Kindergarteners aren't Imposters.

Imposter syndrome is a real thing. Full disclosure, I don't think a day goes by that I don't feel a little wave of it. There is always someone better than you. Unless you're the GOAT. (whichever G.O.A.T. you want to mentally fill in here will be fine-). As someone in a creative field...(see here, I didn't even describe myself as creative- because I feel like a fraud even in that sometimes), you feel this immense pressure to be as good as everyone around you. Social media has been a blessing AND a curse for

My first full color painting from when I was 2. I keep it on the wall in my office. It serves as inspiration and a reminder that I am an artist.

creatives. Endless inspiration can be found. And endless comparison. I get particularly down on myself when I look at artists that do more realistic work. I don't even do realistic art. I just look at it and think "I couldn't" and that discourages me from even attempting something in my style in that moment. In my developmental artistic years, I didn't even attempt to paint because my grandfather was a painter. And a darn good one. Story illustrations, pinups, and then portraits. He was amazing, and I looked at those paintings and thought that I could never....so I didn't even try.

I think what everyone, not just artists (can I call myself that?? See, there it sneaks up again), needs to understand- is that even the best, the GOATS, compare. It needs to be a drive rather than a hinderance. There is space for everyone. Every style. Every level. Every medium. Art, creating, is not meant to be scary. It's an outlet, a voice for things in your head- emotions, ideas, memories. There truly is no wrong when it comes to creating. You know how I know this? Because I taught kindergarten. And you know who makes the best art? Kindergarteners. They have that freedom in what they do.

When I was young I would run across the street to make art in my grandfather's studio. I didn't know what I was supposed to do. I just enjoyed it.

They, mostly, don't understand what they're "supposed" to do, so they just create. And I loved all of it. I haven't taught for several years now, but I still keep a lot of these masterpieces. They're an inspiration. I thought they were masters of their craft. And you know what? They thought I was pretty good. So there you have it. The masters think I'm great. And with that thought, I'm going to go draw something. Maybe it will lead to an idea that I turn into a shirt. Maybe it will just sit somewhere no one will ever see it. But I will have created it. From nothing. That's pretty creative. I must be creative...

And if you want to see a doodle that I turned into a product...a family saying that I made into a design I pictured in my head...and now it's a sticker. And a shirt. And a good reminder that paradise is wherever you are, if you choose to see it.

Another Day In Paradise Waterproof Decal

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