We're back with our second installment of the MerMay fun!
Today's entry:
Diving Deep: Exploring Your Depths to Tap into Your Mer-Magic
In an industry with so many creators, stories, genres, etc, it is essential that you find your voice—your song that will help guide you through the dark depths as you discover treasure (golden nuggets of connection), conquer krakens (imposter syndrome and burn out), and discover the stories from deep within.
I've always said that dance was my first language and as a dancer, I know how to communicate my emotions, thoughts and story through my body. That expression is so clear to me but when I stepped out onto the children's publishing "stage," I felt lost, and honestly, couldn't fathom how I would even begin to contribute to the massive ocean of publishing "creatures." When there are so many voices, how do you connect to your own authentic voice. Your siren song. I've always felt an overwhelming need to create but what did I have to offer? What do I have to say that wasn't already said by someone else?
A song I always go back to is "Move On" from Sunday in the Park with George, performed by Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin. A gorgeous duet between George Seurat and his muse/lover, Dot, it is a beautiful song about making your art and moving on. Making decisions and then, moving on. Loving, living, making mistakes, being scared. And moving on.
"Anything you do, Let it come from you, Then it will be new, Give us more to see..."
It is your job to create and not judge. It is your job to tell your story, because if it "comes from you, then it will be new." This has been an anthem for me and as I've pivoted throughout life, I think back to seventeen year old Justin who was embarking on his adventure and listened to this song ad nauseam and continues to when I need to be reminded of my voice.
Here are some of the things I do to keep the spirit of creativity, learning, and play alive. These tips help me stay connected to my authentic self and allow me to swim with confidence as I explore the deep blue sea.
1. Journaling
I try to journal every single day.
Check out Drewscape, who introduced me to his Diary Comics, HERE. He breaks it down and shows you an easy way to begin which now has been my favorite way of journaling when I don't want to write.
Yes...
I have a lot of feelings.
And yes, they need a place to go. So into the journal they go. I document anything that stood out to me, or made me laugh, cry—feel alive. I frequently revisit my entries to remind myself of how rich, complex, beautiful and full of life—well—my life is. Whether I am dreaming of the future, reconciling the past or just appreciating the present, journaling is an essential way to keep tabs and tap into your voice.
Cause your life is magical, baby, no matter how you slice it.
2. Solo Dates/ Art Outings
SO-LOW-DATES! I am such a fan of these. I love being by myself. As they say, "I am alone, not lonely." I love adventuring on my own, exploring new places, experiencing new things. I mean—how are you to know what your taste is, what you like and dislike, if you don't go out and discover it. I visit museums, galleries, bookshops, libraries. I go to the movies to see something new, sometimes something old. I am a huge theater goer! I try to see everything! Last year alone I saw every nominated Broadway show. First time ever!And I don't mind doing it myself.
Don't be afraid to explore those uncharted waters; that deep blue expansiveness, the dark trench. Prioritize filling your cup. You never know what you'll find. Once you find that courage, you will start to see a shift in your spirit and you may start to dive deeper internally as well. Art is a reflection of what it means to be human, so as a merperson, it will help you discover the humanity in you!
3. Build your Artistic Library
This is a no brainer and I know if you're reading this, then I'm probably preaching to the choir but I try to read as much as I can. I also am a big advocate on finding those books that help you really grow into the person you wish to be. Find those books that you keep within arm's reach. Surround yourself with stories that resonate with you because like an echo in the ocean, sometimes we need something solid out there in the wilderness to have our voices reflected back at us. Here are some of my book recommendations as an artist and part-time human/merman:
Shoutout to my theater teacher and mentor, Joseph Farina, who introduced all of his students to this wonderful book. Broken down into a plethora of themes on life, we read this book in acting class before we dove into any theatrical work because Mr. Farina used to say "I must teach you how to live first, before I can teach you how to act." I revisit this book when I need to be reminded of how wonderful, complex and rich live is. As storytellers, we are tapping into what it means to live, to be human, to feel so we can help little humans discover it for themselves and understand how to navigate their big feelings.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Another Farina recommendation, this book has gotten me through some major rough patches as an artist, creator, and honestly, a "mer"person. Pressfield frames all things that keep you from your work as "Resistance" and this book is a guide to pushing pass all that to realize what you've been trying to achieve on the other side of the hurricane storm.
I always revisit this when I am starting a new process to remind myself of the literal war we sometimes face when pursuing anything we are passionate about—not just art.
Highly recommended! Just writing this is reminding me that a reread is overdue.
Book Club, anyone?
Recommended to me by my friend and another amazing mentor, Erica Rand Silverman, I keep this book on my art table whenever I need some keep navigating my creativity. Walking you from start to finish, this book has helped me mine, cultivate, and explore the little treasures of my life and my particular perspective in order to create and shape my voice and my work. It also has exercises at the end and throughout each chapter, guiding you through techniques and examples of ways to make your story come to life.
I've rediscovered wonderful moments and perspectives of childhood thanks to this book. If you feel stuck and need a little mini workshop of your own, I recommend this book, hands down.
Honorable Mention:
Picture This: How Pictures Work
by Molly Bang
Wonderbook (Revised and Expanded): The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction
by Jeff VanderMeer
Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art
by Scott McCloud
Welp, kelp, we've come to the end of entry #2 but I hope this helped inspire and guide you a little closer to your personal magic. Remember you are not alone in this vast ocean of publishing, and that there are buoys to keep you a float when you get tired of swimming against the current.
That's all for now! See you next Thursday for entry #3. Till then, just keep swimming!
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