I was given a gift today. Someone who knew more than me taught me something new. Specifically, at the monthly meeting for the Austin chapter of SCBWI, illustrator Sarah Doan demystified procreate. That’s such a gift for those of us new to digital illustration.
Why is this worthy of a post? Because too often I hear writers and artists worry about some aspect of engaging in their community. Here are a few reasons why getting out there and helping to build community is so important for writers and illustrators (or anyone, really).
1. You’ll learn something, at every turn.
Every time I get together with my fellow creators, I learn something. Many times, like today, I learn what is advertised. But always, I learn a tidbit that is worth its weight in gold from the person sitting next to me before the talk begins or while chatting after the presentation is over. Connect, and learn at every turn.
2. You’ll feel less alone.
Our lives are busy. Remote is the method of the day. And most writers and artists are fitting their creative work in whenever they can. Which means we’re usually working solo. And so, we often don’t know that the very thing we’re struggling with is a common challenge for everyone in our field. We get too much in our head with doubt and frustration, and that’s no good for any creative endeavor. Meet fellow creators and find out you’re not bad, in fact, you’re probably pretty good, but you’re learning. And that’s good.
3. Sharing work in progress will get less scary.
It’s so hard to be vulnerable and share your writing or art when it isn’t “perfect.” But we all need help along the way. By first sharing your work in a community–like in a class or at with a writers’ group or illustrators’ group–you’ll find your comfort zone with receiving feedback. And you’ll need that skill if you want to write or illustrate professionally.
4. The knowledge you’ll gain is transferable.
The class or workshop or event your community is offering doesn’t have to be a perfect match for your creative work for you to get value from joining in. For example, I haven’t purchased Procreate. Not because it’s not a great program–I’m sure it is. But because it was a better fit for my budget to add Adobe Fresco to my suite of programs. I still learned a lot, even if I had to tweak the application. And when I write, so much of what I learn writing in one genre carries over to the other genres I work in. Do I need to adapt that knowledge? Yes. Does some of it not fit? Yes. But a lot of it does. And by not being so narrow in the community I’m building, I have so many more opportunities to connect.
5. You’ll give as well as take.
Every writer and artist is unique, and so we all have a chance to share a perspective that others don’t have. In the creative space, you can contribute while learning. And someday soon, you’ll be the mentor, passing down tips to those who are just starting.
I get frustrated when I hear of established creatives who are reluctant to share their process because they’re afraid they’ll lose their unique position in the marketplace. And then there is the opposite, those who are afraid to learn from other writers and artists because they don’t want to be influenced. In my view, the first is unlikely to happen and the second can be avoided with a little self-reflection or feedback. Writing and art is what you make of it. So don’t be afraid to share your “how-to.” Remember, someone taught you once!
But What If I Don’t Have a Local Community?
It is harder if your town doesn’t have an organization dedicated to supporting writers or artists. But, you can still find each other. Put out the word at your local library, bookstore, or community college. Maybe even the local café. Wherever people gather–ask around. Your neighbor may be just as interested in connecting with other creatives as you are.