Studio Friday: Fear
Today's Studio friday topic is fear:
"I have been away from Studio Friday for a while, and I really struggled with the toot your own horn topic. It actually made me do some free-writing and I thought of another topic that might be helpful for some of the studio friday artists: Fear."
I couldn't resist posting this lighthearted picture to bring a little humor to such a serious topic.
I think as artists we all struggle with the fear of rejection. When you create something with your own hands you feel that there is a part of you in that piece of art. If others reject it it feels like they are rejecting you. Obviously, we all know that what we create will not suit everyone's taste but it is a constant struggle to keep embracing the compliments and letting go of the negative feedback. Personally I think through the negative feedback to see if there is any truth to it and then try to let it go. Sometimes I am successful and sometimes I'm not.
I have other fears too. Will I be able to keep up as things get busier and busier? Will I have enough product for the show next week? Will I still be able to run my company successfully with more children? Am I spending enough time with my husband or am I working too much? Should I spend the money for the advertising? Should I do more shows?
The list really goes on and on. I found a great series at eMoms at Home that has helped me a lot. I especially like the post Overcoming Obstacles versus Untapped Potential. It talks about what is keeping you from obtaining your bsuiness goals (like fear) and how to overcome it.
A community of support is so important in dealing with your own fears and insecurities. Head on over and give all the Studio Friday ladies your love and support!
Hey, you are certainly doing a great job balancing it all. I am in the middle of frantically getting ready for a number of upcoming shows myself: nerve-wracking! Adorable photo, that is just how I feel very often, maybe a little scared but not going to back down.
Posted by: n.b. | October 17, 2006 at 02:38 PM
What a great post. I love this foto, so cute. I usually try to overcome my fear with art.
Posted by: Anke | October 15, 2006 at 06:30 AM
Thanks for post, I totally relate and love the link to emoms. Very useful! I have bookmarked it and plan to read it thoroughly later. :)
Posted by: Jan | October 14, 2006 at 09:12 AM
Hey Shar, great post. I have been there so many times...
Question for you, do you make silver leaf earrings? I have a friend that is looking for some, she saw Jennifer Aniston wear some in her latest movie. My friend saw me in your gold leaf necklace and LOVED it.
Posted by: Carrie-Shoji | October 14, 2006 at 07:42 AM
You couldn't have hit closer to home for me! Owning a business myself, fear is almost a daily emotion. It's not easy leading staff when you are frightened. Just yesterday I thought, "What kind of a leader am I? Horrible." It's nice to see I'm not alone and I'll definitely go to those links.
Posted by: Dawn | October 13, 2006 at 02:41 PM
This is so true!! sometimes don't think I can win as I am frightened of every outcome!!
Ouissi x
Posted by: Ouissi | October 13, 2006 at 01:24 PM
Sharing the love, and the fears...I am with you! xo
Posted by: Carrie Sommer | October 13, 2006 at 10:16 AM
Wow! you posted about some stuff I didnt even think about! Sure brings a new light to the topic for me. I wonder about those things a lot as well but didn't really catagorise them as fears but rather as 'worries'..
Great take on the topic!
your daughter is 100% SWEETNESS!
~Gabi
Posted by: Gabi | October 13, 2006 at 09:36 AM
You bring up such good points! Thanks for the links to some places to check out for us!! Hope you have enough stuff for you next show!! :)
Posted by: Tracie | October 13, 2006 at 08:17 AM