Embracing the “In-Between”
Reimagining my “Luminous Moth” piece as a potent potion.
Right now, I’m standing at a creative crossroads. As I sketch out ideas for my upcoming mythical creatures project, I find myself caught between two distinct and beautiful paths: Should I lean into a whimsical, children's book style filled with intricate details and hidden stories—or embrace a more chic, minimal, and editorial aesthetic?
Each style speaks to a different part of my soul:
The whimsical style lets me build a world overflowing with imagination, details, and playful surprises, the kind of art I cherished as a child.
The chic style feels elegant and timeless, seamlessly becoming part of daily life as beautiful décor or thoughtfully designed items that I’d love to gift and display proudly in my own home.
Neither direction feels wrong, yet choosing feels deeply necessary.
Artistic FOMO is Real (and That's Okay)
I experience creative FOMO (fear of missing out) constantly. I often see myself as a hummingbird artist, flitting from idea to idea, rather than the whale artist I long to become—one who dives deep into a single creative ocean, exploring its hidden depths.
But the truth I’m discovering is this: indecision isn’t something to fear. It's a signal, an invitation to pay closer attention.
Recently, my indecision has taught me a powerful lesson: what often appears as confusion is really just a gentle reminder that I haven’t fully committed yet. The idea of commitment used to scare me because it felt like closing doors. But now I realize it’s not about limitation—it’s about permission to explore one beautiful path fully, until it no longer feels aligned.
The Gift of “What If” Sketches and Technique Exploration
During moments of deep indecision, I shift my focus to technique. Instead of forcing a choice, I allow myself the joy of simply learning. Currently, I’m practicing atmospheric lighting, experimenting with depth, shadows, and colors. This approach calms my mind, keeps my skills growing, and helps me clarify what truly excites me.
I also do playful "what if" sketches—small, pressure-free explorations that remind me creativity is about joy, not judgment.
The Power of Daily Commitment (and a Gentle Mantra)
I’ve made a simple promise to myself: to create art daily. Not every piece must fit a collection or feel significant. Some days, art-making means working through my personal “100 Faces Challenge” (I’m currently on face 53!). Other days, it’s a sketchbook page of loose, whimsical doodles, or a chic, minimal abstract exploration.
The secret to navigating indecision is gentle consistency paired with self-compassion. My personal mantra has become:
“I already know, because I have already chosen—and now I commit to my choice.”
This affirmation shifts my mind from confusion to clarity, and my heart from anxiety to bravery.
Your Turn: Clarifying Questions to Move Forward
If you’re feeling stuck between ideas or styles, I encourage you to journal or sketch using these gentle questions as a guide:
What does my perfectionism want?
What does my head want?
What does my heart want?
What would bring me the most joy in making art right now?
Give yourself permission to explore openly and without judgment. Trust your intuition—it knows more than you realize.
Let’s Share Our Journeys
I'd love to hear how you’re navigating your own artistic indecision. Share your "what if" sketches or creative reflections by tagging me on Instagram @starthistle.and.quartz and use our special hashtag #ArtAndSoulSQ.
Together, let’s turn indecision into a beautiful space of exploration, empowerment, and joyful clarity.
