It’s 2023. I’m starting a blog so I can connect with people through my art. I research how to write my first blog post. The search I do returns (and I kid you not) about 4,590,000,000 results. I calmly shut my laptop, crawl into a ball, and scream into a pillow.
This is tough. The advice is often conflicting, the articles are long, and my attention span pretty short. So, let’s just start with the basics so you have some idea of who I am, what the hell I’m doing throwing this post into the ever-expanding ether that is the internet, and why you should stick around to join the clan.
Who am I?
Creatrix Jotter aka Jenny James. A self-taught visual artist living in the UK who also happens to have anxiety and depression. Needless to say, I enjoy the first part and struggle to be excited about the second bit. If you want to know what I look like, then I’ve included the obligatory photo.
Why blog?
As a visual artist, I need a website and a portfolio. As a human being, I want to connect with other human beings so a blog seemed a suitable addition to the mix. Now I have anxiety and it doesn’t, under any circumstance, think putting myself out there is a good idea. Needless to say, there is a fierce internal battle going on but I’m pushing myself into new territory anyway. I think sharing my art, talking about all things arty, and building a little community of like-minded souls are worth the anxiety.
What’s it about?
Four parts art, to two parts life and mental health with a generous dose of humour, and probably some swearing and sarcasm thrown in. I don’t want this blog to solely be focused on promoting my own art because honestly, that seems kinda boring. So, I want to explore other artists, other art, materials, inspiration, and anything else that seems like a good fit for the blog. I’ll be posting once or twice a week with an accompanying newsletter twice a month. Adjusted accordingly depending on what the clan prefers and the many variables associated with juggling a business, website, newsletter, mental health, and life in general.
Should you join the clan?
Absolutely! Through the blog, I want to brighten your day with humour, swearing, weirdness, and yes, my art. As I mostly create abstract pieces I encourage you to engage and view them in your own way, ignoring the titles and/or orientation of the piece if you choose. I’d love to know how you connect with a piece, how it makes you feel or if it reminds you of a fond memory. Alternatively, if you aren’t a fan of a piece then let me know why you don’t like it. Everyone has different opinions and sometimes I don’t like my own work (see the “Orange Horror” below) so I’m completely open to others disliking it.
Furthermore, I’ll be encouraging you to seek out beauty and art wherever and whenever you get an opportunity. Art and design is a vital part of our lives that can bring joy to an otherwise dull or difficult day so obviously, I want you to seek them out and incorporate them into your day-to-day life. Also, as I’m self-taught we’re going on an adventure together to try out new materials and techniques, and see if they work or spectacularly fail! And of course, I’ll be encouraging you to grab your art supplies because nothing really beats creating something yourself.
In Conclusion…
Come for the art and stay for the terrible humour, swearing, and most likely to watch me fail at various techniques. If those sound like your kinda thing then please consider joining the clan by signing up for the newsletter. It’s arty goodness twice a month and I promise not to spam you because I hate that shit too! I look forward to seeing you there. Meantime, I’m off to ponder whether I did, in fact, do this first post right.