Get It Out There/Drop Those Jewels

Creating something can be a difficult endeavor, letting go of it so others can experience it can be even more difficult. If it isn’t a journal entry, you have to prep yourself for your creation to be in the eyes/hands/ears/hearts of others. 

What’s even more disconcerting about this step in the process, is that once it is out there, it is no longer ours. We created it. We may profit from it. But our audience, the people who will form relationships with and to our work will own it in a very unique and personal way. You did your job, let the audience do theirs, and don’t get too hung up about it. 

Easier said than done. I know. 

Tools/Assignments:

Produce two (2) things per month, for three (3) months and offer each and every one of  them to the public. The easiest way to do this is in blog form or TUMBLR, AO3 (for the geeky/nerdy set), or your social media. I understand that this is easier for certain art forms than others. The goal isn’t to be prolific, but to get into the rhythm of creating and releasing to the public, and being able to ask for and receive feedback in a healthy way. Not refreshing the page every couple of minutes to see what people are saying about what you’ve done. But reading and incorporating the feedback you agree with. Nothing will humble you more—and make you better at your craft—than good and honest feedback. No ad hominem zone. 

Another way to approach this is when you’ve completed a thing, make a release/distribution strategy part of your creative process. It looks like this: Your thing is done. Now ask yourself the following questions:  ‘Who is this for? How will it help them? Where do they “hang out?” What’s the best way to get this to them? Who can help me get this to them? When do I want them to have it?’ This is a rudimentary distribution plan. 

You got this. I believe in you. You deserve all the success—-but you won’t be successful if you don’t get it out there. 

Until next season. 

Peace. 

ST