Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Putting on My Big Girl Pants

I'm not very good at taking chances. Not a quality I admire in myself, thats for sure. When asked to describe myself, I don't generally say things like, "chicken" or "total coward."

But I definitely am.

Some of you readers might remember when I was first toying with the idea of opening Elegant Snobbery. It feels like a life time ago when I had knots in my stomach about whether to post a picture of my first snob for my blog readers to see (here). That was only just mid-December! If it wasn't for the encouragement of my blog readers, I don't know if I would have been able to take that leap and open up my Etsy shop. I just would have been too scared.

My confidence in myself has improved in the last couple of months. Its nice to know that there are people who have my artwork hanging up in their house. A little shocking, as I was never totally convinced that I would be more than just a girl who likes to draw, despite the fact that being an artist has always been what I dreamed of... But I do want to be successful and with every new illustration I draw and every picture that is purchased from my shop, I feel like I am finally reaching my goal.

Needless to say, I was completely appalled with myself when, after reading Macaroni and Glue's blog post about her Trunkt portfolio being accepted, I congratulated her and then went on to say that I could never apply to Trunkt, because I am such a coward. I just sat there for a few minutes, looking at my comment on her blog and thinking, "Well, Marisa, you don't deserve to ever be a success with an attitude like that."

So guess what I did? I put together a portfolio of my own and submitted it without ever giving myself a chance to look back, to ask questions, to doubt... and I got accepted!

I am, of course, excited beyond words. I feel honored to have my work up next to artists that I have admired for months and months. But mostly, I'm proud of myself for taking a leap and not being a total coward. Now, I am actually wondering what giant leap I'll be taking next.

Funny thing is, it doesn't feel so scary.

18 comments:

Karen Erickson said...

Oooh congrats to you! I think your work is amazing. Have courage in that - you're very talented. :)

Kelly Drill said...

The sky is the limit for you. I'm so thrilled that you found the courage to take this step. You VERY much deserve to be there.

Denise Felton said...

WooooHOOOOOO! You go, girl!!! If only you could see your work through MY eyes, you'd be submitting it all over the place!

Carry Grace said...

Good for you! Your work is amazing you deserve to be there!

Oh Mandie said...

aww BIG congrats to you!!! Your work is amazing and you deserve to be on Trunkt!!!!

I've always been to petrified to apply, but maybe I'll submit a portfolio too... you're right I dont deserve to be sucessful if I cant take chances :-)

You Rock!

Marie said...

Marisa-
I'm so surprised that you don't consider yourself up there with other artists. I had no idea you were such a talented artist when you had your baby boutique-I hope to own one of your original pieces one day. I think we're hardest on ourselves because I feel the same way about my clothing designs, etc. There are so many other wonderfully talented people that it makes you question yourself-but you shouldn't!

A HUGE congrats to you on getting accepted-now for the dumb question: what is Trunkt?

Cindy Joy said...

Congratulations Marisa!

Your stuff is beautiful, and you deserve to be on trunkt.

Anne said...

You are SUCH a goddess!! You go, girl!!! It sounds like you have a little bit of the inner critic going on - don't listen to her. Keep putting yourself out there!!!

TotusMel said...

Congrats! I might try trunkt again one day, but they didn't like me last time...anyway, Congrats!!!
-pam

Mixed Species said...

CONGRATULATIONS! It's very cool for you to share your current journey. We too have often thought of Trunkt and put it off thinking we don't create the right kind of art or our pictures/subject matter is "trunkt" enough. Maybe we were wrong. Thanks for sharing!

Candice said...

That's so great, congratulations!!

Katie L. said...

How amazing!!! That is so awesome, I bet you just feel so wonderful!!! Congratulations

Annie Howes said...

Congratulations! Your drawings are so beautiful Good job on taking the chance :o)

ANnie
http://anniehoweskeepsakes.blogspot.com

Marcyanna said...

We are usually the most afraid to do those things that let our light shine the brightest. Congrats & Thanks for letting your light shine bright!

Natalie said...

Thanks! And congrats on getting into TRUNKT!! I'm glad you decided to submit your artwork. You definitely belong there :)

micawber said...

Congrats....and...of course you got accepted, you're a solid, sincere artist! Enjoy it! :)

Cheers,
Crystal

Rosebud Collection said...

Just think what you would have missed had you not tried..I honestly think there is no such thing as "failed"..just to try something makes a person a winner, in my book..Glad you tried..

Waterrose said...

Congratulations. I also haven't gotten up the nerve...and then heavens...what catagory would i choose??? LOL

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