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Artist Life


When Silence Becomes a Shadow Across Creativity
Not All Creative Blocks Are What They Seem There’s a specific kind of silence that most people don’t notice. It’s not dramatic or loud in its absence. It doesn’t scream or make a scene. It just sits there, heavy, quiet, familiar. It’s the silence that forms when something hurts, and instead of reacting, the body just...shuts down. That’s been me for most of my life. Not because I don’t care. Not because I don’t have anything to say. But because somewhere along the way, I lear
Heidi Cogdill
Aug 12, 20254 min read


The Art of Getting It Wrong
There’s a particular kind of ache that comes when something you made doesn’t match what you imagined. You know what I mean, that moment when you step back from your work, brush still in hand, and realize it’s... not right. Not what you saw in your mind. Not what you hoped it would be. The color is off. The composition feels flat. You layered too soon, or waited too long, or maybe you can’t even name what is wrong, you just feel it in your chest, a tightening. A pulling away
Heidi Cogdill
Jul 18, 20253 min read


Uncovering Your Artistic Voice: A Journey Through Creative Storytelling
Hello, creative friends! Art is a powerful storytelling medium, allowing us to share our experiences, dreams, and emotions in a unique and personal way. Today, I’m excited to share some tips and techniques to help you find your voice and tell your own stories through art. 1. Start with What Inspires You Every story begins with a spark of inspiration. But what if that spark feels elusive? Instead of waiting for a lightning bolt of creativity, cultivate a habit of mindful obser
Heidi Cogdill
Aug 20, 20244 min read


Navigating Self-Doubt and Rediscovering Your Creative Spark
We've all been there – those days when everything you touch in the studio turns into a mess, and you start questioning if you're a fraud, a failure, and if your artistic career has hit a dead end. I recently had one of those days, and it felt like I was navigating through a storm of self-doubt and frustration. But guess what? It's okay. It's okay to feel like you're creating crap and to admit that not every day is a masterpiece waiting to be born. The key is not to beat yours
Heidi Cogdill
Dec 7, 20233 min read


Exploring Your Artistic Style
As artists, we're constantly evolving, experimenting, and seeking ways to express our unique perspectives. Your artistic style is like a visual fingerprint that distinguishes your work from others, making it instantly recognizable. First and foremost, it's crucial to remember that developing a distinctive artistic style is a process that takes time, patience, and a healthy dose of self-discovery. Embrace the fact that your style will evolve over time as you gain new experienc
Heidi Cogdill
Jun 27, 20234 min read


Embracing Unpredictability: Nurturing Creativity in a Changing World
The world we live in can have a profound impact on our artistic journey, but fear not! With a positive mindset and a few strategies up your sleeve, you can navigate the challenges and keep your creative spark alive. Photo by Deeana Arts on Acknowledge the Impact It's essential to recognize that the world we inhabit plays a significant role in shaping our creative mindset. Global events, personal challenges, and societal changes can leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained. Gi
Heidi Cogdill
Jun 6, 20233 min read


Top 10 places for creative inspiration
Are you looking for creative inspiration? Here are the top 10 places to get your creative juices flowing: Photo by Achim Bongard on Take a Nature Walk: Step outside and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. A leisurely stroll through a nearby park or nature reserve can breathe life into your creativity. Breathe in the fresh air, embrace the beauty around you, and let nature spark your imagination. Visit an Art Gallery: Delve into a world of artistic expression by visitin
Heidi Cogdill
Jun 1, 20232 min read


How to discover and follow your inner compass as artists
As artists, we often find ourselves seeking direction and inspiration, longing to create authentic and meaningful work. Our inner compass is the guide that helps us navigate this vast artistic landscape, leading us toward our true artistic voice. So, let's explore some ways to discover and follow that creative North Star within us! Embrace Solitude: In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's crucial to set aside dedicated time for yourself. Find a peaceful spot where you
Heidi Cogdill
May 24, 20233 min read


Ways to be creative when you don't feel inspired
It can be difficult to be creative when you don't feel inspired, but there are some helpful tips and tricks you can use to jumpstart your creativity. Here are some ideas to get you started: Photo by Deeana Arts on Take a break. When you're feeling stuck, it can help to step away from the project and come back to it with a fresh perspective. Take a walk, read a book, or listen to some music. Try something new. Experiment with a new medium or technique. Learning something new c
Heidi Cogdill
May 16, 20231 min read


Being around plants can help you concentrate more
Photo by Lum3n on Plants are an incredibly powerful and natural tool to help us concentrate and focus. Studies have shown that having plants in our work and home environments can have a calming and soothing effect on our minds, reducing stress and helping us remain focused on the task at hand. Not only can plants help us remain productive and alert, but they can also provide aesthetic beauty, boosting our overall well being. Having plants in the home or office can provide us
Heidi Cogdill
May 10, 20232 min read


Benefits of commonplace books for artists
Photo by John Diez on For artists, commonplace books can be incredibly beneficial tools for inspiring creativity and organizing ideas. Commonplace books are notebooks or journals in which you can record meaningful thoughts, quotes, observations, and other inspirations. By having a single repository for these items, artists can easily refer back to them and use them as a source of inspiration. Commonplace books can also be great for documenting creative processes. Instead of h
Heidi Cogdill
Dec 30, 20221 min read
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