If you knew that your art would support your life, how would you live?
What a question.
First, you have to define what your art is. It’s different for everyone, but I think, universally, it’s deeply fulfilling. You often question why you don’t express it more often. You’re afraid to put it out into the world. As you’re creating it, you get into this zone of laser-like focus and have trouble emerging from it.
Then, you have to make room for it in your life. Is it your full-time job? Is it something you pursue in your free time? How do you make time for it? The only sure thing is it needs to exist. It can’t be great, and the artist can’t fully benefit, if it’s not fully expressed.
I am very fortunate that in many ways, I think my art does support my life, financially, physically and emotionally. I consider my art telling stories…through video, with words and graphics, among friends. I do it at my full-time job through highlights, story ideas, and working with producers on compelling ways to present storylines. I do it here, trying to make sure my writing is never boring and always authentic. I do it on Twitter, following interesting and funny people, and getting inspired by what they share.
The other part of the question: how would you live?
Unapologetically. Full of life. Wanting to share my passion with others and helping them find/pursue their art, too. With laser-like focus. Open to all possibilities and opportunities.
I’d like to think I live all of those ways to a small degree. I’m pretty reasoned and carefully think about all my options and keeping them open, sometimes to a fault. I’m still afraid, sometimes, to put my art out there, for fear of criticism from others who ultimately don’t matter. I love helping other people, asking them what they really love to do, and giving them advice on how to do it more often. Living without apologies is something I work on everyday and continue to get better at. I’m more independent and comfortable withwho I am.
All in all, my art supports me by fulfilling my need to create, share and express what I’m passionate about.
What’s your art? How do you express it? How do you make room for it? Let me know in the comments.
This post was inspired by a prompt from Doniree Walker. Want to be inspired, too? Click here to for more details. Note: I’m an affiliate of Doniree’s, because I think she’s fantastic. I wouldn’t vouch for something that I didn’t think would help you, too 
