Creative Director: Feedback
I Create: Creative Director of My Life.
Doubt can creep in many times, in many ways.
Regarding my own art, I’ve had many urges to ask other people’s opinions. To seek feedback. And I have asked, in certain times. But I’ve been learning when not to ask.
Here’s what I learned:
When I have asked, some feedback that came back didn’t feel right. Some ideas were suggested, and when I did take the suggestion, it didn’t feel ‘me,’ it didn’t sit right. I learned to know what this feels like and pay attention to it. Or, along the same vein, there have been times when I was kind of basing some decisions around what I thought others might like or excluding things that I didn’t think would be popular. I was making assumptions.
I think I’ve gotten better at pinpointing when a decision is coming from these places. I’ve also noticed that, actually, what resonates with me more, will be the ‘truth’ and more ‘me’ so I have to honour that. Being ‘Me’ will resonate.
So now, when those times come up that I feel tempted, that I should bounce these ideas and thoughts off someone else. But then I stop myself. I might end up having imaginary conversations in my head with what I’m quite certain, the other would say. But in some instances, I seem to know ‘my’ answer. There’s been quite a few times lately, where I’ve had the, ‘am I delusional?’ type of question. And I think if I did ask for feedback, there might be some suggestions made about doing things completely differently (as in, just not aligned with me), so honestly, am I delusional? Yeah. Sure, a bit. But I’m not doing life-saving things over here, nor am I ‘gambling’. I am investing in myself to a point that I feel comfortable with, and sure, it might not produce, or it might take months, years, possibly to produce, but I know it can work. With certain aspects, there is a vision. There might be extra projects or new ideas that show up along the way, but I do have a vision.
I’ve also recognized that the times that I feel like asking for feedback, that this might be more about doubting myself. So I ask myself then, why do I want to ask for opinions? Ultimately, whether I feel good about the project or not, is what matters. How do I feel about sharing the work? Do I feel proud of it, or like I could have done better? If it feels like a Truth within my heart, then that is the ultimate feedback that I need.
Until next week,
Devon
P.s. Over the summer, I will be changing how I do some things. Please head over to my website and opt-in for my newsletter so that you will know what’s coming and when!
Thank you!