Hello, Fellow Creators!
Creativity can be a frustrating journey.
What do I mean by creativity? One of my favorite definitions is from the Encyclopedia Britannica:
The ability to make or otherwise bring into existence something new, whether a new solution to a problem, a new method or device, or a new artistic object or form.
Since childhood, I’ve encountered many kinds of the challenges and setbacks that come with creative pursuits. I’ve yet to find solutions to keep them permanently at bay. However, I continually find or invent strategies that allow me to keep going and not let them destroy this precious part of my life.
My hope is my newsletters will help you do the same.
Dealing with doubts about your ability to be creative? Myths and misconceptions stubbornly persist about where creativity comes from and how to know whether you have it. Perfectionism and comparison maim the efforts of even celebrated authors, musicians, dancers, painters, photographers, and other imaginative souls.
We’ll talk about what a creative mindset looks like and how to build and protect it.
Not sure what to create? Perhaps you have many interests, and picking just one to explore more deeply is difficult. Maybe you’ve run out of inspiration in what you’re pursuing now. Or you just want to switch gears for a while.
As it turns out, cross-pollination with other endeavors can do wonders for your imagination.
Can’t find the time or space to create? Taking care of yourself and loved ones, managing a job or business to earn a living, and handling the daily mess of life can be overwhelming.
We’ll talk about ways to get the time and space you need, including how to work with what you have.
Are you able to simply go to your workspace and just begin? No fuss, no muss?
If you are, that’s fabulous! You’re now my idol.
If you are frustrated or, worse, discouraged, you’ll find help here.
Every new craft, type of art, or even house or work project I’ve done never clicked until I figured out a workable setup. Making things was just labor until being more organized turned each new endeavor into a labor of love. Here, over time, you’ll learn how to:
Organize your creative space, time, resources, and
Have what you need at hand when you need it, and
Maintain #1 and #2 so your creative flow happens as much as possible.
About MAS: I’m an experienced creator…
My perspective comes from decades of making things—and making mistakes—when following my passions:
Writer (newspaper, magazine, and newsletter articles, op-ed pieces, stories, poetry, memoir-in-progress, short stories, journals, website content, presentations).
Sewist (my own clothes, quilts, household decorations).
Artist (watercolors, acrylics, ink, markers, mixed media, collage).
Photographer (film and digital).
Calligrapher/hand lettering (wedding invitations, quotes, word art).
Bookbinder (Coptic, Japanese stab, and tortoise bindings; sketchbook and art journal maker).
Ceramics dabbler.
Needlework (counted cross-stitch, crochet, sashiko, embroidery, knitting).
Business trainer (classes and seminars).
Computer programming (large corporate systems, websites).
…with a geek’s love for details.
I’ve learned a LOT about being organized from many disciplines. My experiences may help you get past creative bumps or hurdles you’re facing.
The plan.
It’s one thing to tackle something alone. Having a tribe of like-minded souls to connect with adds so much more to the journey.
There will always be a robust and free version of my newsletter. You can expect it to arrive every Friday.
In a little while, I will launch a paid subscription option. Paid subscribers will be able to comment on each Friday’s newsletter and on others’ comments. They’ll also be able to read/comment on additional special posts I’ll create just for them.
Paid subscribers will also have occasional access to Substack’s chat function. Chat can happen in real time and allows posters to include images in their comments. More on that later.
I’ll be experimenting with the comment and chat functions through March 2023. Free subscribers may see the functions come and go during that time. I encourage you to try them out. Thank you for your patience with this.
I hope you’ll help me stitch creativity + CN subscribers into a thriving community!
Why subscribe?
Because you want to stop struggling and juggling to be able to make your art. You want to save time, reduce frustration, and make it easier to dive in and create your heart out.
Because you don’t want to miss anything. Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox.
Because you want even more. Creativity Nation is starting out with a free subscription to explore this space. More options will become available when paid subscriptions are offered.
Thanks for reading!
—Mary Anne Shew (@maryanneshew)
