2015 Gift Guide for Creatives

Hey creatives! Whether you're in the midst of Hannukah, gearing up for Christmas, office white elephant parties, or just thinking ahead for birthday gifts... here's a list for you!(Or rather your loved ones who generously gift you things you actually want!) What are your favorite creative gifts to give or receive? List them in the comments! 

1. For the instagram anywhere artist. 

2. To learn something new try a creative class.

3. To make sure you've got a built in craft project for each month try this starry calendar. 

4. For the phone photographer to get those crazy close ups! P.s. I want all the gifts on Photojojo!

5. For an instant whiff of inspiration hehehe.(Unicorn fans this is for you!)

6. To de-stress after holiday or finals madness, keep calm and color on. 

7. To keep track of your adventures and all they inspire.

8. From a pop culture phenom's perspective on creativity from my boy(I wish) Pharrell.

9. A DIY book from artists and designers all over the globe for you to enjoy at home.

10. And finally something for those ready to master their magic digital art skills. 

Hope your holidays are full of fun, love and non-itchy sweater parties. 

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya

First Ever Super Awesome Virtual Summit!

I'M SO FREAKIN EXCITED!! This Friday-Nov.20th- I'm hosting our first RWC virtual summit- The Creative Success Summit for Emerging Visual Artists!!! You can sign up here!

I'm pumped not only because I have connected with and will be interviewing two truly accomplished, talented, and super nice art professionals- but because I get to engage with YOU- emerging artists who are looking for some guidance, inspiration, motivation, and reassurance that an awesome art career is waiting for you. (Check out the speakers here and here.)

I picked up a beautiful print recently that said, "It is real. It is possible. It is yours." And heck yeahhhh that is so true and relevant to what we're doing here. 

I started Real World Creatives because I felt there was a void in educating young artists on how to use their creative skills and talents to make a living in the real world. That includes fine art and commercial art and craft art and decorative arts. Everyone has a place, and it's about time we connected and supported emerging artists with a comprehensive set of tools, advice and inspiration for creating a sustainable living from art. 

It's hard to explain how much I love working on this business and being a source of real help and connection for artists. I hope you'll join me at the summit and continue engaging with RWC as you follow your creative path! If there is anything I can provide for you (sorry can't buy everyone puppies) please let me know at any time! 

Peace, love, and pixels,

Sonya 

Creative Confession

Dear Creatives, 

      This is my confession. I fell in love with photography in an old dark room in my high school. I wasn't very good at first, lots of film went to waste. I wasn't sure I would ever be "that" good at it. I mostly took walks around my neighborhood and shot patterns in nature, occasionally trying to incorporate a friend into awkward portraits. Soon it was time to apply to college, to pick a school, a major, a future. Well, photography I decided was what I'd pursue. What would I do with it? No idea. I didn't feel like I could commit to an art-only college; I wasn't "artsy" enough, creative enough, messy enough, or honestly really sure that I wouldn't need a back up field of choice.

And even after graduating with my bachelor's in art(major in photography with a minor in art management) working in photo production, art galleries and archives, freelancing and making a living from my photography... I sometimes still feel like I'm not "artsy" enough. Somedays my work is put to shame (in my mind) by iPhone photos on instagram. It can be a real bitch being a creative these days. But then I remember that my creative is just as meaningful as anyone else's. I love doing photography because I think in photographs and making images gives ME joy. And I get to share those little moments of happiness with clients, friends, and even some strangers on the internet. (I mean I'm not giving up my frenemy instagram.) So no I don't have jeans covered in paint, I like making to-do lists like it's my job, and I probably haven't spent my weekend in museums. But I create, and it's worthwhile, and it will continue to be for as long as I see it that way. 

So if you're not sure where your art will take you, or you're struggling to find your niche, stop looking outward. You decide what your best creative life looks like, and you have the power to shape it to suite your wildest desires. Even if that includes having a beige couch. Even if you can't remember what Monet painted. Even if your creative life looks nothing like the ones you see on the internet. And if you need a boost of inspiration, resources and tools make sure to sign up for the newsletter! Once you do you get your free guide to my Top 25 Websites for Creatives!

“To live a creative life, we must loose the fear of being wrong.” – Joseph Chilton Pearce

So go forth my creatives, there is no "wrong" in art!

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya

The Timeline of Success

Hi my friends :) I was just doing some yoga to end my night- but got a kick of inspiration and so I'm back at the computer! Almost got away with unplugging, sigh. 

I want to talk about the timeline of success. There's a feeling, especially when you're starting out, that "success" is this magic finish line that you'll someday run through and everything will be capital G-R-E-A-T! The truth is, success is not an end point. There's no "I made it!" medal, no alternate reality where problems all vanish. Your vision of success will vary from other people's, but if it doesn't include on-going learning, improvement, and new goals then you're going to miss out. You'll miss out on finding your complete happiness and highest potential.  

Picturing "success" as an infinite road, and those never ending goals in mind, the question of "But when do I get to stop and celebrate?" may come up. This is up to you, this is your chance to REALLY enjoy the journey! Don't forget that every step is a lesson. And do remember to appreciate and acknowledge the big and small goals you hit along the way. If your whole life becomes the journey, without one final "success" point, suddenly there is a WHOLE lot of room to enjoy yourself. So don't rush, there is only more time to come, bringing more lessons and adventures. 

Make sure you're using the best resources and tools for your art career by signing up for our free bi-monthly newsletter. When you do you not only get access to our great community, but early access and info about all our events and a free guide to my Top 25 Websites for Creatives!

Wishing you never ending success,

Sonya