The #Hustle is Real, the #Struggle is Not.

Hey friends. This idea right here- the hustle is real, the struggle is not- finally got through my head this year. I know it's a popular phrase (#thestruggleisreal) and you might be like uh yeah it is real, Sonya! Let's just look at it in relation to our creative work though, because we all know the struggle to not eat pizza every day is real. (Where my pizza lovers at?!) 

But here's the thing. Hustle is NOT the same as STRUGGLE. Oh...ok that makes sense because entrepreneurs and artists who are really hustling are busy doing AND making money, and people who are busy and NOT making money are just struggling. 

So how do you know if you're hustling in a positive, forward direction? You will be busy, you might even be a bit overwhelmed with your to-do list. But! You're working with people you want to work with, you're doing projects that get your brain and heart pumping, and you're working in areas that, while possibly challenging, are in your area of genius where you can SHINE. Are you tired, even stressed? Sure, it happens. But you're grateful for the work and so happy to be exhausted doing what you've chosen. 

4 Ways to Ensure You're Hustling Not Struggling:

• Define your financial goals- monthly & yearly so you know exactly what you're working for and know how to price yourself accordingly. Nothing worse than being busy, exhausted and broke.
• Are you doing work you're proud of and can stand behind? (I have definitely taken on photo projects I didn't really care about or believe in just to get the $ and it usually was not worth it!) Don't be scared to reach for, ask for and wait for the RIGHT projects. (But don't make the mistake of ONLY waiting!)
• Are you doing self improvement along the way? If you're crazy busy but you're ignoring your health & spirit then you're not creating positive, sustainable momentum. (Even just a few times a day to say am I breathing? Drinking water? And take a stretch!)
• Are you thinking about the big picture and strategically making everyday decisions based on moving toward that? It's SO easy to get bogged down in the tasks of our normal lives and get caught just winging it day-to-day. But you should have a big, dreamy vision that you're always keeping in mind even when taking small steps. 

So, tell me creative ones are you hustling or struggling? 

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya

Don't Let "Scared" Hide Your Epic Gift

I just watched this video of an unknown (at the time, 2013) singer, AND HOLY- FRICKIN VOCAL CORDS OF A GODDESS- MOLY! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IChJ6eO3k48

I highly, highly recommend watching the whole video but if you want a summary- this beautiful soul tells the panel of talent judges she's come alone to perform incase she doesn't do well, and then won't have to let anybody down. And then she sings the most EPIC beautiful version of a song. Simon Cowell says her voice is "liquid gold" and we know he is the king of criticism. 

Mind blown. So how is it that she thought she might not absolutely kill it? I'm guessing along her journey someone told her eh, singing isn't a real career choice for you so don't pursue that. Maybe she's always been shy. Maybe no one took a moment to say YOU. ARE. AMAZING! 

We all have a unique voice, something worth sharing with the world. Even if you've been told your gift is not "a real job" or "too weird" or "no one will support you"- there is a whole world out there that begs to differ with those haters. DO NOT KEEP YOUR EPICNESS LOCKED UP!! Don't let the fear hold you back from unleashing what is yours to enjoy and share. I guarantee there will be people that support, love, and pay for your individual talents. Even if you start out alone, how quickly your tribe and fans can follow!

Be bold my friends. Sing your YOUR song. Paint YOUR painting. Cook YOUR dish. Dance YOUR routine. We'll be waiting.

Peace, love, & pixels,

Sonya & The rest of the world

Stop Trying, Start Working!

How & Why to Replace the Word Try

Do you ever hear (again and again) that you should eliminate the word try from your vocabulary? Trying to finish a project, trying to get a job, trying to make great art. Ever wonder what you're supposed to do instead of just continuously screeching,

"But I'm tryingggg!" 

Well I got an idea for ya. While I've been out networking, talking to strangers, proposing ideas and speaking about what it is I do

(freelanceandfineartphotographerandfounderofcareerresourcesplatformforemergingvisualartists - YEAH.) 

I realized that it doesn't sound super professional or confident to keep saying I'm "trying" to do all these things. Saying I'm trying doesn't relay how much effort and heart and hours I'm putting in, or all the connections I've made, or the progress that has been happening slowly but surely over many months. I'm happy to put in the sweat & tears, and somehow the word trying just sounds a little...whiny. I may not have checked off all my goals, or gotten the kind of recognition I'm hoping for yet, but it's definitely on the to-do list. 

So what are you left with to say when things are coming together, still in motion and maybe not quite where you want them to be?

I'm WORKING on finding a job I love.

I'm WORKING on my business plan.

I'm WORKING on being an epic boss lady, cardio-doing, recycling, creative QUEEN! (You too?!)

Working implies you are taking actions, moving forward, putting in time and strategically making your way.  I had a mini revelation when I realized that by describing not only what I do but what I'm working towards, I feel validated and professional in my efforts. It gives others the vibe that I'm confident, motivated, and dedicated to my goals. By using the word trying I felt limited, like I was saying I didn't have much direction or traction. And sometimes I don't know what the next step should be, but I'm working on figuring it out!

So. What are YOU working on? State it, validate it, and WORK IT! 

Fear of the Follow Up

Alright, we need to talk. This is one of the most common mistakes I see people make. And not just artists, but it may impact us the most. So what is it?

The follow up!

We've all been in the situation where we've gone to a networking event and collected a bunch of cards, or a friend tells us about a job opportunity, or an ideal client compliments your Instagram post. And you know you should send an email, submit a resume, or give a response. But then those little "What If" gremlins creep in and you hesitate. You think you'll do it later, or that the other person was just being polite and doesn't really want to work with you. What if the opportunity is TOO good for you right now? Or you're not really ready to have your own art show because it's a lot of work and you're already busy. 

STOP THE MADNESS. Break it down. Following up with an opportunity or a potential connection is just a continuation, reminder or beginning of a conversation. Seriously, stop freaking out. It doesn't mean anything will happen.

But!

What if you send a charming little email and the person on the other end reads it and realizes you're the perfect person to do __. Or that they lost your card and forgot your name and are now thrilled you've reached out because they have a client for you. Don't assume people will remember you, but do assume they'll appreciate you reminding them because you're an awesome person to know. And oh yeah they want to buy your biggest painting. ;)

Great follow up example: Dear __, It was so great to meet you at the __ yesterday! I really enjoyed talking to you about _. I'm interested in working on __ kinds of projects with __ kinds of people/companies. I'd love to set up a time to talk further and learn more about you. (Or keep each other in mind for future opportunities.) Here's where you can find me(insert website/portfolio/linkedin). Great connecting with you!  Sincerely, __.

Feel free to use as you need! 

Also, my dear texting only millenials, if someone asks you to *GASP* call them...do that!! I get it, I am no fan of phone calls even with people I know. You should hear me leave voicemails, it's seriously an on-going work in progress. But it's an important skill to practice and I guarantee will benefit you in the work world. (Side note: when people don't end up paying you as promised best believe you will be jumping on the phone!!) 

I can tell you from personal real world experience that I've not only received compliments on my follow up etiquette, but have gotten multiple clients(sometimes months later!) by sending a simple email or giving someone a call.

So stop fearing the follow up and start connecting! 

Peace, love & pixels,

Sonya