DelaneyGates.com

What People Say

Has anyone ever said something like "Wow, you should do that for a living!", "Wow, you should write a book!" or "Wow, you should make those to sell!" to you?

Maybe you should listen to them. Because, if one person thinks that, with a little networking, marketing and [tactful] self-promotion, I bet other people would think the same thing! You are blessed with your talents for a reason. Share them. Don't let them go to waste.

Did you need to hear that today? Were you looking for a sign about what to do? Well, you just got it.

Have a lovely and creative day, friends.

If you're interested in purchasing the print at the top of this post, click on the image to be taken to the Etsy shop!

Do you pin?

Even though I haven't been blogging much lately, you can find me daily on Pinterest! Here's the link:

http://www.pinterest.com/delaneygates

If you're not on Pinterest, leave a comment and I'll send you an invitation. (It's free.) You'll be addicted in no time. ;)

So much has happened since I've last checked in: Priscilla is now six months old. Connor got the math award in his class. We've had several events going each weekend (which I'll post photos of, soon): a surprise promotion party that I threw for Jason, a harvest fest (complete with egg toss and hayride), a baby shower I threw for my sister-in-law and several birthday parties, too. Busy, busy!

If you are on Pinterest, follow me, and I'll follow you back! xo

A Must-Read for All Creatives

 
 

The following is a must-read for everyone working (or aspiring to) in a creative field. You'll have a light-bulb moment. I did.

 

"Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one [project]. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through." -Ira Glass

 

The photo is from Knot & Bow, based in Brooklyn. Please support handmade and visit their shop by clicking on the image, above!

Reaching Out

 

This week, I experienced an excellent reminder about the importance of reaching out: going the extra mile - connecting with others - in attempt to achieve a goal. Far too often, we sit semi-contentedly in our comfort zone, wishing for more, yet are too lazy or afraid of failure or the unknown to seriously pursue anything.

Do you find yourself in that situation? Do you imagine something greater than what you have now yet are afraid to take the first step? (This elementary concept still applies regardless of the aspect of your life you desire to improve.)

Remember, several baby steps add up to the same amount of progress as one drastic, scary step!

Baby Step One: Tell someone your plan! (Preferably someone who supports you and believes in your abilities.) Putting it out there holds you accountable and verbalizing it transforms it from a private daydream into a goal you've shared with someone else.

Baby Step Two: Reach out and talk with someone who can help you accomplish your plan or provide guidance on how to go about it or a roadmap of how they already did it.

Baby Step Three: GO FOR IT! But, start small. Little victories keep us going, give us experience, and motivate us to drive on.

I reached out this week and I'm thankful I did!

To be continued!

Reconstructing Ideas Typographic Creativity Series

I love this series on creativity by Reconstructing Ideas. Each piece is streamlined and modern, yet the colour palettes are delightfully vintage. Wouldn't a trio of these prints look fabulous in your studio? Inspiring, indeed...

Have a wonderful weekend!