Skirting the Norm

Are you often explaining what you really want to do? Or have you given up and just revert to what everyone else says? We avoid this probably because it is not what is and we have been conditioned to say what is expected. If you are an artist, creative, entrepreneur, or just want to figure out what you want to do with your life. Don’t worry I still don’t completely know but I am getting there. I invite you to reflect on your past for some insight. It certainly helped me.

What is the first thing you think of when you meet a photographer? They must shoot weddings, right? Yup, I hear that a lot. I am a portrait photographer and really have no desire to have a wedding photography business. A one-on-one, or small group, portrait session where I can get to know someone is really where I want to be.

Music was a big part of growing up for me and still is. Percussion in particular. The school band, and drumline, and even pursuing a music education degree in college. Though, I have never performed on drumset. That was just not my thing. You know the xylophone, crash cymbals, and timpani you see in a symphony orchestra. That is what I play. Still, to this day, I have to explain what I play because the immediate inclination of people is that I play drumset in a rock band. A common theme that even goes back to how I spelled a childhood nickname. Willy. Maybe I should have kept that one to myself.

Skirt the norm, find your path

So what does this have to do with you? Well, I came to this realization recently and I have been suppressing what I really want to do for the sake of the norm. This was who I was and how I operated. Once I realized this, my path brightened up and I started to really own what I want to do. That self-awareness has quieted the “Should I do this, but that’s not what others are doing,” well somewhat anyway. Giving way to presenting my purpose and seeing things really take shape. Starting with this brand. A portrait photography business for the inner Artist, Creative, Make, Mover, and Doer.

Tell me, are there trends in your life that you can trace back to childhood? How can that be applied to your art? Find that and it can help you move forward with your art. Don’t go looking for the same things I found. It will be different for everyone. That’s the beauty of art. It is unique to each person.