Asking for Help 1.1 2006/01/25 11:21:37.873 US/Central 2006/01/25 15:25:48.389 US/Central Mark Douglas Maxey m-squared@m-squared.org Mark Douglas Maxey m-squared@m-squared.org asking assistance friend help mentor With any artistic endeavor we meet persons that help us move beyond our current skills into a new area. This module helps us realize how important mentors or teachers can be on our artistic journey. Any artist, at times, has difficulties with the management (left brain) activities for their art. Some artists are able to handle all aspects of their art management. Others will need others to assist them so they can concentrate on their creative energy. Only you can decide what type of artist you are and how much you are capable of doing without sacrificing your creative energy. I am very versatile however there are things I know others can do more effective than doing them myself. I have no problem assisting others with writing their marketing or press releases, but when it comes to my own, I need another journalist do this for me. I have found too that by having another write my marketing materials for me they can come from a totally different perspective. It is refreshing and honest and not self promotion. It is realistic. There are hundreds of books in print that will assist any independent artists promote, manage and book their own shows. While this is obtainable, one has to ask what price is paid for this sacrifice. Your art and how it is represented to the public is your business. It is your livelihood. However, you must determine what you are capable of, and what you are willing to sacrifice to do it yourself and still remain in control of your creative energy. For other artists the need for a personal manager, booking agent, promoter never comes into play with their art. However, it is best to determine early on what you are willing to do yourself, or have your friends, family do and what you can hire out. Now this may seem silly to you, but realistically, if you have big dreams, you need to plan for those dreams. As well, I have surrounded myself with many creative people. When I need another graphic artist, journalist, designer, or writer I have the opportunity to network within my circle of friends. Having this pool of creative capable friends is necessary as I can’t do everything myself. This exercise is the last one for completion for your game plan. By now you have isolated what your goals are and the steps you will take to get there. You have determined how much time you will need and what obstacles you must overcome for your dreams to be realized. Now take all these plans and begin to implement them. Yes, you can redefine, edit or change any step or goal as you move closer towards your dream. This is normal and one should not feel they are cheating by dropping a step or two. We evolve and change daily. Your art does to. Using this process you should begin to see your art flourish. Your dreams can come true with good planning. Good luck to you on your art journey. Peace and blessings to you as you move towards your dreams. Question: What would you ask from another to assist you in realizing your dream? Question: What can you create and maintain as a list of resources to help you? Question: How do you plan to keep your self inspired? Such as art, music, books, nature, fellowship with friends/family. Question: Will you begin a weekly session of “artist dates” to keep you inspired?