Comments on: Creative tips to work like a pro

By: Angela Bordio

Angela Bordio — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 02:14:52 +0000

This piece was informative and had a nice, gentle way of guiding the reader through your points.

By: amberley

amberley — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:47:52 +0000

In reply to Ann. Hello Ann, it's Steven Pressfield’s book – The War of Art. Best wishes, Amberley from TextileArtist.org

By: Ann

Ann — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 19:59:01 +0000

Hi, which is ‘the’ book that everyone is referring to in these comments ? There seem to be a lot of books mentioned.
Thanks

By: ilan

ilan — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 14:50:29 +0000

Your words have a way of uplifting my spirits and restoring my faith in humanity.

By: Tracy

Tracy — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 16:30:17 +0000

Really appreciated these articles. I’ve felt stuck for ages, far too much procrastination & sabotage. I hope to re-start with the regular / daily discipline of play time & see where it leads. Thank you all

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 04:23:06 +0000

In reply to Caz. I often got accussed by my parents of wasting time playing with fabric, & spending to much time on my hobby, when I had more important things to do. It in a way drove me underground, to this day I hide anything I'm doing & don't show it to anyone.I wish I could feel better about what I'm doing, those voices are hard to escape.

By: Maritza Ruth Burgos

Maritza Ruth Burgos — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 07:58:32 +0000

Oh my, woke up this Monday feeling like I need to find a way to get going with all the creative projects swirling around my head ,but feeling stuck ,Why? ,what am i waiting for?, the “right moment”, the perfect space to work in”, and all the other self proclaimed obstacles, …”after I do the spring cleaning, after i do the cooking, etc etc…
Then I found myself reading this article and it was as if my thoughts had jumped into this amazing room, filled with fellow travellers,all asking similar questions, all on a similar quest.
I realise that the so called “obstacles” to my creative journey are my way to avoid dissapointng myself,What if the idea in my head is not transferable,the outcome is not what I expected?, What if Im not “good enough…dont know enough…”. Then reading all the comments,responses on this page ,an epiphany of sorts, my creativity is not about meeting expected standards or artistic rules, is about SELF EXPRESSION, using whatever tools,skills I have aquired and most importantly, the LEARNING process, which should never end, so as I prepare to put thoughts and ideas into visible forms, I am giving myself permission to Experiment, to succedd or to “fail” and then try again.
No set rules,no self limiting doubts,just courage to DO.
Thank you for your wonderful community and always inspiring articles.
Written on a cool end of Autumn afternoon in Melbourne ,Australia

By: Gaye Brodie

Gaye Brodie — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 02:22:22 +0000

I have just read the article. It was fantastically written and provided much food for thought. As I ticked off the modes of ‘Resistance’, what I realised was that Yes to be a professional takes time, activity and not just wishful thinking!! Also, I am not alone with these modes of inaction and a decision needs to be made today professional? or hobbyist? Thank you Joe and now to work!!

By: Louisa

Louisa — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 19:03:11 +0000

Hi Joe,
I feel might be a bit ‘late to the feast’ , as you wrote this article so long ago. I felt I must reply as I loved what you had written and it resonated with me on many levels. I been a theatrical Costumier for many years and earn my living now as a bespoke dressmaker. I’m very fortunate that I have been able to use my skills to support my family and home. However, as a single parent I have had to put aside my personal creativity to realise my clients wishes, and this has resulted in a huge frustration. I took a long time to understand what was missing in my life – I needed to be able to listen to my own voice and my own creativity. So I am finally taking steps to find a way to do this through my textile art.
But I understood your article on another level too, as I was ( and very very occasionally still am) a professional actor. I always struggled with the concept that I was my product. I hated that , it completely tapped into my ( common in actors ) insecurity and actually stopped me pushing forward on occasion. After retraining as a costume interpreter I found a marvellous freedom . I had no problem promoting my work…. i could find the distance to let the work stand as a piece on its own. I wasn’t taking any comments as a personal criticism. So, your words gave me a wry smile of recognition.
I love this site! You have created a wonderful resource and I am so grateful. Thank you.

By: ilona

ilona — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 08:55:28 +0000

Fantastic article, thank you. I think I have always had an artistic mind, it’s just that I didn’t have time to explore it while I was working. Long hours and stressful job. I retired nine years ago and and have found a love for textile and mixed media art. Having worked at it for nine years I am at last ready for my first exhibition in a weeks time. I have 36 pieces to show, whether I sell any or not it doesn’t matter. I will be there to greet people and answer any questions. If I sell a few pieces that will be a bonus.