Channel Your Art Into a Project
A project has a defined beginning and an end. It is a journey that we can go on with you, the artist. It has a name and it is something we can talk about both during and after it is over. Because it has a distinct purpose, it makes you an expert merely because you have experienced the journey. Others who want to experience that journey too, can turn to you as a guide.
Young authors often want to write books about topics that they are really passionate about, but in which they are not experts. This makes selling their book exceptionally hard. Going on a journey, however, and calling it a project gives an author a story to tell and a reason for us to listen.
Gretchen Rubin was no happiness expert. She didn’t have a degree in psychology or training in spirituality. She was a lawyer, which is stereotypically one of the most unhappy professions in the world today.
Yet, she is today one of the leading experts on happiness.
Why?
Because she started a project — The Happiness Project.
The Happiness Project turned into a website and a book that has been read by millions worldwide. She has become an inspiration to others, not because of her expertise, but her experience.
Her first few books were not huge sellers. They aren’t very well known. She became known because she channelled her energy into writing within the constraints of the project.
She researched and read about happiness, experimented with new happiness strategies each month, and reported on the results. Then she became a guide for others to do their happiness project too. Her book because the tool through which she could guide others on the journey too.
What is Your Project?
Most people aren’t experts and they don’t know what to write or create. Gretchen Rubin’s path is a good one to consider.
- First, find something that makes you curious. What do you want to learn more about? What change do you need to make in your own life? What did you really enjoy doing as a kid?
- Next, think of a project through which you can read, research, and apply what others have said about that topic.
- Report publicly on the results.
- Collect and organize what you have learned in a final product.
This can work for other artists too:
As an illustrator, pick a new artist every month to imitate and model. Share your work. Report on what you have learned. Share how you found your unique style.
As a chef, experiment with a new form of cooking each month. Report on what you learn and take us on your journey. (Julie & Julia)
As a musician, write a song. Adapt that song into a half dozen or more styles of music. See how the song changes in both meaning and its experience by the listeners. Share the journey and describe what you learn.
Channelling your art into a project gives people something to remember. It transforms you, as an artist, into an expert and a guide. You can take us on a journey because you already know the way.
Inspired by and reminded of Gretchen Rubin’s story from her interview on the James Altucher Show. Listen here.
