04 July 2010

Getting Back on Track...

I’ve been battling with creative self-doubt. I find myself sitting with numerous containers of beads around me second guessing myself about what colours, hues, and shapes to combine. Ahhhhh!!!
I decided to break it down a bit to get to the source of the problem…

I love composition and have no problems coming up with designs (in fact sometimes I wake up and have to hurriedly sketch ideas down while still fresh in my mind), and I’m totally confident with technique (practice, practice, practice!).

But for some reason, when I come to sit down and bring the sketches to life, surrounded by a dozen or so bead storage trays, I’ve started to doubt myself…”hmm.. maybe I should use the Swarovski pearls instead of freshwater”… “would it have more impact if I used red tones “..

I think not having a designated ‘work space’ is half the problem, my lounge floor tends to be my creation area and it may allow me to sit cross-legged in a cosy warm, family-filled environment, but it sure doesn’t help efficiency!!

So, I’ve decided I will make the following resolutions to get myself back on track:

1. I will select certain designs and stick to making those (and only those) until they are finished.

2. I will trust my 1st instincts with colourways.

3. I will give myself 10 minutes (timed!) to pick out the majority of beads I’m going to use for a big piece. 5 minutes for anything smaller.

4. I will create at the dining table (still in the lounge but one colour (unlike our stunning ‘80s carpet), and therefore less likely to cause visual overload and lost beads!)

5. I will have a ‘destash’ on trademe. There are some beads and findings I’ve had awhile that really don’t inspire me and I’m unlikely to ever use, but I bet they will be treasures to someone else .


How about all you other creative peeps out there – have you ever had this problem? Do you have any tips you’d like to share?

(I’ll let you know how my resolutions go on my Wildflower blog in a couple of weeks!)

(Mel - Wildflower Designs)

5 comments:

  1. I think its a great idea to go with your first instinct. If I have a good idea I tend to make 6 of them at one time, this then allows for a bit of "stock" to develop, just in case a weekend market, or craft fair comes up. Just love your first design, cheers Marie

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  2. I am constantly riddled with self doubt... but I think it is just part of being a creative soul and I think we need it every now and again.

    I like your list of five things to get yourself back on track... sounds like a good plan.

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  3. I'm having a massive case of this at the moment. Usually I just wait it out, and keep my half done canvases where I can walk past them so my subconscious stays on the case, but I like your idea of a list of actions to help yourself out of it. Might give that a go! Lovely website too. :)

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  4. It is encouraging, if a little surprising, to see that you too have periods of self-doubt and second-guessing yourself on your designs, I'm forever doing that, but usually find that after hours of faffing around its that first idea I had which is the one I go back to! Having a dedicated space to work in is also really helping me and I'm sure having your table to work at will be the same. Love the idea of the list!

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  5. Self doubt goes with the territory unfortunately..go with your instincts and you will be fine:)
    x

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