It's springtime. And with that, there's this sense of reinventing ourselves, whether it's our wardrobe as we transition to the warmer weather, trying new hobbies, new diets or new exercises to get fit before that big trip or wedding.
we remodel houses or get a makeover on appearances, be it a haircut or trying a different style.
It's about bettering ourselves. Pushing ourselves to new limits, new heights and expanding our horizons. Maybe it's taking a cooking class or connecting with someone we think might make a good mentor and we've been putting off sending that email.
often, it's also the reinvention of our favorite or most well-known artists — Some of the most iconic, include Madonna, elvis and David Bowie to Taylor Swift, elton john and Beyonce.
We also can't forget the art of rebrand - maybe one of those overused words for marketing folks, like myself. but, with good reason, because it's something that works.
think about companies like Dunkin' donuts, starbucks, mcdonald's or apple, who have (for the most part) stayed true to their product and what it is they're selling, while remaining current and modern to the times. even our social media platforms, like Instagram and facebook have adjusted to their demographic and the ever-changing ways of technology.
the world is always evolving, and it's what we do next that will keep everyone on their toes.
"Hollywood's a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss, and fifty cents for your soul. I know, because I turned down the first offer often enough and held out for the fifty cents."
*Marilyn Monroe*
So much of who she was,
was wrapped up in what she did.
Who she was seeing,
who she was talking to,
where she was seen.
Everyone watched with bated breath for...
The next move she would make,
the risks she would take,
and who she would be next.
if no one liked this version of her,
well, then she’d reinvent herself.
she’d become someone they did like,
even if she lost herself in the process.
because even she no longer knew who that was anymore.
For now,
She was the star on the cover of the magazines, even she knew that wouldn't last forever.
She had to take it while they still loved her, or at least the idea of her.
✨SNP✨
The art of reinvention
Throughout the years, it's no secret that one of the key ingredients to true artistry is mastering reinvention.
Taylor swift is famously known for saying, “I'll never change, but I'll never stay the same either.”
It's the perfect balance of knowing who you are at your core, being true to your audience, and yet, not being afraid to play around with your style, sound, aesthetic and seeing what else you can challenge yourself to achieve next.
how boring would it be to just stay in the same box, using the same formula that people have attributed to you year after year? It becomes a bit stale or predictable, right?
artists who are constantly evolving, transforming and setting trends within our musical and societal worlds:
madonna
david bowie
taylor swift
miley cyrus
beyoncé
lady gaga
kanye west
cher
the weeknd
bob dylan
Artists and creatives aren't the only ones who can have fun. Us “common folk" can have fun with it, too. Although it might just need to be a bit more budget friendly. It might not mean an entire new wardrobe or a complete change of style or job or even a month-long writer's retreat in Italy. There are other ways we can improve our habits, routines or our ways of thinking.
How can we make strides in our own lives and future endeavors?
1.Take stock in your life as it is now.
What's working? What isn't? What have you learned? Take time to sit with the work you've done. what's functional? what's been doing enough just to get you by? Journal, make lists, highlight projects or volunteer work you're proud of. What are things you'd do differently? This will help clear your vision of what comes next.
2. Keep learning + asking questions.
Even if you're an expert in something - admitting that you don't know everything is a key part of growth and advancing to the next level. there's always something to be learned, because things around us are always changing.
3. Find an accountability partner or mentor who can help you through the process.
Maybe there's a goal or something specific you're working toward. Is there someone you admire who's gone before you and can help walk you through this particular journey? Reach out to them to see what obstacles they encountered, how did they work through it? What would they have done differently? Just having someone as a soundboard or someone who has been through a similar situation or task is a great motivator to keep you on track.
4. Reinvention is about trying new things. And it's okay to fail.
I'm not talking about going crazy. I just mean, signing up for that volunteer position for an organization you admire or the class to add a new skill to your resume.
5. Just start.
As humans, we overcomplicate so much that doesn't need to be complicated. take the first step. like me, don't worry so much about the outcome, that you talk yourself out of it. Instead, just start. Don't worry about the outcome - what may or may not happen, how you're going to find a publisher, wonder when you'll get the agent. Focus on the task (the what) first and the outcome (the how) will come later.
When I start a new project, I like to make sure everything is compartmentalized properly, whether it's a folder, a new social media account or, in this case, a website. I like everything I'm interested to stay in its own lane. That's why I've created a mini site for The Artfully Made Journal - What it's all about, the latest issues, and I'll be sure to add more along the way.
I have quite a few interviews scheduled for the near future and can't wait to launch those either later this month/June. There's an author/poet I adore, a marketing influencer/entrepreneur and a key set costume designer who's worked on Gilmore Girls. I'm very excited for these chats and hope you will be too!
I want to talk to the creatives out there! Are you a business owner? Photographer? Filmmaker? Etsy store artist? Or do you know someone? Is there someone you've heard about who's doing something so different and unique? I want to hear all about it.
I'd love to start chatting with creatives and highlighting their journey, their art and how they've persevered through the challenges and obstacles.
AND
Let me know what you want to see more of! I hope to provide resources, tips, stories…A community that helps others create and inspire.
