wise words...why wait , till, like me, you're 75.don't believe the bullshit I did. However, if you are as old as I am, not worries, start now.After all, are you breathing? then you still have time, you're still important, and we still need your art.
I just wanted to say a wholehearted, 'Thank you', for this. As I'm re-inventing my life at nearly 54 years from absolute scratch, I need these words. I self published a book last year, started painting last June and already braved the gift of having an art show. I'm fighting grief to do this, but I'm determined to keep showing up. I pre-ordered you book to keep your words with me. Wishing you everything you dream coming true. ❤️
This was incredible read... It's like you were in my own brain. Your words are incredibly inspiring, so much so that I wrote a quote down from one of your other substack posts: "I have a fierce trust in my inevitable successes." I have it posted in my cubicle, and your words remind me that I'm at that job to fund my creative passions until I can write full-time. Thank you, wholeheartedly ❤️
So many decisions seem binary, this or that, full time or part time. That's a function of our limbic/survival parts of the brain, which are wired to deal quickly with danger. Being aware when we are feeling that pressure, quieting our reaction, and then tapping into our resourcefulness almost always gives us more choice and agency.
Lawless Family Motto now from my favorite West Wing television scene. Toby “it’s going to be much harder this time around.” Donna “what are we going to do?” Josh “We’re going to do what’s hard!” Hell yes! WE’RE GOING TO DO WHAT’S HARD! Standing with Creatives ... YOU can do this.
There’s both the idea that creatives aren’t “legitimate” unless they’re full time, and the concept of the “starving artist” that’s so pervasive. Like we’re supposed to be full time, but struggling. Definitely can’t be successful or even aiming to make a comfortable life with art. That’s too much. THAT’S not real art. It feels like we can’t win. 😔
You are inspiring! I followed the rules for years and I watched those rules change. Listened while people told me in new ways that I couldn’t have what I wanted, that I was foolish for dreaming. Meanwhile, I worked to put multiple people through college and encouraged them to follow their dreams. I was a good girl, a good wife, a good mom, a good employee, a nice person… and being those things meant I did not give myself what I gave to others. But this wasn’t their fault. Ultimately I was the person who chose to deny myself the opportunity to grow. I don’t know that I can turn my life around but I am trying. I now work for myself but I’m still figuring this whole thing out. (I bought your book and can’t wait to read it.)
Here I am, a fellow “I don’t wanna work some stupid job!” creative who still hasn’t figured out how to make a living without something else on the side. But at least my “on the side “ is commercial writing. It still dances around the creative writing I really want to do (not to mention my painting and other creative pursuits). But now I also get to help authors write their books and that’s incredibly fulfilling. Still…the dream remains:I just want to create full time and not have to be poor.
Thank you Amie! I hope you will inspire many artists who are not doing their art because they are in a “real job” that is most likely draining all their energy and not leaving them any time to pursue what brings them joy.
I am one of them. Luckily for me I am retiring soon and will be doing my art just for the pure joy of it and to nourish my soul.
I wish there was a voice like you 20-30 years ago. Keep doing what you do.
Yes!! This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Parks and Recreation. Ron Swanson advises Leslie Knope -- who is trying to juggle her full-time job while running for local office -- "Don't half-ass two things; whole-ass one thing."
I so want to just do my creative life. This other life is killing me steadily day by day. Thank you for this fresh inspiration to consider how I can make my dream my reality (hard or not hard)
I kid you not, I have had the same words in my head and in my journals for so long. It makes me emotional knowing that I am not the only one after all. We are so many!!!
Thank you Amie, I am waiting for your book I can't wait!!! I decided to go full time one month ago. I am blessed to have the most supportive boyfriend so I can do it. I'm so grateful for what you do Amie for all of us 🙏 💛
wise words...why wait , till, like me, you're 75.don't believe the bullshit I did. However, if you are as old as I am, not worries, start now.After all, are you breathing? then you still have time, you're still important, and we still need your art.
love this: are you breathing? then you still have time.
I just wanted to say a wholehearted, 'Thank you', for this. As I'm re-inventing my life at nearly 54 years from absolute scratch, I need these words. I self published a book last year, started painting last June and already braved the gift of having an art show. I'm fighting grief to do this, but I'm determined to keep showing up. I pre-ordered you book to keep your words with me. Wishing you everything you dream coming true. ❤️
Jenifer Walsh
This was incredible read... It's like you were in my own brain. Your words are incredibly inspiring, so much so that I wrote a quote down from one of your other substack posts: "I have a fierce trust in my inevitable successes." I have it posted in my cubicle, and your words remind me that I'm at that job to fund my creative passions until I can write full-time. Thank you, wholeheartedly ❤️
So many decisions seem binary, this or that, full time or part time. That's a function of our limbic/survival parts of the brain, which are wired to deal quickly with danger. Being aware when we are feeling that pressure, quieting our reaction, and then tapping into our resourcefulness almost always gives us more choice and agency.
Ooooh, that's your book! It's been popping up on my feed so much!
Also, thank you for the article. It's been a good motivation to keep creating 🙌🏻
Lawless Family Motto now from my favorite West Wing television scene. Toby “it’s going to be much harder this time around.” Donna “what are we going to do?” Josh “We’re going to do what’s hard!” Hell yes! WE’RE GOING TO DO WHAT’S HARD! Standing with Creatives ... YOU can do this.
There’s both the idea that creatives aren’t “legitimate” unless they’re full time, and the concept of the “starving artist” that’s so pervasive. Like we’re supposed to be full time, but struggling. Definitely can’t be successful or even aiming to make a comfortable life with art. That’s too much. THAT’S not real art. It feels like we can’t win. 😔
Thank you for this post. 💚
You are inspiring! I followed the rules for years and I watched those rules change. Listened while people told me in new ways that I couldn’t have what I wanted, that I was foolish for dreaming. Meanwhile, I worked to put multiple people through college and encouraged them to follow their dreams. I was a good girl, a good wife, a good mom, a good employee, a nice person… and being those things meant I did not give myself what I gave to others. But this wasn’t their fault. Ultimately I was the person who chose to deny myself the opportunity to grow. I don’t know that I can turn my life around but I am trying. I now work for myself but I’m still figuring this whole thing out. (I bought your book and can’t wait to read it.)
Here I am, a fellow “I don’t wanna work some stupid job!” creative who still hasn’t figured out how to make a living without something else on the side. But at least my “on the side “ is commercial writing. It still dances around the creative writing I really want to do (not to mention my painting and other creative pursuits). But now I also get to help authors write their books and that’s incredibly fulfilling. Still…the dream remains:I just want to create full time and not have to be poor.
Thank you for being a warrior goddess for creatives everywhere! You inspire me everyday and I am so grateful for your courage and creative advocacy!
Creativity is the currency of the new future. The world badly needs more people to see this. Create your Life As Art. No other way. 🔥
Thank you Amie! I hope you will inspire many artists who are not doing their art because they are in a “real job” that is most likely draining all their energy and not leaving them any time to pursue what brings them joy.
I am one of them. Luckily for me I am retiring soon and will be doing my art just for the pure joy of it and to nourish my soul.
I wish there was a voice like you 20-30 years ago. Keep doing what you do.
I pre ordered your book, can’t wait to read it!
Yes!! This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Parks and Recreation. Ron Swanson advises Leslie Knope -- who is trying to juggle her full-time job while running for local office -- "Don't half-ass two things; whole-ass one thing."
I so want to just do my creative life. This other life is killing me steadily day by day. Thank you for this fresh inspiration to consider how I can make my dream my reality (hard or not hard)
I kid you not, I have had the same words in my head and in my journals for so long. It makes me emotional knowing that I am not the only one after all. We are so many!!!
Thank you Amie, I am waiting for your book I can't wait!!! I decided to go full time one month ago. I am blessed to have the most supportive boyfriend so I can do it. I'm so grateful for what you do Amie for all of us 🙏 💛
WOW I loved every word of this, we need more people creating their own lives filled with art and soul. Thank you for your fire!