The whole of who you are is all a part of your Story.
It's a good practice to curate lists and collections of things that inspire you. These offer insights into who you are and help illuminate your story as an artist.
I recommend creating a shelf, a box, an online drop box or vision board of that contain lists and images that help you see your story at a glance.
The artists in the video below demonstrate how an important aspect of their personal story has become a central feature of their artistic creations.
Enjoy their unique approaches to tackling an important aspect of each their own personal Story. Also, let the sneak peeks into their processes and spaces delight!
Artist Lisa Congdon is a popular artist who has created a strong artist's voice and has written a book on the topic! I pulled the following list of aspects to an artist's story from this book. "Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic"
Listed below are things that are part of your story.
Pick at least 12 to do the exercises below - though to access hidden gems in your subconscious, push through and do every single aspect listed!
exercise 1
write out your thoughts and triggers for the concepts the resonate with you
exercise 2
create a sketch representing that thought
might be nice to assemble into a series of small stand alone sketches you can pin to an actual board or otherwise hang where you can be reminded of them
loves
regrets
heartbreaks
obsessions
friendships
intuition
passions
repulsions
gender identity
culture
ethnicity
race
religion
spirituality
truths
home
childhood
relationships
aversions
daydreams
fantasies
symbols
mentors
teachers
family
obstacles
triumphs
goals
schooling
favorite colors
favorite books
other influential readings
smells
morals
cultural icons
place
music
differences
secrets
travels
dreams
familiar thoughts
lessons learned
hopes
dreams
failures
food
mistakes
weather
home
BONUS!
HABITS of Effective Artists
Artist Andrew Price talks about how having an external motivation 'inspired' him to keep up with his art in ways he had not heretofore. Let Andrew explain.
Habit 1 - Work on your art every single day!
Habit 2 = Eschew 'perfection'.
Habit 3 - Steal (or be inspired by).
Habit 4 - Practice conscious learning. Seek to improve. Sheer practice isn't enough. Study!
Habit 5 - Rest. Step away. Let your brain assimilate the pieces off task.
Habit 6 - Get feedback.
Habit 7 - Create what you LOVE. You'll stay motivated.