Everyone is feeling isolated, I’m sure. Unlike anything we’ve experienced before, we are now obligated to stay inside our own homes for the next 2 weeks, or more. During this isolation, we must occupy our time with creativity, projects, and experiments before we lose our minds (am I right?).
To be honest, I’m like 60% introverted so I’m kinda excited to have a lot of extra time on my plate. I have a few ambitions for this slow period, such as more personal photography sessions involving self portraits, still life set ups, and food photography. I’ve actually already started which is why I’m blogging in the first place; just the other day it reached 80 degrees outside so I set up a mini portrait session for myself. It was so nice outside so I put on some of my favorite spring clothes (which I purchased from Goodwill- I love Goodwill) and dragged out my new orchid and a chair that belonged to Cullen’s great grandmother. We have a cheap clothing line in our backyard so I took an rugged old white sheet and pinned it to the line to create and outdoor “studio”. I have 4 fur babies (2 cats: Mona and Jo) and 2 dogs (Poppy and Olive); they were all there, sitting beside my tripod, watching me photograph myself. Mona, my one cat, actually popped in during the session at one point (she is the one photographed below).
I have a feeling a lot of people going to be creating really awesome things during this time period. I encourage everyone to take this time of solitude and use it as an advantage to get ahead, or to refresh. Use what you already and create something new, refreshing, and have fun with it. If you’re an artist, here are a few ideas in case you feel stuck:

• Try out a new medium of art. If you’re a photographer, try painting. If you’re a seamstress, try gardening. If you’re a musician, try drawing.

• Work on a personal project you’ve been eager to do but haven’t had the time.

• Go back to your roots! I do a lot of weddings to make my bills, but that doesn’t mean I want to photograph weddings in my down time. For me, I want to go back to my roots and do a few self portrait sessions to get my creativity flowing.

• Skype, Facetime, or just call a pal up to talk about creative ideas! Talking always sparks new ideas.

• Use this time to come up with a solid marketing plan. I know I am going to try to!

• Use this time to work on your business plan.

• Or… just relax until you feel ready to create again. We all need to refresh ourselves at some point.

I hope this journal entry inspires others to create during this time instead of being scared and stressed. If you are feeling uncertain in your business, try and keep a positive mindset and refocus. Things will turn around soon and it’s always a good idea to stay ahead rather than behind. Remember, even when times are tough, there will always be art.