Screen Shot 2019-09-13 at 8.28.50 AM.png

I’ve learned something over the last seven months. When I’m isolated, It’s important to feel included, to have a sense of belonging.

In this wacky rat race we live in, I sometimes fall prey to the notion that I don’t have enough time. Not enough resources. Creativity dies. I need to stir it up. That requires a tribe.

The energy I get from spending time surrounded by other creatives is like a steroid rocket booster.

But that takes time. Committment. I’ve got deadlines to meet. Dinner to cook, ya know? It’s easy for me to fall prey to the notion that I can’t make the time. Don’t have the resources to reach out.

Not true.

Finding my tribe in this creative endeavor we call work is imperative to my soul.

And just like me, many of my counterparts are seeking the same. We work in a creative vacuum, time and energy consumed by deadlines and the need to, well, CREATE. Now, if not sooner. And soon, the energy required exceeds the energy available, leading to the endgame.

Burnout. Emotional. Spiritual. Creative. Maybe all of them.

But I found the key. Like Dorothy, it turns out I’ve had it all along. It’s my tribe. Getting out, learning, talking, commiserating with my peers is invigorating. No, more than that. It’s necessary, especially if you plan on a long career in this biz.

I spent much of my time WAITING for others to invite me in. Then I turned that thought on its head. The invitiation is mine to extend. So I participate. I go to conferences. Meet new folks.

Get recharged. I LEARN, soak in new tricks and skills. Imagine, this vintage user is learning from the up and coming, and it’s FANTASTIC.

So join me. Include yourself. It’s not too late to join creative pro in Seattle. June 8-16. https://creativeproweek.com

Too soon? Adobe Max returns to Los Angeles in November. https://max.adobe.com

Refill the well. Find your tribe. Get inspired. Geek out with the Photoshop nerds you’ve been looking for your whole life.

Don’t wait for the invite. Inclusion is up to you. I’ll see you out there.

Grief

Lisa Carney January 1, 2019

I have been a bit quiet of late. Life has been giving me a bit-o-time on the ropes. Loss and injury have been constant companions for last few months. However, an amazing thing has been happening. I have been returning to art.

Art for healing and expression.

I am remembering that expression is not reserved for the good times. That I don’t need to only make “pretty” pictures.

I’d like to share a few images with you. Perhaps someone else will see themselves in this process and know that they are not alone in their pain.

I am hopefully that beauty and love will return in 2019, in the meantime I shall continue to create.

HERES TO LOTS OF ART FOR ALL this coming year.