Creative Process tips for artists who are compelled to work on alot of different projects simultaneously
Every once in awhile, I need to get a birds eye perspective on my creative garden
Ideally I’m doing this process quarterly, though sometimes It happens when I’m neck deep in the stride of multiple efforts simultaneously- problem solving and project managing several dynamic realms, keeping the balance the best I can when suddenly….
Something goes slightly off course.
Hmmmm
Wtf happened?
It’s usually not one thing that causes this, but an accumulation of multiple subtle conscious or unconscious decisions…..
That’s when I know it’s time to slow down and take perspective.
I make time for a CEO/ Muse Renewal day, and look at each project individually while asking myself things like:
- What’s going well?
- what’s not working optimally?
- what’s feeling tense in my body?
- what about this do I love?
- is there support I need that I can ask for?
- what can be delegated, and what do they need from me to be successful?
- do I have the bandwidth to receive, reciprocate and be in relationship with the support I’m asking for?
- is there something that needs to be communicated?
- does this still inspire me?
- is there a decision that needs to be made? What information do I need to make a good decision?
- what am I motivated by?
- is this still aligned with my long term legacy?
- how have I changed since I started this project?
- do I need to pause, alter my course, or let anything go?
- what else is here for me to consider?
After I’ve done this for each project I ask:
- what are themes and patterns that I’m noticing across all my projects?
- what stories am I telling myself?
- where am I moving from?
- what can I do differently in my role as creative lead to generate more nourishing and inspiring conditions for these projects to grow?
-What’s needed for flow?
- what’s still mine to do and what isn’t?
I’m about to head into Q4, and these are a few of the questions I’ll be going through as I review, refresh, and tune into the multiple-dimensions of my creative mandala.
I hope you find some of these tools helpful for your own creative life gardens.
(Pictured here taking in a birdseye view of crater lake- a reflection of the mirror that is creative process.)
For more seasonal tips on creative process, check out my workshop ‘Spark In The Dark’ below :)