I love doodling. I love creating things. But lately I’ve been totally stuck. I guess I was a bit delusional to think my one design a day routine was sustainable. I had someone ask me, “What’s your secret?” and I felt invincible.
Welp, that feeling has certainly worn off. I get anxious any time someone asks about my “business” (hard to call something that makes little to no money a business) I felt pressured when my mother-in-law told me I needed to get Easter shirts up. Even Facebook pressured me by letting me know, “You haven’t shared anything to your page in a while. Write a post to reach the 400 people who like your page” (400! Wow that is 300 more than just 2 months ago!!)
It’s silly for me to feel this way. Everyone who asks about Rian Doodles is totally supportive and kind. Don’t apologize for talking to me about it. As cliche as it sounds, it’s really one of those “It’s not you; it’s me,” situations.
Another cliche: comparison is the stealer of joy. Well, maybe it isn’t a cliche. It’s just said a lot. And I’m finding now, for good reason! I follow some AMAZING letterers on Instagram and Facebook. I see their posts and think, “Wow. I could never be that good.” or “I’ll never have 100K followers.” Then, I see all the other t-shirt companies posts and think, “Those designs are so much cuter than the ones in my store.” or “I can’t compete with those prices.”
I have to stop and remind myself that those letterers didn’t get those followers overnight. They don’t teach full-time. (though some used to) Those companies aren’t just one teacher mama and her iPad working from the couch footing the bill for the fulfillment of all the orders coming in.
I’m doing the best I can. (And sometimes I’m not.) I get tired. I get creatively drained. But I don’t want to quit. I love doing this!
I’m writing this not to complain, but to get some feedback from the fabulous 400 of you that follow my page. I want Rian Doodles to be more than just me designing t-shirts or posting pictures of the things I’ve doodled/lettered. I want to help you all somehow. Maybe with a personalized gift, or a start to a new hobby. Or maybe something to keep your kids busy so you can shower or try to catch up on the never-ending trail of laundry.
I want to make coloring books and lettering pages and teach doodle classes or paint/art classes. I don’t want this to just be me on my iPad posting photos of t-shirts. So what are your ideas? You know what they say: 400 brains are better than one. 🙂
Also, if you need some time to think, here’s a free Spring themed mandala just in time for the cold front to roll in.