demon girl & the high bar

Thursday, June 7, 2012


expanding my colour palette horizons - paint chips from my local hardware store

There is no challenge more challenging
than the challenge to improve yourself. 

Michael F. Staley

The dilemma of endless possibilities - colour being one category under les huge & beautiful umbrella of creative possibilities. I'm about to embark on one of the biggest and most important creative gigs of my newly (2 years old) formed 29 Black Street empire. 12 new mixed media collage designs, 6 distinct themes (two pieces of each theme). It's a licensing deal (hooray!), it's a potential put-me-on-the-map kinda job, and this company has asked me to come up with 6 themes, 12 pieces an assortment that will showcase me, my range & capabilities (did someone in the back row just whisper - uh ... no pressure). It's both fantastic & fabulous & freakin' freaky - all at the same time.

Shortly after my whirlwind submitting spree, the sending out of a PDF profile of me & my work, to a handful (18) of big fishes swimming around in this vast ocean of creative opportunity, I hooked a big fish company that LOVES my work. Subsequently, in a few phone chats we agree on the particulars & the by-whens and les licensing contract was mailed out to moi to sign. Yes ! Wonderful ! Fantastic ! Can't Wait !!

After many written notes to myself (dans my morning pages written journal), loads + loads of messy tiny thumbnails sketches (same journal), much thinking and pondering and doing of mentals (as opposed to visuals) - I sent my final black & white line art sketches and received almost instantaneous applause & fanfare (seriously) ... and then ...

I begin freaking myself out. It is part of the process, a common affliction of the creative practice and one where stern self talk comes in tres handy. Demon girl who lives cozily in my head has awoken and she's already begun her poo, poo, tut, tut, frowny face & furrowed brow routine - you know with hand on hip she oozes well, who do you think you are ? what makes you think you can pull this off ? With my super powers cape donned and hand held high and outward in the sarcastic whatever stance I reply with an unfortunate slight questioning lilt to my voice (drat !)  uh ... ? because I've pulled it off ? in the past  ... uh ? with other projects ? She, devil child that she is, isn't at all deterred by my weak proclamation. No, no - she's settlin' in, she'll be camped out here at the teak topped desk until I put this rather large project to bed - end of June. Eek !

I'm afraid it's a demon girl bands together with the high bar situation. That high bar which pertains to all aspects of my life - continually, subtly, gradually, imperceivably (often) moving higher & higher. The bar & the girl (the demon one) in actuality as annoying and frustrating as they can be, especially when they're working as a tag team, can also be - my best friends & allies. We're all caught up together in this codependent love/hate journey toward success & contentment. I'm beginning to understand better & better how it is I work/live - noticing habits, thoughts & feelings around my own creative process that are useful & beneficial at pushing me forward (& push is the operative word because I get my kicks from pushing myself). I'm better also at recognizing those that can be defeating, crippling even & showing them as quickly as possible - the door. Demon girl and the high bar if kept at arms length are my worst critics and biggest fans. They both know what I'm capable of, they know things about me & about my strengths that I have yet to realize & they push me ... higher, better, brighter.

Boom, boom, boom ... brighter than the moon, moon, moon 

sending this one out our friend sweet Yves Katy Perry's most excellent anthem for daily life
I guess it's anthem week here at 29 Black Street ;-)

22 comments:

  1. So very excited for you in the land of the big fish. It's going to be a great year at the TTD.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Is the color of your cape Precious Pink or Primrose Garden? Take that, demon girl! This will be a freakin' freaky June!

    ReplyDelete
  3. thank you Shammy ;-) & John I like the sound of Primrose Garden maybe trimmed with a little Precious Pink. Friggin' Freakin' Freaky - Uh Huh !! Les battle royale (daily) between Demon Girl & Madam Invincible - I should be uploading fight clips to youtube - snort xo Susan

    ReplyDelete
  4. I just want to put those two gals on notice: YOU CAN AND WILL DO IT ALL!!!!!!!!!

    And congrats on hooking that BIG FISH!!! I know they are thrilled to have "discovered" you, too!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. terrific!!! so pleased for you. You inspire me. you are brave and wonderful. dont worry - youll be brilliant. love that paint chip combination btw.

    ReplyDelete
  6. thanks Vik xoxoxox Missy D, Samuel, les Chats (& me) send lots of love

    ReplyDelete
  7. one can never, ever, have too many paint chips! Looking forward to seeing/hearing all about the new ventures. Woof. ~moose

    ReplyDelete
  8. that really is superb, Susan! BUT with the licensing they'll send, I wonder if you'll be allowed to show any of the work here or not? I know we'd all love to see what you come up with. That PDF really paid off, didn't it?!

    BTW, as you already know, you really do live in a most beautiful serene place. Love that.

    ReplyDelete
  9. greetings Mmm, As soon as the product I'm designing is released to the world (in catalogues, shown at gift shows, etc...) then I can show you here - which I can't wait to !! much love S & les Gang

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hooray for brilliant Big Fish with clear vision to see and recognize a bright, sparkly talent before their very eyes :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Come on let your colors burst!
    So exciting!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. So happy you for you landing a big fish. I hope to do the same this year !!! Thank you for reminding me to just do it :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm suddenly thinking of Dory in "Finding Nemo": "Swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming."

    You are the most colourful fish around. All the other fish will be drawn to you.

    Congrats !

    ReplyDelete
  14. I simply couldn't depart your web site prior to suggesting that I actually loved the standard information an individual supply for your visitors? Is going to be again ceaselessly to inspect new posts
    Here is my web site :: Contact-Us

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm impressed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that's both equally educative and amusing,
    and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy that I stumbled across this during my search for something concerning this.
    Also visit my page : San Street

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello, Neat post. There is an issue with your site in web explorer, might check this?
    IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and
    a good component to folks will miss your
    great writing due to this problem.
    Look into my web blog - http://lacustomfinish.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. This paragraph will help the internet users for setting up new weblog
    or even a blog from start to end.
    Also see my web page - Web Hosting

    ReplyDelete
  18. Excellent blog right here! Additionally your site a
    lot up fast! What host are you the usage of? Can
    I get your affiliate hyperlink for your host? I want my site loaded up as fast
    as yours lol
    Have a look at my web blog : cotton candy wholesale

    ReplyDelete
  19. First of all I would like to say terrific blog! I had a
    quick question that I'd like to ask if you don't mind.
    I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your head
    prior to writing. I have had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out.
    I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to
    figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Cheers!
    my web page - Buy a business Los Angeles

    ReplyDelete
  20. I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get set up? I'm assuming having a
    blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I'm not very internet savvy so I'm not 100% sure. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
    Look into my web blog - Candecarpetsandvents.Com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank you, I've just been searching for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I've
    came upon till now. However, what in regards to the conclusion?
    Are you positive concerning the supply?
    My page :: ASSI PLAZA

    ReplyDelete
  22. It's hard to come by knowledgeable people for this subject, but you sound like you know what you're talking about!

    Thanks
    Here is my blog - Beets! One of the World’s Most Nutritional Foods

    ReplyDelete

Hey ! We LOVE comments here at 29 Black Street.
Thanks for stopping by.