.
Blank Page Syndrome
For a long time, I've been facing what most creatives would call "blank page syndrome." The sensation of standing at the edge of something, peering down at a vast expanse of nothingness, and being paralyzed by the sheer magnitude of potential that must be filled. Constantly generating innovative, exceptional work is not just a personal aspiration but a professional necessity. My financial stability rests on those muses of creativity from earlier! It was easy to hide in the corporate world where they tell you what to design and when to design it, but my well of creativity was a dark pit of despair.
Accepting the Problem
In December of 2023, I began listening to a book, Spontaneous Brilliance by Sandra (Sandy) Cavenaugh. This book has been crossing my path for years it seems, and I've known Sandy since I was in high school. She ran a theater troupe during after-school hours and I was lucky to find myself recruited to help out with various creative things; things that have shaped my soul! I remember being so inspired during that time, and feeling so blessed to have so many talented, creative, and brilliant people within hugging reach!
Reading the first few chapters of this book helped me realize and embrace the fact that I was standing before a creative block, one that I created. I reached out to Sandy impulsively, knowing I needed to confront this block to even begin rekindling my creativity. After a month of sessions and now the time to dedicate, I can set the stage for a creative resurrection. I am no longer in my own way. I am ready to move forward, step out of the creative shadows, and embrace my bright and colorful world again.
Seeing Inspiration Everywhere
They say after you become a mom, that it takes time to be yourself again. That phrase never really settled with me as a 100% truth for me. I suppose that is because I had lost who I was before then, back when I tried to be what others wanted or needed me to be. Hiding behind what the corporate world expected of me left no room for doing the things that brought me joy, for things that sparked the fire in my soul.
To recharge my creative energy I've committed myself to finding inspiration in every corner of my existence. I want to view my surroundings through a fresh lens, seeing wonder and beauty in the commonplace; the vibrance of my son's artwork, the meticulous designs in nature's patterns, and the cadence of daily life. I'm going to let the shutter of my camera capture the fleeting moments of beauty and complexity. I want to attend fine art exhibits, and dance performances, and find ways to further enrich my artistic sensibilities.
I'm excited to be caught off guard by the unexpected beauty in everyday objects, moments, and experiences, this world is brimming with so many stimuli to feed my creative hunger; I just need to embrace it.
The Power of Mindfulness: Building the Robyn's Nest
The only thing I am missing to recharge my creative energy is mindfulness.
I've always had the ability to pursue this lifestyle shift, but I've always put it off to the side. The active participation in addressing these creative barriers is what I am missing. So, now that I've been forced to make a shift I needed to put words to my reason why. Why do I want to create art, design, or take photographs?
I believe in the power of images to tell stories and connect people. Illustration, photography, graphic design, or a logo, really any visual medium can bring out incredible stories that span languages, cultures, and backgrounds.
I created The Robyn's Nest Designs to be a place where my creativity will be boundless. I am a photographer, illustrator, designer, and dancer, and I am always seeking new ways to create and inspire myself and others.
My mission statement
To capture and celebrate our world's extraordinary beauty and ignite a sense of awe and appreciation within ourselves and others. Through artistry in photography, fine art, dance, and design, I strive to transport individuals to unique destinations, moments, and emotions, fostering a deep connection with the authentic wonders that surround us. With passion and creativity, I aim to inspire a global community to embrace the magic of life, encouraging curiosity, exploration, and a profound appreciation for the beauty that exists all around us.
What I need from you
One thing I am blessed to have as I make this shift is a nurturing and supportive community. You are the cornerstone in my journey to rekindle my creativity, and it is a powerful camaraderie. This is going to be a continuous journey filled with smooth and bumpy roads; it will be an ever-evolving process with constant exploration, a hunger for learning, and an openness to grow.
As I make this shift into my authentic artistic journey, I ask that you walk with me and hold me accountable. You're welcome to donate to my "Fix Robyn's Camera Fund", check out my fineartamerica shop, or book a service of course! What I'm really looking for is to remember that when I am feeling creatively stagnant, the spark I am searching for resides in me. It may be dimmed now, but it can and will shine brightly again. That is why I want to give this an honest try, for myself and others in my circle that I see dimming their lights. I'll be tending to my family and making strides to my most creative, vibrant, authentic life.
Thanks for your support!
I love each and every one of you <3
Comments