Thank you so much for sharing your process for your accordion book. All of your work is brilliant and fun. I love your ability to join the written word with hand created images and artwork. As a fellow Type A and working as an artist and illustrator I can relate to the difficulty in trusting the process - it's so hard. Thank you for sharing and showing and reminding artists and others that one has to put the work in to reach the desired outcome. So often people just see the end product and don't see how much work has gone into something. I've noticed many children are brilliant at trusting the process and experimenting unencumbered. It's so important (even if difficult) to remember to play and have fun with the work. It often leads to the best outcome! I look forward to seeing your future projects.
Thanks so much for reading, Erin. Having fun is the hardest part of the process for me -- remembering to loosen up, enjoy the process, and not be so focused on the outcome. I'm working hard to recapture joy in my work, something that definitely isn't emphasized enough.
It was so reassuring the number of thumbnail sketches you made! You are an authentic soul and as someone who meanders on the journey at times, you remind me that all steps are fruitful. ^_* Here's to a bigger desk!
Amazing how you're able to blend personal emotional journey with the technical details. What a brilliant and nurturing mind and voice you have, Meera! Thank you!
Loved this! I am in no way creative, an artist or a write but find such joy in your work. Seeing the process from start to finish gives me a better understand and deeper appreciation and awe to my fav artists out there. The poem made tear up & the whole process is an encouragement boost that I can take into other parts of my life. Show up, do the work, and see what happens. Thank you!!
Thank you for showing us insight into your creative process and highlighting how key it is to trust the process. Interesting to read that the illustration
part of your work is the one that feels less natural!
I love reading your newsletter. They act as a soothing balm in the daily hustle bustle and make me move to your workshop where i can see all the artwork happening in peace. You illustrate everything so beautifully.
This is exceptional and glows with power, integrity, sensitivity and tender insight. There is so much to admire here that speaks directly to your unique creative abilities - Bravo! this brightened my day considerably.... I also liked your notion of 'reservoirs of energy in your response to another commenter...
Meera, wow. I so enjoyed learning about your process. The way you interrupted your own rhythm by letting the words come last is inspiring me to think of other avenues to find my own words as a writer. What other ways can I shake them loose? How can I engage a different, more uncomfortable mode in order to find a different entry point to my art? These are the questions that are swirling around in my head now - and I have you to thank for them. Keep creating the beauty that you do - I'm cheering you on from the stands!
Yes! I'm reluctant to try new processes or to experiment, sticking to what I know feels much easier -- but shaking it up has shown me that creativity is restless...and found in new, uncomfortable places.
Hello. I finished an early morning zoom stretch yoga class and picked up my phone to find your lovely post greeting me on substack. So, with my first cup of glorious hot coffee on this cloudy cold March morning, you lovely post on the creative process greeted me. Thank you.
Your description of the creative writing/ story process especially resonated with me, this morning. It was truthful, and hopeful. Keep writing and drawing.
Your calendar walks with me each day in my “Art teacher and Librarian” school bag. I teach K-3 Art and just this year added Library story and check out time to my days. Thank you for the encouragement from another “Creative” with many stories to tell.
Thank you so much for sharing your process for your accordion book. All of your work is brilliant and fun. I love your ability to join the written word with hand created images and artwork. As a fellow Type A and working as an artist and illustrator I can relate to the difficulty in trusting the process - it's so hard. Thank you for sharing and showing and reminding artists and others that one has to put the work in to reach the desired outcome. So often people just see the end product and don't see how much work has gone into something. I've noticed many children are brilliant at trusting the process and experimenting unencumbered. It's so important (even if difficult) to remember to play and have fun with the work. It often leads to the best outcome! I look forward to seeing your future projects.
Thanks so much for reading, Erin. Having fun is the hardest part of the process for me -- remembering to loosen up, enjoy the process, and not be so focused on the outcome. I'm working hard to recapture joy in my work, something that definitely isn't emphasized enough.
Hello dear Meera,
It was so reassuring the number of thumbnail sketches you made! You are an authentic soul and as someone who meanders on the journey at times, you remind me that all steps are fruitful. ^_* Here's to a bigger desk!
<3 <3
Amazing how you're able to blend personal emotional journey with the technical details. What a brilliant and nurturing mind and voice you have, Meera! Thank you!
Thank you, Allison! <3
Loved this! I am in no way creative, an artist or a write but find such joy in your work. Seeing the process from start to finish gives me a better understand and deeper appreciation and awe to my fav artists out there. The poem made tear up & the whole process is an encouragement boost that I can take into other parts of my life. Show up, do the work, and see what happens. Thank you!!
<3 <3
Thank you for showing us insight into your creative process and highlighting how key it is to trust the process. Interesting to read that the illustration
part of your work is the one that feels less natural!
I love reading your newsletter. They act as a soothing balm in the daily hustle bustle and make me move to your workshop where i can see all the artwork happening in peace. You illustrate everything so beautifully.
Thank you, Kanika!
This is exceptional and glows with power, integrity, sensitivity and tender insight. There is so much to admire here that speaks directly to your unique creative abilities - Bravo! this brightened my day considerably.... I also liked your notion of 'reservoirs of energy in your response to another commenter...
Thanks so much for reading, Scott. :]
Meera, wow. I so enjoyed learning about your process. The way you interrupted your own rhythm by letting the words come last is inspiring me to think of other avenues to find my own words as a writer. What other ways can I shake them loose? How can I engage a different, more uncomfortable mode in order to find a different entry point to my art? These are the questions that are swirling around in my head now - and I have you to thank for them. Keep creating the beauty that you do - I'm cheering you on from the stands!
Hi Avani,
Yes! I'm reluctant to try new processes or to experiment, sticking to what I know feels much easier -- but shaking it up has shown me that creativity is restless...and found in new, uncomfortable places.
Thank you so much for sharing your process. It makes me even more excited about receiving it. I ordered one yesterday. Thanks again!
Thank you for sharing this authentic process of creation. Beautiful reminder...
Hello. I finished an early morning zoom stretch yoga class and picked up my phone to find your lovely post greeting me on substack. So, with my first cup of glorious hot coffee on this cloudy cold March morning, you lovely post on the creative process greeted me. Thank you.
Your description of the creative writing/ story process especially resonated with me, this morning. It was truthful, and hopeful. Keep writing and drawing.
Your calendar walks with me each day in my “Art teacher and Librarian” school bag. I teach K-3 Art and just this year added Library story and check out time to my days. Thank you for the encouragement from another “Creative” with many stories to tell.
Blessings. Rosie 🌹
Hi Rosie,
How lucky your students are to have you! Thanks so much for reading and these supportive words. I'm so glad this post resonated with you. <3