The Journey of An Artist

An artists' relationship to their art is such a strange thing. It's something deeply personal and constantly changing. I had an interesting experience recently that I wanted to document - more for myself than anyone else, but I thought it might serve as a reminder for others too.

I was editing a certain band's photos a few days ago. It was a basement show at Westside Bowl, and the lights down there are incredibly harsh in some spots. On this particular night, I had to rush through getting the photos of this band, because we had a much larger show going on upstairs. Later that night, one of the band members approached me wanting the photos from their set.

When it came time to edit, I was being super nit-picky. I couldn't find anything nice to say about the set of photos that I had just taken. I was so disappointed in myself - more than I ever had been in my creative journey. I genuinely debated not sending over the photos, but I sent them anyway.

I am so glad I did. The artist responded to the email saying that the photos gave them goosebumps and that they'd love to hire me if I'm ever in their area.

Woah. What a powerful way for me to be reminded that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

As an artist, you may not resonate with everything you create, and that's okay!!! Healthy, even. You have to keep creating.

On a different note, and yet another lesson learned:

Summer is my busy season. It requires me to spend a lot of time trying to balance the negative feelings of burnout and the positive feelings of gratitude for this business that I've built.

This summer feels busier than it's ever been. In addition to being at nearly every show at Westside Bowl (sometimes photographing 8 bands in one night), I've started photographing shows for Opus One Productions, and I'll soon be working with a publication too. In addition to all of this, I've begun conspiring about and creating yet another project. (More on that soon, as long as it comes to fruition).

Do I feel insane? Yes. Am I losing my mind and struggling to keep everything in order? Also, yes.

Soooo, why am I doing all of this?

Basically, the present me is interning for my future self. I'm not quite who she wants me to be yet, but every step I take is helping me get there. I keep having to remind myself that that is who I'm doing this all for.

One day, I'll be able to look back and be like "Damn, that girl did me proud."

All of this to say that the journey of an artist is weird and challenging and sometimes, terrifying. It requires you to show up for yourself in a way that nothing else ever will.

If you're doing the damn thing, I'm proud of you and I hope all of your dreams come true.

Keep creating.

Until next time,

Stephanie Sheronovich