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What they don't tell beginners

15 November 2011

I read this quote today and find it so inspiring. This is why it's so important to my to surround myself with people who are better than me. People who are encouraging, but who can — and are willing! — to tell me where I can grow, how I can do better. There's always something new to learn, and I'm always hungry to find out what that new thing is. “Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.” ― Ira Glass What inspires you?

Comments

kara:

16 Nov 2011 00:07:47

That is so true! I have only been doing my sewing/crafting for around four years. There have been a lot of items that have gone into my reject bin. But over the years I have found a few other crafters in the territory and some online that have been so inspiring to me. I think I am just getting to the point where I am proud of most of my work! I still see a lot of room for improvement of course.

Captain Momma:

16 Nov 2011 02:44:44

What a great quote and so very true! Now if only I could spend my days just sewing ;) Maybe one day!

You’ve got a great voice, I hope you keep at it :)

kelli

Nemmy:

16 Nov 2011 03:14:23

People who take risks inspire me. Dad quitting his job to start his own business. Ditto my hubby. And ditto you, for pursuing your passion. xo

Colleen:

17 Nov 2011 19:18:33

Why do you think I’m so happy Dan Timmermans is coming back? :D

Fawn Fritzen:

17 Nov 2011 20:14:23

To which all I can add is, “Yaaaaay!!!”

fawnahareo:

17 Nov 2011 20:16:00

I hadn’t thought about this from the point of view of other arts, but of course it completely applies, as well! Awesome, Kara.

fawnahareo:

17 Nov 2011 20:16:36

Thanks, Kelli! Wouldn’t life be much easier if we could clone ourselves? :)

fawnahareo:

17 Nov 2011 20:17:05

smooch

Stephen Clarke:

12 Jan 2012 15:02:53

Great Quote Fawn: I’m inspired by many things, since moving north the many inspiring, encouraging and welcoming people in my big and little circles who I hear and see, you included of course. And it’s important too, to get out of one’s comfort zone.

Fawn Fritzen:

12 Jan 2012 16:29:22

Agreed! Whitehorse is such a nurturing place for artists of all kinds… which makes it easier to cross that comfort zone barrier.

Portugal Jazz:

18 Jan 2012 01:56:39

Yes this is very true .. it is an inspiration quote .. as long as we keep on practice that will make us perfect

Elaine Schiman:

08 Aug 2012 05:51:33

Hi Fawn. I love this little article and the quote from Ira Glass. It makes total sense but I never would have thought of it myself. Thanks for sharing it.

fawnahareo:

08 Aug 2012 06:54:11

Well, I don’t think I can ever get to “perfect”, but the closer I get, the better, right?

fawnahareo:

08 Aug 2012 06:54:35

My pleasure! Keep making music, Elaine!

Fawn Fritzen:

08 Aug 2012 06:55:06

My pleasure, Elaine. Keep making music!!