photo
(via Balzer Designs: Art Journal Every Day: Let Go of Expectations) Here are some ways to help you let go of expectations: Narrow your focus.  Instead of thinking of the end result, think about what you want to accomplish in the next few minutes.  For example: I want to use this stencil. Follow the shiny ball.  What does that mean?  When something interesting flits across your line of sight or through your mind, follow it.  Take that detour. Walk away.  I often find that the pieces I hate the most are the ones where I was relentlessly pushing and pushing and pushing and overworking my art.  Sometimes taking a break and coming back another day with fresh eyes is just the ticket. Do something to purposely ruin it.  Rip it.  Cover it with paint.  Ruin it.  Gasp.  It works.  It makes you less afraid.  And forces you to let go of your expectations. Don’t compare yourself to others.  Maybe I should say that again: don’t compare yourself to others.  As Dr. Seuss has taught us, “No one is youer than you.”  Art journaling is not a competition. Make art every day.  When making art becomes part of your daily routine it really takes the pressure off.  Release that valve by taking ten minutes a day to do something artistic. The next time you sit down to create, try not to think about where you’re going.  Focus on where you are right now and enjoy it!  Whatever’s next will come.  Exist in the moment, being true to yourself.  Kind of works for life too, don’t you think?

(via Balzer Designs: Art Journal Every Day: Let Go of Expectations)

Here are some ways to help you let go of expectations:

  • Narrow your focus.  Instead of thinking of the end result, think about what you want to accomplish in the next few minutes.  For example: I want to use this stencil.
  • Follow the shiny ball.  What does that mean?  When something interesting flits across your line of sight or through your mind, follow it.  Take that detour.
  • Walk away.  I often find that the pieces I hate the most are the ones where I was relentlessly pushing and pushing and pushing and overworking my art.  Sometimes taking a break and coming back another day with fresh eyes is just the ticket.
  • Do something to purposely ruin it.  Rip it.  Cover it with paint.  Ruin it.  Gasp.  It works.  It makes you less afraid.  And forces you to let go of your expectations.
  • Don’t compare yourself to others.  Maybe I should say that again: don’t compare yourself to others.  As Dr. Seuss has taught us, “No one is youer than you.”  Art journaling is not a competition.
  • Make art every day.  When making art becomes part of your daily routine it really takes the pressure off.  Release that valve by taking ten minutes a day to do something artistic.

The next time you sit down to create, try not to think about where you’re going.  Focus on where you are right now and enjoy it!  Whatever’s next will come.  Exist in the moment, being true to yourself.  Kind of works for life too, don’t you think?