The Creativity Series on decor8 resumes…Tip #4 is: Develop a Positive Support System. I’m not sure if I can accurately convey how much I needed to hear this tip today, so being a little lazy, I am going to paste my comment from the post below. I recommend reading Holly and guest blogger Marisa’s post first then come back to read the rest of my post. I subscribe to the comment feed on this series as well so that I can read everyone else’s comments via email, I don’t  want to miss anything!

My comment:

I’m glad I forced myself check this post (for tip#4) after work today, even though I felt tired…I have been thinking about my own support system for about the last week. Or, basically the lack of one. Except for when I am at my job, I am a very introverted person. I started my blog just recently (in November) hoping to find a community of like-minded artists and as a catalyst for my own creativity. I feel it has been successful on both counts and I am so happy it is a part of my life now. Unfortunately, when people (we’ll call them “organics” …I’ve heard that word 3 times today in reference to non-computer interaction) find out about my blog through conversation (“so, what are you currently working on?”) they want to know why I do it, how many readers I have, and if it makes me any money. I think the money question is what bothers me most. Does something you really enjoy doing have to make you money? And, when you explain you don’t do it for profit does that negate any real value it has?

I started blogging because I recognized a need; a void in my life that I could take upon myself to fill with creative stimuli, a feeling of community and connectedness with other creatives and yes, hopefully, friendships. I see my blog as a positive place for me to occupy, cultivate ideas and share with others. But when the reaction you get from “organics” is “it seems like a waste of time” or “who are you? nobody even reads it.(with a joking tone)” It can be discouraging. I think that is why I felt tired today when I got home, but after reading the post I feel like I have intuitively found the right path and that I can continue, proudly, to participate, contribute and blog, blog, blog. Positive things, bring more positive things into our lives and I truely believe that the connections I make online will blossom into meaningful “organic” relationships. Thanks so very much for this post Holly and Marisa.

I do admit I am lacking in the positive support system department but it’s up to me to get out there and make more connections (online and in person) All good things come with time.

[artwork © Aimee Elizabeth McEwen 2009]