A few weeks ago, I decided to take a break from my substack and any form of social media.
I was tired of trying everything, bored by mischievous and cruel comments, the noise, the algorithm, and all things « how to succeed in 10 steps ». I’ve been flooded by comments here, full of love and support which, to be honest, gave me a glimpse of the contrast between followers and engaged people.
I took some time to think about my creative practice, my dreams and why I’ve launched my susbtack. I needed to discover a way to build a community because this is what people tell you to do if you want to sell your art: you need people. Then, you have all the marketing around, writhing, sharing, consistency, launching your products, etc… As I said previously, I’m not good at being social, as an introvert, I need time to feel comfortable enough to let people come into my world and be myself so, I need to sense that people are interested in what I’m saying because often when I'm sharing my opinion, a little gremlin in my head yells «Ain’t them bored? Why i am talking so much, it’s not interesting «.
I grabbed a pencil and decided to answer a simple question from a beloved friend (hey Kelly ! ) :
Why did you start painting ?
Like many artists, I started drawing when I was a child (yes, boring answer) nothing fancy, typical kid drawing, then as I grew up, drawings began to appear in my notebook, class notes, and even on tables occasionally! But whenever I found someone really talented ( my point of view) I came into my shell, left with a huge failure sensation. Fast forward to 2015, I came back to watercolor, learned perspective and other useful skills from my husband, then started to share my practice on Instagram, deleted my account, and created a new one, full of naivety and dreams of becoming a children books illustrator and drawing a cover for the New Yorker (yes, friends, go big ).
All of this led me, today, to write on my couch under a duvet, listening to the sound of waves. I’m not in a fancy cabin near the sea, just listening to Apple Music, but the sound of the ocean gives me so much space to think and breathe again.
I can remember that I started to draw because it brings me joy. I grew up with 2 extrovert sisters and spent time alone in my bedroom, reading books illustrated by Sempé and Blake: I was amazed, not by their techniques, but by the worlds they were creating, joyful, colorful, and simple. One can look at any of their illustration and feel a warm feeling of security. Growing up, their illustrations kept bring me safety and joy whenever I needed.
This is what I wanted to convey in my drawings: joy, peace, and calm.
Firstly, for myself, then other.
This is what I’m doing now : finding joy in my practice and protecting it at all costs.
I needed to feel more aligned with that so I changed the name of my Substack, it’s now The Side project. Why ? Because it is my side project. It’s a gentle reminder, it’s a fact, and saying « I’m writing something for My side project » reminds me that I can do it as I want to, keeping it light, joyful, and away from any growth goal. If I lose followers, ok friends, wish you nothing but the best. If I gain new ones, welcome friends, don’t be a stranger say hello! I’m sharing when I want to share, and engage with people who are already here and happy to be a part of my small world and I’m happy with this perspective. I’m not planning to monetize this space, writing is not my job so I won’t pressure myself anymore.
And what about selling my art? I’ve already said that it was one of my dreams but, silly me, never talked here about an e or « if you’re interested in it, send me an email », as if someone would magically buy something: if there’s no shop or clear mention of « art for sale »it’s never going to happen!
At some point, I’ll open a e-shop but I need to find a way to do so without the burden of running it. Here in France, the status of an « artist » is separated from the « entrepreneur » one, according to the law, for example, I can’t sell my work on Society 6 but I can do it on Etsy because Society is a third party selling my work on any surfaces but on Etsy I’m in charge of everything.
So, it’s not a priority but here’s a poll about that with a simple question:
Don’t feel ashamed by « no », I’d rather have an honest no than a polite « yes »
That’s all for me now, I’m happy to be here with you again! Don’t be afraid to comment, send a DM, or an email, it’s always a pleasure to hear from you <3
Love,
Lyly
I'm so glad you have a new path! Happy to read you! I feel you so much on all challenges! But you're absolutely right to remember why you are doing it.
Thank you so much for honestly sharing your thoughts and experience! It resonates a lot with me on several levels. I think it’s really the best attitude to do the things you feel are right for you and your creativity and not trying to fit into boxes. I love your oil painting! Is it on Arches paper? I would be very interested in seeing more of your artwork, I love your message about calm and peace, it’s the same creative driving force for me❤️