When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.” -Joe Namath
I get a lot of messages from folks who are about to do their very first graphic recording project, and are looking for last-minute tips and advice.
And while there are lots of tips and resources out there, to me it all boils down to one thing: getting your mindset on. So here are five random tips to help get your mind in the right space to have fun and kick butt on your first graphic recording job:
1. Make your mark. I find that the first mark on the page is the hardest/most nerve-wracking. After that, it’s infinitely easier. ;^D So I make my first mark as part of my title – just a little hand-written thing – and then I ground by filling out the lettering to look more “title-like.” I take my time setting the title, and this helps me ease into a calm and centered mind space for the project.
2. Ditch the inner critic. Remember that even when you draw something that you look at and think “oh my goodness”, there are other people in the room looking at you work and thinking “how in the WORLD does she do that!!??! She’s AMAZING!” Listen to their voices, and let any inner critics go.
3. Be prepared. I’m a lot less stressed when I show up for a project knowing that I have everything I need, for every possible scenario. Can’t draw on the walls? No problem…I’ve got my portable wall kit! Easel won’t stay in place? No problem…I’ve got multiple rolls of duct tape! Before every project, I go through my “pre-flight” checklist to make sure that I’ve thought of everything, and have packed everything, that I need to be able to show up relaxed and stress-free. Which leads me to:
4. Relax and have fun! It will all work out the way it needs to, so do what you do and be fully present to the room. I tell my clients all the time that I’ll review their materials prior to a project, but when I show up I intend to promptly forget everything I’ve read so I can be truly and fully present to what is happening in the room instead of what I think is going to happen in the room based on those prep materials.
5. Trust yourself. Your skill set is your friend, and will see you through. Even if you find yourself not quite trusting it, your skills and wisdom trust YOU. ;^) (I know, I sound a bit “woo.” But I find this sort of stuff to be absolutely the key to a successful gig. The way you show up is the way others will show up around you. Show up awesome, and the event will mirror that back to you!
I cannot wait to see what you draw forth,
