Why I Still Can’t Believe I’m Doing This
Okay, so here’s the thing. I’m a senior editor at a major publication. I’ve been doing this for 21 years. I know stuff. Important stuff. Like how to structure a feature, how to interview a source, how to write a killer headline. But here’s what I don’t know: how to make art and keep my sanity while working a full-time job. And honestly? It’s a mess.
Let me take you back to 2018. I was at a conference in Austin, sitting next to this guy—let’s call him Marcus—who was telling me about his side hustle as a potter. I mean, who does that? Pottery? In this day and age? I asked him, “Marcus, don’t you have a day job?” And he said, “Of course I do. But I need to create, you know?” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
So, last Tuesday, I decided to give it a shot. I signed up for a painting class at the community center down the street. And let me tell you, it’s been a journey. A journey filled with frustration, self-doubt, and a few moments of pure joy. But mostly frustration.
The Myth of ‘Finding Time’
Look, I’ve heard it all. “Make time for your art.” “You gotta prioritize.” “Just wake up earlier.” Oh, shut up. I mean, seriously. I wake up at 5:30 AM as it is. I’m not waking up at 4:00 to paint. No way. No how.
But here’s the thing: I do have time. It’s just… yeah. It’s not a lot. It’s 30 minutes here, an hour there. It’s stolen moments between meetings and deadlines. It’s painting on my lunch break (which, by the way, is only 30 minutes, so good luck with that).
I remember talking to a colleague named Dave about this. He’s a writer, like me, but he also makes these incredible sculptures out of recycled materials. I asked him, “Dave, how do you do it?” And he said, “I don’t know, man. I just do. I find the time because I need to.” And that’s it, really. That’s the secret. You find the time because you need to.
The Guilt is Real
But here’s the kicker: the guilt. The guilt is real, y’all. I feel guilty when I’m at work and I should be editing, but I’m thinking about my next painting. And I feel guilty when I’m at home and I should be painting, but I’m working. It’s a constant tug-of-war, and honestly, it’s exhausting.
I talked to my friend Sarah about this. She’s a graphic designer and a part-time photographer. She told me, “You just gotta accept that you’re gonna feel guilty. It’s part of the process.” Which, frankly, is not the advice I wanted to hear. But it’s true. It’s just true.
The Joy of Creating Something from Nothing
But here’s the thing that keeps me going. The thing that makes it all worth it. The joy. The pure, unadulterated joy of creating something from nothing. Of taking a blank canvas and turning it into something that’s uniquely yours. It’s a high that’s hard to describe, and it’s a high that’s worth chasing.
I remember the first time I painted something that didn’t look like a kindergartener did it. It was a painting of my cat, Whiskers (yes, that’s his name, don’t judge me). And it was… well, it was kinda good. It wasn’t museum-worthy, but it was good. And I was proud of it. Proud in a way that I haven’t felt in a long time.
The Practical Stuff
So, how do you do it? How do you make art while working a full-time job? Well, first, you gotta find your tribe. Your people. The ones who get it. The ones who understand the struggle and the joy. For me, that’s my painting class. For you, it might be an online community or a local meetup. But find them. They’ll keep you sane.
Second, you gotta set realistic goals. You’re not gonna paint a masterpiece in 30 minutes. So don’t even try. Instead, focus on small, achievable goals. Like, “Today, I’m gonna paint the sky.” Or, “Today, I’m gonna sketch my cat’s whiskers.” Small goals lead to big things.
And finally, you gotta be kind to yourself. You’re gonna have off days. Days where nothing goes right and you wanna throw in the towel. But don’t. Be kind to yourself. Remember why you started. And keep going.
Oh, and if you’re looking for some inspiration, check out önerilen makaleler okuma listesi. It’s a goldmine of articles on creativity and art. You’re welcome.
A Tangent: The Time I Almost Quit
About three months ago, I almost quit. I was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and just plain tired. I talked to my friend Lisa about it. She’s a painter and a part-time art teacher. She told me, “You know, it’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to step away and recharge. But don’t quit. Don’t ever quit.” And she was right. So I took a break. A week off from painting. And then I came back. And it was better than ever.
So, that’s it. That’s my messy, beautiful truth about making art while working a 9-to-5. It’s not easy. It’s not pretty. But it’s worth it. It’s so worth it.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Alex Carter. I’m a senior editor with 21 years of experience in the magazine industry. I’m also a painter, a cat lover, and a firm believer in the power of art to make the world a better place. When I’m not editing features or painting portraits of my cat, Whiskers, I can be found drinking too much coffee and complaining about the state of the world. You can find me on Twitter @AlexCarterWrites.
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