How to Give A Speech When Your Voice Is Hoarse...

I get this question at least once a week: "what should I do if my voice is weak and I have to give a presentation/talk/performance?" First of all, if you have full laryngitis, as in complete loss of voice, it won't come back until it's good and ready (and of course, you should consult your doctor anytime you have questions about your voice). I advise my clients to plan on at least 3 days of full vocal rest, and to re-schedule their obligations until after that. If, however, your voice is merely hoarse (which I will define here as rough, strained, and set at lower volume), you might be able to initiate at least a partial recovery on your own. Here are some things you can try:

1) Set aside a period of dedicated vocal rest. Set a timer for 3 hours of complete silence. Commit to this simple act of relief, and don't stop until the time is up. Let your vocal cords calm down and settle. You can also take some Ibuprofen to help with inflammation (consult your doctor before trying this).

2) Drink a tall glass of water. Your voice needs plenty of hydration to function at full capacity. Make a strong cup of Throat Coat tea, and let it cool down a bit before you drink it. The soothing herbal formula should continue to soothe and calm inflammation in your throat. You can try some throat lozenges during this time as well. 

3) Focus on breathing deeply, while relaxing and muscles in the throat that are tense. Close your eyes and feel everything relaxing and settling down into its proper place. Keep allowing this release of tension as you go through your day

4) When your period of vocal rest is done, do some light humming, in a vocal range that feels the most comfortable. Don't reach too high, and don't growl too low. Find the center of your voice, and start there. 

5) Work through your speech, song, or presentation at low volume, remembering to breathe deeply into the diaphragm for support. Slowly increase volume, and see how it feels. Make sure your posture is aligned and comfortable. Don't strain your neck forward, or tense your back. Hopefully you will begin to feel stronger, but save your full voice for the actual event. 

Many of my clients book "emergency" sessions if they wake up hoarse on the morning of a big event. I run them through simple vocal exercises, but not before I've advised them to do this protocol. Try it and see how it feels.... you might work your way back!

Neck Tension and The Human Voice...

As I've stated before, when our body is weak and/or compromised, so is our voice. Two fundamental elements of vocal strength, namely postural alignment and deep diaphragmatic breathing, are often stymied by whatever other physical conditions are going on. Chronic pain and tension can, over time, weaken our voice considerably if we're holding our body in a position that is not what it should be, causing intense misalignment of the spine. Pain can also steal some of our precious breath, if we're breathing "around the pain", and not allowing a full inhale and exhale to take place. In my 25 years of teaching singing and public speaking, I have observed that there is one particular kind of body issue that can sabotage the voice, and that is neck tension.

Take a minute and put your hands around your neck. See if you can touch your thumbs and index fingers together. If you can then you have a smaller-sized neck, but even if you can't the neck circumference is actually quite small, compared to the enormous job it has to do. Crammed inside that area is your spinal cord, your esophagus (where the food goes down), your trachea (windpipe), on top of which sits your larynx, which houses your vocal cords. As if that's not enough, you also have a series of glands, lymph nodes, and veins, including the vital carotid artery. In addition, the neck contains a series of small but mighty muscles that are used for everything from swallowing to just holding up your head! 

It's no wonder that head/neck alignment are so important to the voice. If we are tense in the neck, our larynx can become mis-aligned from its precise position, causing the vocal cords to over-compensate and strain when we sing or speak. Although our vocal cords can "borrow" from other muscles nearby (in a process called "extra muscle recruitment"), this action is not sustainable in the long term, and can cause strain, hoarseness, or even full laryngitis. 

There are many causes of chronic neck tension, and you should consult your doctor* if you suffer from it. That said, a few things that you can try for relief include changing to a thinner pillow, working out regularly to build more muscle in the back and neck, making sure that your work desk is ergonomically aligned, and gentle yoga. One of my favorite things to do at the end of the day is to stand with my back to a wall, and roll around on this therapy ball, which is soft enough to be gentle, but firm enough to loosen tight muscles in the shoulders and neck. Try it gently at first, for 60 seconds on each side of the spine, and see how it feels.

Once you've freed up some space in your neck, your voice should feel more relaxed, full, and free. Everything we do with our voice should have these qualities. 

NOTE: consult your doctor before trying any of the neck tension relief methods listed in this post.

Client Testimony...

Here's a quote from Nikki Barron's recent LinkedIn article about her work with me. Nikki is a women’s equality activist, community builder, Jedi-master marketer, and excellent photographer. She's a young dynamo with great skills and drive, so I know she'll go far with her voice:

"When I started going to Alicia I went with a goal. It was July and I had booked a show to sing in on my birthday, December 23rd. I built a showcase with all my friends called A Very Country Christmas. I was to open the show with two songs. I had a long long way to go.

During our first lesson, she asked me how I use my voice. I started with "I have a small voice, I want.." and she interrupted me and said, "No you don't." Which really surprised me to hear. I told her the stories of trying to simply order a beer or not being heard in a meeting and she said: "...that's not because your voice is small it's just stuck in a box." I can't describe the sense of relief I felt when a professional voice coach told me that one of my biggest insecurities could be remedied."

Read the full article here.

Every Public Speaker (and Singer) Needs to Improve This....

NOTE: the next "Public Speaking Bootcamp for Women" is coming up on Tuesday March 27th, from 5-7pm in downtown Seattle, and you can get your tickets here.

My voice clients range from complete beginners, working on basic skills and gathering confidence, to experienced speakers, looking to polish their prepared speech for a presentation or event. My job is to meet each client right where they are, and work with whatever's going on in their voice at that time. Each has vocal issues that we address with specific exercises and practice. Each has their own unique vocal qualities and strengths that can be brought out. Regardless of ability, every public speaker can benefit from improving one particular skill.

Quite often, when I'm coaching experienced speakers, I can hear that they've found a comfortable voice that makes sense to them. Their diction is crisp, their inflection is musical, and their tone is smooth. Yet something is lacking in their vocal presence, that elusive quality that makes a truly dynamic public speaker. This quality comes from breath support: being fully connected to the diaphragm muscle as it contracts and expands, and feeds breath to the vocal cords. Support is what gives the voice that extra energy and charisma. 

If the vocal cords are not getting enough breath support they will start to get tense, and this tension will accumulate as you continue to talk. The result is that your voice will start to sound tight and strained. Think of the feeling of shouting across the street to someone, and imagine that feeling growing with every word you say. This is no way to deliver a public talk! Learning how to engage the diaphragm while relaxing the vocal cords takes awhile. As we begin to connect more with the physical action(s) of our breath, we can add more energy and power to our voice. Try this: sit up straight in your chair, and loosen any tight belt or waistband. Now close your eyes and point to your navel. Imagine that you are inhaling and exhaling through the navel, and practice this action with your mouth both closed and open. Breathe deeper, and feel your belly relax and expand. If you're doing it correctly, the belly will contract naturally on the exhale. By the way, I recommend meditation for this particular purpose (here's the one I created for my clients). This video will guide you further.

5 Ways A Strong(er) Voice Can Change Your Life....

Some of us are able to meet the everyday demands on our voice. We might occasionally feel a bit strained, or even hoarse, at the end of the day, but our overall vocal health is stable, and we don't have a ton of fear about speaking up in public. Yet our voice is more than just the physical anatomy of communication. It is our most powerful way of expressing who we are, and all our thoughts, dreams, desires, and plans. As I've said before, when we strengthen our voice we are also strengthening our personal power, and our ability to be fully effective in the world. Here are 5 ways that a strong voice can change your life:

1) Greater impact in business: this is the main reason why clients take my trainings, and come for private lessons. A strong voice gets noticed, for all the right reasons. Asserting yourself at work has been linked to greater career advancement. Making a presentation with a full, clear voice helps others take you more seriously. Negotiating a raise or salary bump with full vocal confidence helps remind your superiors of your value. BTW: here's some info on the next "Public Speaking Bootcamp for Women" events.

2) Greater overall confidence: having a strong, resonant voice feels great! Being able to make yourself heard under any circumstances is a skill that approximates a super power. Knowing that your voice can last through an evening of noisy parties, or a day of team sports, can help you feel more secure in your social life. 

3) More effective communication: voicing your ideas and opinions with gusto is important, but as your voice gets stronger you might no longer need superfluous chatter just to keep someone's attention. The more we feel the effects of our strong new voice's charisma on those around us, the less we are inclined to abuse it out of social insecurity. Judicious use of our vocal power means being selective with it. We'll speak when we have something to say, and we'll be noticed and heard. 

4) Greater leadership ability: a commanding voice is the minimum we expect of a great leader. Everyone's voice is unique, and while there are some vocal qualities such as high-volume and booming resonance that naturally lend themselves to leadership, your voice may have other qualities that make it compelling. In any case, speaking clearly without strain is a skill that can be learned (it is the one most of my clients are working on). Most of us could stand to get used to the new, confident sound of our voice once it is fully supported and resonant. This process can take awhile, but it is always rewarding.

5) More powerful manifestation: articulating out loud what we need and want in our life can bring magical results. I often ask clients to write out a paragraph that describes their goals. Then I have them read it aloud, standing up in a presentational posture, and filling the room with their voice. Hearing themselves proclaim what they are seeking makes their goals clearer. If there is something that sounds or feels false, clients usually know it, and either cross it off or edit until it's right. This process can produce new ideas about the next part of a client's journey, and helps get them closer to where they want to go. Through the years I've gotten many glowing reports from clients about all kinds of progress that started with this exercise of simply stating their target(s) clearly. 

How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking...

Public speaking has been identified as most people's number one fear, more terrifying even than death! Yet we actually do it all the time: when you order in a restaurant, when you make a toast at dinner, when you call to your children across a crowded playground, you are raising your voice in public to serve a particular goal. For each of these tasks you use the same vocal cords, respiratory system, and diaphragm muscle that you need for public speaking on a much larger scale. 

The main difference between performing the daily tasks listed above and giving a prepared speech is the presence of a dedicated audience. While it's true that the waiter who takes your order is listening intently, his/her job (for which they are paid) is to serve your food needs, not take stock of your presence, digest the meaning and tone of your words, and ponder them in a way that applies to the topic at hand. A listening audience has the right to feel anything they want to about our presentation. The way we deliver our talk can win them over completely, or turn them off forever. This is enough to make most of us start to shake.

So where does nervousness come from? It's both a physical and emotional phenomenon. Any kind of perceived threat to our safety can trigger the "fight-or-flight" response, whereby the body starts to flood the body with adrenaline. This powerful hormone is designed to sharpen our senses, ramp blood flow to major muscle groups, and get us ready for a literal fight. Our breath can feel like panting as our heartbeat speeds up. We might start to feel hostile, hyper, or out-of-control shaky, anticipating whatever is coming at us next. Needless to say this is NOT the ideal state from which to deliver a public talk! 

The scientifically-proven antidote to the fight-or-flight response, and one that applies particularly to public speaking, is simply to slow down and breathe deeply. This is one of the reasons why I encourage my clients to meditate daily, so that they can get good at calming themselves. It takes awhile to learn how to slow down our breath when we feel nervous. Like everything else in life, when we practice enough we start to see results. Eventually we become so good at it that we can start channeling the extra energy that comes with nervousness into excitement that helps us give our very best. Ever wondered how your favorite singer manages to put on great shows, night after night? Turning nerves into energy is their secret, and it all starts with the breath.

When I'm coaching a client's talk I'm also reminding them to breathe deeply (through the mouth) each time the opportunity arises. This is most often at the end of a sentence, but sometimes it's necessary after a comma, so that we have enough breath to finish a sentence, and also so that the listening audience can keep up with what we're saying. In order for our voice to ring out confidently we must have full breath support, which is yet another reason to slow down and breathe deeply before you begin. 

Once we begin to feel the calming effects of deep breathing, we can start to address the emotional side of our task. What is our big fear all about? Most of my clients tell me that they think of public speaking as standing before a firing line; if they get one word or sentence wrong, or if they don't dazzle enough, or if they fail to make an impression they will be (metaphorically) shot. This paradigm gives far too much power to the audience.

The truth is that when we give a public talk, we are in actually participating in a group activity. Each person has a part to play, and a way of playing it. Some audience members will indeed be highly judgmental and seek out all our flaws. Some will be merely polite, and some will be indifferent. Some of them will be genuinely interested, and we'll feel their kind attention on us as we speak. The point is that an audience is made up of fellow human beings, just like us, who are doing the best they can, just as we are. The audience has assembled to receive the information that we are delivering. Feel their eyes on you? They are receiving you, not judging you. Visualize yourself giving your talk to a kind, attentive, and grateful audience. Breathe deeply, do your very best, and remember that we are all human. If you would like to book a private coaching session, contact me directly: alicia@aliciadara.com

REMINDER: the next "Public Speaking Bootcamp for Women" is Tuesday January 30th from 5-7pm in downtown Seattle. Contact me directly to register: alicia@aliciadara.com

Your Top-Ten Public Speaking Questions Answered...

In 2018 it will be 25 years that I've been working as a professional voice teacher (singing and public speaking). My students and clients are smart, curious, and dedicated, and I'm lucky to be part of such a great community. Through them I've learned that a teacher's job (in a nutshell) is to be an example, a guide, and a resource of information. I take great care with the questions I'm asked, and I work to help each person find an answer that works for them. That said, there are some questions that seem to be universal, and can be answered in a more general way. BTW, "Public Speaking Bootcamp for Women" is coming up on Tuesday November 28th from 5-7pm in downtown Seattle. The fee is $100. Contact me directly to register: alicia@aliciadara.com Now to your questions:

What if I don't care about/am bored by the topic that I'm supposed to give a talk/announcement/presentation about?

You might not love the topic you're speaking on, but you can be passionate about the people you're speaking to. Focus on being a trustworthy and transparent channel of information for your audience. Speak as if the thing(s) you are saying are valuable to them directly. This is probably true, if only for a small percentage of your audience. Give your best with them in mind.

How can I learn to look in people's eyes when I'm giving a talk? 

Understand that your audience's eyes are not judging you, they are receiving you. In order for them to properly focus on what you're saying and absorb it fully, they need to look right at you while you're speaking. Maintaining eye contact with them helps facilitate their trust in you, so take deep breath, raise your head, and look up.

What should I do if I mess up in the middle of my speech? Should I start over again?

There's no need re-do the beginning of your talk. Simply pause, take a deep breath, and start the "messed up" words over again. Your audience will understand your taking the time to enunciate clearly, so they can fully understand what you are saying. They will recognize that you take them seriously enough to pay them this courtesy.

How can I stop shaking before I give a public talk? 

Some degree of nervousness is natural before speaking in public, and there are physical symptoms that go along with nerves, including a light flutter. Extensive practice, visualization, and work with a good coach can help you greatly reduce these symptoms and better ground yourself, but one good habit is to stabilize your blood sugar before you give a talk. Don't skip a meal! Fuel up on protein-rich meals and snacks. I always keep an extra protein bar in my purse for clients who have forgotten to eat.

What should I do if no one is paying attention while I'm delivering my speech(es)?

This is a tough one. Ask yourself some basic questions: are you speaking loud enough? Is your pacing so fast that no one can keep up, or are you so slow that you're putting them to sleep? Do you speak in a boring monotone? Is it a body language issue? Are you slouching, cowering, turning away, not looking them in the eye? These are all actions that "tell" the audience not to pay attention to you. Correct them and see what happens.

How can I make my voice louder when I'm giving a public talk?

Most "low talkers" are not getting nearly enough breath support to the voice. Learning how to take a diaphragmatic breath, and using the air as you speak, is something that a good voice coach can help with. You can also try pitching the sound of your voice a bit higher, which can help the sound travel farther. But be aware that you're going to have to get used to the sound and feeling of your full voice... are you ready to rock?

What if I "blank" in a part of my memorized talk?

Typically my clients who "blank" (forget a line or section of at talk that they have memorized) have not spent enough time visualizing themselves giving the entire talk. Practice makes perfect, and visualization is a vital part of a good practice regimen. Olympic figure skaters don't just practice triple-jumps, they visualize themselves jumping and landing perfectly, over and over. See it and be it.

What if my voice cracks when I'm speaking?

A tiny "crack" in the sound of your voice is entirely human, and usually remedied by light throat clearing. Don't over do it, or you might start to cough, which will rough up your voice further. Say "excuse me", drink a sip of water if you need to, and carry on. 

How should I move my face and body while I'm speaking? 

Studies have shown that actions and gestures that point upward are inviting and attractive to others. Your eyebrows, your hands, and the corners of your mouth can all make upward movements that will draw people in. It's alright to clasp your hands together at your waist, as long as you unclasp them to gesture (upward) when appropriate. Never cross your arms over your chest, or your legs over each other. Align yourself comfortably, then lift your sternum up an inch, so that your chest is relaxed and open. Breathe deeply and feel the power of this stance. Everything should flow from there.

How can I get people to take my talk seriously when I'm the youngest/ least important person in the room?

Use your physicality and voice together. Stand up to your full height, lift the sternum an inch, open your eyes and look around the room before you start talking. Breathe into the diaphragm, and speak from your belly power. Take your time. Don't uptalk (it's that thing? when the end of each sentence? goes up in pitch? and sounds like a question?). Keep your objective in mind, and don't back down. Act like someone who is confident (not arrogant), and you will be.

What if I have laryngitis? How can I strengthen my voice in time for my speech?

First the good news: full laryngitis (no sound coming out at all) is temporary. The bad news is that the human body typically needs 3 days to fully recover from it. I advise my clients to reschedule talks if they have full or even partial laryngitis, because trying to force the voice to work will only prolong the problem. Reschedule, heal, and come back strong. 

How can I make my speaking voice sound more compelling? 

Download your favorite book on tape, and pick a paragraph to work with. Record yourself reading that paragraph, and compare it to the sound of the actor's voice. What are the fundamental differences? Are you speaking too low, too fast, to monotone? Practice the inflection of the other voice by speaking along with it, at the same pace, using the same pitch and volume. Now take a deep breath and try it louder. Record yourself again once you've worked on it, and listen for improvements. And work with a good voice coach to help you develop your own style of speaking. 

An Announcement, A Wish, and a Long-Cherished Dream...

Friends, I've come to a decision that I want to share with you. I've been thinking lately about how I can better contribute to my community and the world at large. If you're a regular reader of my blog you know that I've included tons of resources for health and wellness. In my view the total system of a human being -mind, body, and spirit- must be kept in healthy balance in order for us to live fully, and give our best wherever we go. In my volunteer work as a public health advocate with Planned Parenthood over the past 11 years, I've witnessed the dramatic difference that excellent health care can make. A good health care system can uplift an entire population, and I've always wanted to be part of that process in a deeper way. Today I am announcing that I've accepted the position of Board President of the Udistrict Community Acupuncture Clinic!

Why acupuncture? I've been receiving it since I was a teenager, and I've experienced its benefits firsthand. I've also seen it work on many people that I've known throughout my life. Here in Seattle, our clinic founder is Susie Sabunciyan, an extraordinary healer. I've been her patient for almost 8 years, and I trust her abilities and her vision. Community acupuncture is exactly what it sounds like: acupuncture for everyone. Instead of an office with individual spaces, treatments take place in a large, communal room (you can see it on the front page of the clinic website). This arrangement helps keep the cost down, at a sliding scale of $20-$40 per session. Our goal is to reach people form all walks of life, particularly those who would not ordinarily have access to acupuncture, for reasons that include financial hardship, lack of insurance, lack of knowledge about acupuncture, and abandonment by "traditional" health care institutions. 

Right now the clinic is offering 5 sessions for $75, which is about as good a deal as you can find anywhere! You can also come in and try one session. Some common reasons that people seek acupuncture are sleep trouble, anxiety, PMS, arthritis pain, digestive problems, and migraines, but the treatments have been known to help all kinds of ailments. Tell Susie what's up when you come in for your appointment, and she will create a personalized treatment plan for you. Once the needles are in you'll relax in your easy chair while soft, soothing music plays as the treatment works its way through your body. Susie will check in on you, and when you're ready she'll remove the needles and send you on your way. Most sessions last 30-60 minutes, but some people need more time, which is perfectly fine. Come and try it out for yourself, and let me know how it goes.

My dream is to help get the clinic into a permanent space (right now we rent), and turn it into a huge community resource. There's a ton of work to do, problems to solve, and many questions to answer. With acupuncture to fortify my constitution, I know I'm up for it! See you at the clinic...

My Monthly Newsletter is Ready to Launch!

Friends, for the past year I've been working on an exciting new project that I'm getting ready to launch. It's my very first monthly newsletter, filled with all kinds of awesomeness! Along with behind-the-scenes access to my music projects (for example... did you know my band Diamondwolf is about to release our first new single in 3 years?) and short pieces of writing, I'll also include a curated list of magical stuff I've found on the Interweb on arts, culture, politics and more. If that's not enough, I'll throw in links to the things I use on a daily basis (as a musician, author, teacher coach and human) that I can't live without. 

My first goal is 250 sign-ups before I launch in April. Enter your email in the box below, and get ready to rock with me!  

5 Free Things Artists Can Do to Empower Ourselves Right Now...

This is a supplemental, emergency blog post. I am writing in response to some things I've been noticing in my community, in the wake of the election results.

My beloved community: artists are a vulnerable part of the population, because many of us are low-income, with barely enough resources get through our daily lives. For most of our lives we often make huge sacrifices in order to keep making art. Many of us NEED to make art as a therapeutic healing process, to work through dark and often traumatic origins. At times like this, when our larger world becomes terrifyingly unstable, and our vulnerability is brought into sharp focus, we are at risk of losing all hope. So great is our existential dread that we might be tempted to engage in behaviors and practices that are harmful to our wellbeing.

So I am writing to tell you: STOP! If you are self-harming through substance abuse, reckless behavior, abandoning or destroying your art projects, or any other kind of self-violence, STOP STOP STOP!!!

Please take a minute and breathe deeply now.

Understand this: throughout history, artists have survived war, plague, famine, rape, and genocide and come through making art that heals and uplifts the entire human race. 

And this: the forces of tyranny and oppression depend on vulnerable people giving up.

And also this: your voice is NEEDED! YOU ARE NEEDED!!

Let's take another breath, and another.

Now let's look at 5 things you can do, right now, to get your power back:

Meditate

• Harness the awesome power of your mind. Learn to calm yourself, center your thoughts, improve your focus and mental clarity. A calm, strong mind is essential if we want to respond instead of reacting. Go deep within yourself and find a peace that no one and nothing can take away. Do it every morning, before you get out of bed, for 10 minutes. Once you're good at it, try 30 minutes sitting up in a chair, with your eyes closed. How long can you keep your mind calm? Try for an entire hour. (AUTHOR'S NOTE: I wrote, played, and narrated a Guided Breathing Meditation that is available for sale on my site, but email me directly and I'll send it to you for free). 

Take full advantage of your medical insurance

• (This one might involve a co-pay, but it is absolutely worth your time!) Right now we don't know exactly what will happen to our insurance, so take this time to use it to its fullest. Make an appointment with your PCP and get a full physical. Gather data about yourself! As questions about your overall health, and find out if there are any particular aspects you should be working on as you age. Get as many immunizations as you can, including a flu shot. Fill any necessary prescriptions, renew your birth control, and get tested for STI's and cholesterol. While you're working on your health, get more sleep! 

Sign up to volunteer for local and national orgs

• Now is the time to be the change we wish to see in the world. People in your community, and in our nation, need your help. Sign up and be generous with your time. Commit to 1 volunteer hour per week, and increase it as you can. Here are some good places to start: http://www.joincampaignzero.org/#vision http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/get-involved/ https://www.rainn.org/get-involved

Perform a daily selfless act of kindness

• Do this every day, no matter how small. Comfort someone by listening and holding space for their emotions. Give up your seat to a stranger on the bus. Clean up some trash in your local park. Help a snail make it all the way across the garden. Be completely present in the act, and do it with no expectation of reward, or even acknowledgement. Don't perform it on social media! Do it privately, without telling anyone. Make a it a daily practice of integrity, compassion, and love. Let it be your reminder that love is the most powerful force on earth.

Completely eliminate sugar from your diet

• It may seem implausible, even ridiculous, but those tiny white crystals are whiplashing your moods, hampering your immunity, and draining your vital energy. Encourage your most healthy, powerful self to emerge by cutting out all refined sugar, and keeping sweet things to a minimum. NOTE: alcohol gets transformed by your body into sugar, so cut back as far as you can. Look for healthier and more nourishing ways to calm your nerves (see #1). 

Lastly, re-commit to your art projects. Dig deeper, fight harder, love stronger than ever before. It's OK to feel afraid, just stay centered and open. Use your art and your heart. And never, ever give up!
 

Special Announcement....

Fellow artists and creative people, for the past 16 weeks I've ben blogging about all kinds of aspects of our lives (thanks for all your feedback letting me know that you've found my writings helpful!). I'll be blogging sporadically throughout the summer, while I work on my upcoming book about creativity, and various articles for publication. Please feel free to contact me directly if you would like to book a voice lesson, CLE vocal strength workshop, consulting or coaching session, I am available by email: alicia@aliciadara.com

In the meantime, enjoy this list of blog topics, and feel free to add your comments and feedback:

5 Ways to Stand Out From the Competition (And Rule the World With Your Art)...

How to Overcome the #1 Obstacle to Your Creativity...

How to Destroy Perfectionism and Make Your Best Art Ever...

5 Skills for Successful Artists...

How to Jump From Hobbyist to Full-Time Artist...

How to Stop Procrastinating...

6 Ways to Propel Your Art Forward...

How to Overcome "Impostor Syndrome" and Rule the World With Your Art...

5 Ways to Build Your Brand Without Losing Your Soul...

The Only Thing Prince Ever Did That Truly Shocked Me...

Ten Wellness Tips for Artists...

5 Tis for Sparking Creativity...

To Master Your Art, Teach Beginners...

5 Tips for Artists About to Turn 30...

New to Creative Collaboration? Focus on Shared Discovery...

30 Movies About Artists and the Creative Process...

How to Get Your Creative Inspiration Back...

Why People Don't Learn (And How They Can)...

5 Ways to Stand Out From the Competition (and Rule the World With Your Art)...

Congratulations! This post marks 16 weeks of your creative and artistic growth. During this time you've overcome impostor syndrome, perfectionism, procrastination, and the #1 obstacle to your creativity. You've also learned how to collaborate with others and teach beginners how to do what you do. Your health and wellness is on track, you're working on new skills, working out your brand, and you've found new sources of creative inspiration as you move forward on your path. You may have even decided that you're ready to become a full-time artist! Next up is a full reckoning with your competition. Are you ready to rumble? 

Here are 5 ways to stand out from the competition:

1) Identify the competition

• Not every artist dreams of climbing to the very top. Some of us prefer to operate within the confines of our community (friends, city, state or otherwise) and distinguish ourselves within that group. Some of us are only concerned with competing against ourselves, seeking to outdo our best work with every new creative project. And some of us are already wading into the shallows, getting up our nerve to swim with sharks. In any case, it's crucial that you figure out your own definition of the word "competition" (while you're at it you might also want to do the same for "ambition"), and adjust it accordingly as you travel forward. Set aside some time to meditate on what you truly want to do with your art, and write down any and all images that come to you. Create a sentence that describes your exact hopes and dreams, and write it in the first person present tense, as if it's happening right now. What feelings come up for you when you read it? Does it strike you as true, or do you feel like an impostor? Doubt your doubts, and believe in your dreams. Ground them in reality by taking daily actions that further your ambition.

2) Keep current with your competitors' work

• Do you know what's currently going on your art form? Who are the biggest names and rising stars? What is their latest work all about? Why are they having such an impact? Get busy finding answers to these questions. Knowing exactly who and what you're up against will clarify a lot about how your own work might flourish in the marketplace. Fresh, innovative ideas often show up when we look critically at our competitors' work and fantasize about outdoing them. Don't be intimidated, get inspired! Challenge yourself to go where you've never gone before in your art, and be prepared for your current audience to be just as shaken up as you are. Tell them you have resolved to live purely by inspiration, and your new work will reflect this mandate. Now get to work!

3) Write out your origin story

• Want to be a creativity superhero? Write out your origin story. Your beginnings play a huge role in who you are and how you make art. Understanding exactly how your past plays itself out in the present can illuminate all kinds of fascinating insights. From our current vantage point we might be able to identify recurring themes in our work, and trace them back to our childhood. Many of our greatest strengths were formed during that time, by people and events that may not have been within our control. Is there something from the past that's holding you back? Set a date for resolving it, and make this process part of your art. By examining our origins we might also get a better sense of our personal values, and consider bringing them even deeper into our work as artists (this is where that whole "be the change you want to see in the world" thing can manifest itself). You can even take this archetypal superhero process farther, and name your kryptonite, nemesis, sidekick(s), and magical accessory or costume. Remember: the way you present yourself to the world counts as much as the art you make! Knowing where you came from and how you got here translates as greater personal charisma, that essential force of attraction that can draw others to you like bears to a salmon-slick river. 

4) Challenge yourself regularly

• Are you keeping yourself small? When is the last time you rose to a genuine challenge? Not just in your work, but in the way you market it to the world. Are you reaching everyone who might be interested in what you do? Have you approached every possible contact, and researched every possible marketing strategy? Take a good hard look at your goals, and throw them all out. Assume that lack of ambition has been holding you back, and resolve to create a brand-new paradigm, where you challenge yourself to surpass every success in both your creative and professional work. Not sure where to start? Read some biographies of famous artists and creatives that you admire, and learn about their trials and victories. Study the creative process of innovators in your field and borrow from their stable of techniques. Embrace happy accidents and coincidences, and remember to thank everyone who leads you to them. Get in the habit of meeting challenges and eventually it will feel like a natural extension of who you are. 

5) Understand the true nature of networking

• Many of us are confused about networking, and unsure of how to make it work for us. We might feel uncomfortable with "using someone" to get ahead, but this is not how networking actually works. Effective networking is a mutually beneficial relationship between two people who respect and admire each other, and want to help the other succeed. This kind of connection has a ripple effect that can change everything. Every time you connect someone to good resources and/or contacts in your community, you are taking one step closer to your own goals, because that person will remember your kindness and return it when opportunity strikes. You'll also be known as someone who cares about others, and is not threatened by anyone else's success. Know how to recognize a fellow power-networker when you see one, and consider creating a group of like-minded networkers who meet monthly with the express goal of sharing resources, information, contacts, and goals. Having a diverse and dedicated list of people that you can count on increases your visibility and social influence, two qualities that play a vital part in helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace. 
   

How to Overcome the #1 Obstacle to Your Creativity...

Our creativity is a powerful force of nature that is constantly moving through us. This energy powers not just our creative work, but everything we do, and it informs the way we see the world. We can engage with it as much or as little as we choose, but it needs to flow freely in order for us to do our best work. Right now, in your life, there is an obstacle to your creativity. Feel it? It's just sitting there, blocking your path, sucking up air and light like a bad-ass black hole. This obstacle is unrelenting, and it will continue its nasty business until you decide you're not going to take it anymore.

The greatest obstacle to your creativity is the issue that you've been neglecting to attend to in your life, outside of your creative work. Is it a recurring health problem? An antagonistic relationship? A regret about something from the past that sabotages your present? Or is it a secret dark belief about yourself that needs to be transformed? Look around for the one thing that feels completely stuck, or out of your control. You might have a feeling of dread when you think about this issue, and your body might tense involuntarily. Or you might run toward a distraction, something to take your mind off it. Maybe you've told yourself that this issue will never be resolved, and you're locked in with it forever. You can make this choice, but understand that it will directly effect the flow of your creativity. 

How does this dynamic play out, exactly? Just think back to that image of the black hole. Consciously or unconsciously, you're using your full creative powers to manage the ongoing issue, and it feeds off that energy like crazy! Even if you've been completely ignoring the issue, the energy required to willfully ignore something so huge is intense. Don't you want to take that power back? 

To be clear, artists and creative people often face giant obstacles to our creativity that have to do with basic survival, and the issue of time vs money. Most of these are external issues that we may not have much control of. Fortunately there are some ways that we can take charge of our life and our work. As we strive to overcome what's in front of us and keep moving forward, we can learn to take better care of ourselves, collaborate with others, market our work effectively, and take time to observe significant milestones in our progress. We can teach others how to love art as much as we do, and learn from those who came before us, and let go of limiting paradigms that no longer serve us. We can also take charge of our own creative process, and seek out fresh inspiration to keep us going. These are actions we can all take form the inside out, and they will serve us well. But we're talking about your particular issue, the one that is so persistent that it may have become part of your very identity. This is the one that needs your full might to overcome. Put your back into this job, and you will reap tremendous rewards. 

Here are 5 steps to help you overcome your greatest obstacle:

1) Ask yourself what you're getting out of your issue

• Define the exact issue and the way it affects you. Now dare to be completely honest with yourself, and name the exact benefit(s) of keeping your ongoing issue around. Does it make you feel special, as if martyrdom elevates your sense of self? Are you grateful for the distraction from the powerful art you could be making? Does your issue prevent you from facing hard questions about the state of your art, and what your artistic future looks like? Is it a convenient way to avoid moving forward with your art and life? Or are you convinced that you can't make art without the tension of your issue informing your creative process? Think again! This is a dangerous myth that only serves to prevent you from doing exactly what you claim to want most: live a fully creative life. In any case, facing up to your shadow feelings will illuminate the necessary changes that need to be made. 

2) Ask yourself what it would FEEL like to be free of it

• Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and think about your issue. What kind of emotion comes up when you think about releasing it? Does your body feel less tense, or your heart more open? You might feel shaky, tearful, or giddy. Take full stock of your feelings, both physical and emotional. Are you suddenly flooded with daydreams about new creative avenues for your art? Or do you simply see yourself getting a full night's sleep and facing each day with full clarity and purpose? Write down how your life and work will be different without this obstacle, and keep track of it you go forward through your process.

3) Tell a trusted friend or loved one about the issue

• Who do you know and trust enough to share this process with? Chose wisely: someone who loves your work and believes in you can help keep you accountable to your goal of releasing and resolving your issue. Let this person know what's going on, and ask them to be part of your process. They will play a big part in your new post-issue paradigm and the way you will be living your life and making your work from now on. Treasure this person and let them know how valuable they are. Remember to thank them, and offer to do the same for them should they need it. 

4) Identify 10 resources to help you resolve your issue

• You're a highly creative and resourceful person! Who and what can you turn to for help with your issue? Ask trusted friends and family for names of professionals who can guide your process (or just gather wisdom and counsel from people you know). Read as much as you can about your issue, and find examples of people who have resolved their own. Research current solutions for your issue, and find out who the leading figures are in that world. Read their works and case studies. Make a list of 10 action steps you can take to resolve your issue, and visualize yourself taking each one. This is your action plan.

5) Set a date for resolving the issue and stick to it

• Time to put your plan into action! Pick a completion date that feels realistic, but don't wait too long (more than 6 weeks is too much time, unless there are special circumstances). Remember: your issue is not necessarily a problem that has to be solved (although with neglected health issues it is often the case that we DO need to take that approach, or risk a terrible worsening of the problem). Resolution and release are the goal, and this could mean a simple (though not easy!) paradigm shift in the way you approach your issue, and the effect it has on your life and art. You may even feel fresh creative energy start to flow right away, as you let go of your attachment to the issue and begin to move forward with your plan. Take time to note and celebrate each step, and reward yourself with something magical when you're all done. 
   

How to Destroy Perfectionism and Make Your Best Art Ever...

My fellow artists: let's permanently break up with perfectionism. Perfection, like control, is an illusion. The word implies an objective, static state that is literally impossible, because time is constantly taking its toll on everything. What appears to be perfect today has already begun to decay, and will soon look a whole lot different (maybe as soon as tomorrow!). If we decide we're going to focus on perfection we are basically saying that we do not respect the essential nature of being alive. Perfectionism, when taken to an extreme, can divorce us from the ferocious magic of our own mortality, and the myriad ways it can shape us for the better.

Especially in our creative work, perfection is (at best) a fleeting moment of recognition that sometimes things seem to line up in a way that is harmonious, and we arrive at a place that seems exactly as it should be. But the fact remains that this moment is temporary and will eventually pass (just as we will also). There is no "perfect" creative work. It simply does not exist. There is only what you have the courage to discover, shape, express, and share. To become a creative master you must let go of your idolatry of perfectionism and embrace a completely mysterious vision of your work and yourself. Dancing with this mystery IS the work, the process by which you will do great things.

So here are some ways to destroy perfectionism and make your best art ever:

Meditate on limitlessness

• The effect of perfectionism is severely limiting. We believe that by pledging to make perfect works of art we will achieve the highest vision of what we're capable of, but like a mirage on the horizon that constantly recedes as we move forward, it is ever more elusive and distant. Driven by anxiety, consumed by the chase, we could miss valuable detours that lead to major insights and expansive growth. This is not to say that we shouldn't maintain quality standards: each of us gets to decide what level of work we refuse to fall below. But if we let perfectionism consume our creative process there is no room to breathe, let alone evolve and thrive. Resolve to give yourself a 30 day break from perfectionism. Create an image of something that symbolizes freedom and limitlessness, and hold it in your mind during meditation. Visualize it clearly and feel it helping you take back your power, as you breathe deeply and enjoy its soul-stirring effects. Understand that the intentions you have for your art have real effects on you and your audience. Trust in your creative process and know that you don't have to control how it moves through you. Allow it to work itself out and show you the way. [AUTHOR'S NOTE: I recorded a 12 minute Guided Breathing Meditation, with ambient music and narrative, that you can sign up for FREE in the box on the right of this page]

Expand your definition of beauty

• Many perfectionists consider themselves to be connoisseurs of all things beautiful: houses, clothes, cars, and people. As mentioned above, perfectionism is limiting and can put a narrow filter on everything we see. Are you dismissive of anything and anyone that doesn't meet your beauty standards? You could be missing out on extraordinary sources of inspiration that can take you far outside the boundaries of your awareness, and force you to examine, and expand, the way you make your art. Loosen your grip on your aesthetic sensibilities and allow some fresh air and light to come into your creative vision. Breaking your own chains can feel scary at first, as you veer off into unknown and/ or unexamined territory, but what you find there could change everything. For starters, have a look at this and this and this. Notice what feelings come up as you peruse the images and read about how they were made. Release all judgement and embrace a new paradigm of awareness and understanding. Set your work free!

Examine other obsessive behaviors in your life

• Obsessive perfectionism can be a sign that something is unbalanced in the mind. Human behavior is somewhat predictable in this way. If we are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety we may strive to micro-manage things around us, so that we can feel some sense of control. Are your perfectionistic work habits part of a larger pattern? Do you reject things and people that do not live up to your standards? If there is a larger problem that is not being addressed you could end up lonely, isolated, and joyless. Treat yourself with compassion! Your total health and wellness, which includes your physical AND mental health, is vital to your creative process, and to your continued ability to keep making art. There is no shame seeking help with maintaining your mental balance. In fact, we can all think of numerous examples of artists in all disciplines who struggled with mental illness. Ask friends for recommendations of good therapists and mental health workers. Call your insurance provider and find out what kind of mental health services are covered. Take full advantage of what you are allotted, and consider it a good investment in yourself and your art.

Reconnect with Beginner's Mind

• I've written about the importance of staying in touch with Beginner's Mind before. For artists who have been at it for a long time and are more advanced in their work, it can be hard to remember those feelings of limitless wonder and discovery. Being in Beginner's Mind allows us to work without self-doubt or judgement, as we pick up, discard, and invent new creative ideas, and allow ourselves to dream about all the possibilities of our artistic projects. If we can no longer access Beginner's Mind through our own artistic category, we can find it by trying out other ways of making art, for example: a painter can take dance classes, a novelist can learn to blow glass, and an actor can try origami. You can even find your way back to Beginner's Mind by cooking a complicated meal or learning to bake a pie. Free of expectations or pressures, we can enjoy putting our creative talents to work on something completely new. As you work, notice the way that you are present in the moment and cherish each step forward. Take this feeling back to your current art project and let it be your guide. You might just create your best work ever!

Respect Your Own Artistic Evolution

• Most of us can't see clearly when it comes to our personal creative process. Heads down in our work is not the ideal posture for perspective. By looking back can we can see just how far we've come, put our work in context, and better understand the kind of art we truly want to make. Write out a timeline of your artwork that shows how old you were, what tools or skills you learned, and what your major influences were for each major piece, and what (if anything) you learned from completing each one. Start with the first pieces you did in school (or wherever), the ones that sparked your passion for your art, and continue all the way up to your current piece. What do you notice about your evolution? When did you first start to feel your own artistic voice come through? If you haven't felt it yet, how can you bring it out? Are there any recurring blocks or interruptions in your journey? Is anyone interfering with your ability to do your best work, or are you holding yourself back out of fear? What is the nature of that fear and how is it tied to your perfectionism? How can you get free of it once and for all? Has anything surprised you about looking back on your work? Take some time to learn about yourself and what hinders, harms, motivates and inspires you as you work on your art. Give yourself credit for what you've accomplished! Go forward with respect and compassion for yourself, and trust that your creative process will take you exactly where you need to go.

5 Skills for Successful Artists...

The lives of artists are extraordinary, full of unexpected and unpredictable twists and turns. Being an artist is not for everyone, but if we decide we're going to go for it, it's important to make time for things like self-care and maintaining our creative inspiration. The same active attitude can be applied to everything we do. There are valuable skills we can learn that can propel us forward, like branding our art in a way that we love, teaching beginners so we can become masters, and collaborating with fellow artists on projects that can open our work to a wider audience. Here are 5 more tools to keep in your toolbox: 

1) Be as good as your word

• Artists often encounter a cultural stigma that says we're "flaky", "spacey", "difficult" and just plain unreliable. In order to be taken seriously, and have our work taken seriously, we must be as good as our word. Never make a promise you can't keep! Before saying yes to anything, check your calendar and make the necessary calculations of time and resources. This goes for both social and work invitations. Always be on time! Being late says you do not value other people's time, not the message you want to convey to your clients and community. If, despite good planning, you are (for example) stymied by terrible traffic on your way to meet someone, text or call immediately to let them know you are running late. Once you arrive at your destination, apologize sincerely, and be extra present and accountable during your meeting. Develop a reputation for being as good as your word, and guard it with your life.

3) Keep a diverse contact list

• Are all your friends artists? You might be living in a limiting bubble. Reach out to people in other fields and socialize with them. Many people in other professions view artists as living examples of passion and creative drive. These people often have the means to pay market value for your art. They can also give you a boost in the form of connections to people higher up in the art world, access to exclusive art events, or even just a good dinner when you're low and broke. When you receive an invitation from someone, show up on time (see #1 above) and be present, solicitous, and polite. Don't talk about yourself the whole time! Take an interest in what they do and do your best to follow along, even if it's way out of your knowledge base. Buy a box of thank you cards and send one after your meeting. Your path to success is very compelling, and some of these people may play a part in it, so check-in regularly with your contact list, and update them about your work, but don't be pushy (see #3 below). Maintain these connections and treat them with care.

3) Know how to talk about your work

• Look, we get it: you're very compelled by your art. Your current project is obsessing you and taking up all your time. We want to hear about it, just not ALL about it. Understand that no one on earth is going to care about your art as much as you do. Regaling us with every minute detail is unnecessary, and often downright unbearable. A good rule is to assume that no one has more than 20 seconds of sincere interest to give you. This is why an elevator pitch matters so much: you can make maximum impact with minimal use of other people's time. Don't worry to much about the "pitch" part; you don't have to view each person you meet as a potential client that might want to buy your art (although experimenting with this paradigm can be instructive). Just find a concise and potent way to describe your work and your plans for it. Write down 5 different sentences that describe it, and cut and paste them into one powerful statement. Practice on a trusted friend until it feels normal to say it aloud. If you make your pitch and someone responds with, "tell me more!", or, "interesting!" then you can proceed cautiously. If you're met with a polite smile and/or change of subject, take a hint and follow along, or move on to another person who might be more amenable to your pitch. Just remember the cardinal rule of Show Biz: always leave them wanting more.

4) Cultivate a special social skill or hobby

• You're not just the art you make! You're a highly creative person of unique vision, with a strong work ethic behind everything you do. Can you think of something in addition to your art that you can contribute to your community? Some kinds of hobbies and skills are highly desirable, and can grease social wheels and make you more likely to be included in community events [AUTHOR'S NOTE: I make pies. Mic drop.] Photographers are always welcome at art events and social gatherings, and so are musicians, but the rest of us need to dig deeper to find ways to contribute. Are you good with styling your own outfits? Help a harried hostess put her look together before a dinner party. Can you clean and de-clutter in a flash? Assist a local garage sale or block party. Do you enjoy arranging and decorating? Make yourself available to others at holidays to help with household cheer. Or just put on your work clothes and help a friend move house. You'll be the guest of honor at the housewarming party, where you can try out your elevator pitch from #3 above.

5) Visualize your success

• What will success look like to you? What will your average day be like? How much time will you spend on work, and how much on play? Who will be your competitors? Will you travel for/with your art? Where will you go? Who will be with you? What new avenues of creativity will you explore? Visualize these things in as much detail as you can. This is not to say that you MUST manifest your success in these particular ways, just that you care enough and believe enough in yourself to dream big and work toward your goals accordingly. Let these images inform the choices that you make going forward, and prioritize the ones that matter most to you. It can also be helpful to ask yourself how you will FEEL when you are successful: for example, will you be invigorated, charging forward with new energy, or will you be relaxed at last, taking each new challenge in stride? This is something you can and should work on right now, in this moment. If you need an energy boost, work on your nutrition and sleep patterns. If you're constantly tense, look for new ways to de-stress and chillax. Grounding yourself in the here and now, and visualizing your success as an extension of it, will go a long way. Meditate on your success every day. Let yourself feel into the future, and come back to this moment refreshed and ready to work.
   

How to Jump from Hobbyist to Full-Time Artist...

From time to time, in our journey on this earth, it's good to ask ourselves some provocative questions. Whatever gets stirred up may feel uncomfortable, or even painful, but just might lead to a big forward leap. Here's a good question: who do we think we are? Some of us are artists right out of the gate, working hard on our art and carving a place for it in the world. Some of us are highly creative people, with dedicated hobbies that allow us to express ourselves and enrich our lives. And some of us are artists masquerading as hobbyists, unsure of how to become who we truly are. If you are in the latter category, you might need some help to get moving in the right direction. A creativity coach can help you sort out the particulars, and work with you to create a brand-new paradigm that reflects your identity as an artist. These 6 questions are a good place to start:

1) Are you willing to trade joy for hard work?

• Your hobby is your refuge, your sanctuary, your place of enjoyment and expression. You are passionate about your hobby and enjoy talking about it with whoever will listen. You think about it when you're not working on it, happily dreaming and scheming about what you'd like to do next, or you forget it completely and return to it with relief and gratitude for all it gives you. In any case, your hobby is a source of joy, so much so that working on it doesn't feel like work. If you decide to turn your creative/artistic hobby into a full-time job then be prepared to fall out of love with it, at least for awhile. This is a necessary part of the process as you transition from hobbyist to working artist. During this transition you might experience a loss of joy as you slog through all the details of setting up your business, figure out where and how to sell your art, and wrestle with your schedule to accommodate family, clients, and work sessions, not to mention time to attend to your own self-care needs. The lives (and incomes) of artists are often unpredictable, and some people have a tough time staying connected to their joy in the midst of so much uncertainty. If you are willing to work harder than you've ever worked before, and if you have "spiritual stamina" and trust your process, your joy WILL return. Be careful not to tie it too tightly to external success or validation: take your joy from the work itself, as you did when you were a hobbyist. Love it more than it loves you.

2) What is your philosophy of being an artist?

• What do you believe about being an artist? Take out a piece of paper and a pen and complete this sentence 10 times: "I believe that artists are ___________". Don't think about it too much, just write whatever comes to your mind, no matter how grand, silly, or judgmental it may be. Now step back and look at your answers. What do you see? Take an inventory of your beliefs and feelings, and understand that ultimately they will shape the life you live as an artist. If you believe that "only a starving artist is a true artist" you could end up with a self-fulfilling prophecy that is hard to undo. This is not to say that your thoughts are controlling the entire Universe, necessarily, only that the attitude that you bring to your life as an artist counts. Take the most practical and positive answers from your list of ten sentences and build those into a philosophy that informs every day of your life and work. For a good example, read the Holstee manifesto.

3) What does success look like to you?

• This is hot button for most of my clients. It brings up all kinds of issues related to fear, anxiety, ego, and jealousy. Artists can't measure success the way most other professionals do, because our career path is so unpredictable and uncontrollable. The metric of success in our modern world is based primarily on accumulation of wealth, prestige and even fame. These things are elusive for the vast majority of artists (though not for our lack of trying!). In order to make art we must be engaged with the deepest regions of body, mind, heart, and soul, and this process is internal and private. Our job is to keep honing our skills and craft, keep producing good work, advocate for the art we make, and help the world understand its value. It's a good idea to make a list of successes that are both internal (related to the art we make and our creative goals) and external (pertaining to our finances and our art's visibility in the world). Knowing exactly how you define success, and weaving it into your larger philosophy of being an artist, will help you manifest your goals. One piece of advice I often give to my clients on the subject is THINK BIGGER!! Most of us start out with modest (safe) intentions that may not allow our full potential to develop. Miracles can happen when we move out of our comfort zone. Think bigger, artists! Now back it up with great work and the will to power.

4) Who do you know that you can consult for counsel and perspective?

• Is there currently an artist in your life, someone whose work blows your mind? Even if you don't love their work you can still admire their drive and passion. Can you meet with this person and let them in on your plans to move from hobbyist to artist? If you are lucky enough to have someone in your circle that is already a professional artist, make sure to treat them respectfully and let them know how much you appreciate their taking the time to meet with you. Making art is often solitary, but artists that cluster together succeed together. We can inspire, excite, and promote each other, and we can share resources and help each other make new connections that can further our success. If you don't know anyone personally, you can hire a creativity coach to help you. Also, let your community know that you're looking to form an artist support group that meets monthly. Provide the meeting space and/or location, and come prepared with snacks and a piece of your work to show. Regular support as you move through your transition from hobbyist to artist will help you stay connected to your goals and ground them in reality.

5) Who are your top 5 living artists and how did they get where they are?

• We are all in love with dead artists. Their work continues to inform and inspire us years, even centuries, after they've gone. As much as a knowledge of art history is valuable, we need to keep our eye on what is happening here and now in order to figure out how to succeed here and now. Make a list of your top 5 living artists and research how they arrived at a place of visible success. What kind of education and mentors did they have? Have they been through a crisis, and how did they handle it? Who represents their art to the world? What is their online presence like? How do they brand themselves? What do they have to say in interviews about their work? Do they have any regular collaborators? Have they partnered with corporations for any projects, or are they completely "indie"? What was their breakthrough moment, and how has their art progressed since then? Do they care about fame, celebrity and notoriety, courting the spotlight at every turn, or are they reclusive and cagey? Search all these things for clues about how you might live your life as an artist and help your own art breakthrough.

6) How will you protect and nurture your creative inspiration?

• Burnout: it's real. Coal miners, single parents, and animal rescuers get it, and so do musicians, painters, actors, novelists, screenwriters, bloggers, fashion designers, dancers, and photographers. Hobbyists almost never burnout, because in general they spend less time on their hobby (compared to working artists), and are not subjected to the pressures of having to sell it to the outside world. When we are actively making art to pay our bills, and working toward visible/tangible success, we need to draw from our well of creative inspiration every day. Even if we are in great physical shape we might feel fatigued or even exhausted if we're not consciously filling up the well again. There are many ways to do this, including regular meditation (enter your email in the box on the top right to get my free Guided Breathing Meditation) and self-care, but more than anything we need to keep renewing our creative inspiration. Each of us is responsible for maintaining our creative spark. This particular process is as important for the success of our work as learning how to brand and sell the work itself. If you decide to make the leap from hobbyist to artist, understand that staying connected to inspiration is your superpower: an inspired artist is an invincible artist!

How to Stop Procrastinating: 5 Foolproof Tips for Writers...

My procrastination manifesto was published on "The Write Life" today! I'd love to hear your questions, comments, and stories of your own methods of breaking through procrastination. 

6 Ways to Propel Your Art Forward...

Living the life of a hard-working artist has its rewards, but it can also be a gnarly slog. We can work so hard for so long, without recognition or success, that we can feel utterly lost and unsure of how to find our way back, let alone take a huge leap forward. It's important to keep our perspective, and remember why we chose to live this life (self-expression, meaning, passion, contributing to our community, etc). But it's also crucial that we know how to get ourselves back on track and primed to meet our goals, whatever they may be. As we get closer to achieving them, we might even decide that they are way too small! A creativity coach can help you re-assess your goals and form an entirely new paradigm for yourself and your art. We begin with the interstitial aspects of your life, actions that support the larger work you do as an artist. Attending to these things can unlock new sources of energy, inspiration, and an authentic vision of yourself, which can change everything. Here are 6 ways to take a great leap forward: 

Put self-care at the top of your list

• I've said it before and I'll say it again: artists need to prioritize self-care. We are sensitive people who draw on our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual resources in everything we do. Many of us are living in circumstances that are less than ideal, or even downright squalid. Even if we're living in comfort, our health and wellness can be severely compromised if we don't form and maintain regular good habits that nourish and sustain us. Eat nutritiously, exercise regularly, and attend to recurrent health issues if you have them. Call your insurance provider and find out exactly what is covered under your plan, then take full advantage of it: schedule a check-up, and arrive prepared with questions about your current health issues for your doctor to answer (and ask your family about your genetic inheritance and find out if you're at risk for diseases). Planned Parenthood is there to provide you with quality birth control, education, and resources for your sexual health. Know your physical limits and learn how to thrive within them. Vibrant health and wellness is magical. Take the energy and strength that returns to you, and pour it into your art.

Meditate Regularly

• Do not neglect the ferocious power of your mind! If you're not meditating regularly you're letting a huge resource rot. Got time to check social media, read news headlines, and make coffee? You have time to meditate. Meditation is your brain's way of de-fragmenting, clearing, and re-booting. It puts us in a deep state of calm that can help us better deal with our trials and tribulations. If that's not enough, it also gives us access to the deepest regions of our creativity, and all our dreams, schemes, and visions. Start meditating and you just might free up that genius idea you've been longing for. I designed a 12 minute Guided Breathing Meditation to help you do just that, so sign up in the box at right and try it out for free.

Schedule a weekly Power Hour to organize ideas and inspiration

• This is your time to stir the pot and get things cooking. Use Evernote to gather all the interesting articles, images, and links that you find during the week into one place. This is also where you transcribe and organize any important notes from your notebook (or enter directly into the app via your phone). Organize them by project, date, subject, or any way that makes sense to you. Set a timer for 60 minutes on Sunday nights and read through each one. What are the most valuable takeaways? What can you use on your journey forward? What do you see when you step back and look at the bigger picture? Identify any recurring themes and list them in your notes. Finish each session by making a list of questions, comments, and ideas that come to you from reviewing your collection. Taking dedicated time to perform these tasks will enrich your understanding of your creative vision, and help you go deeper into it, where the real gold is waiting to be found. 

Read biographies of famous artists

• We lost two titans of popular music this year, David Bowie and Prince. How did they get to the top of the stratosphere? What was their family of origin, and how did it affect the choices they made in their lives? Who helped them along the way, and who tried to keep them down? How were they discovered? What personal and professional setbacks did they face? What is controversial about them and why? Choose people in your artistic discipline, and then pick a few more who make a different kind of art. What do they have in common? Any familiar themes or recurring issues? The lives of artists are endlessly compelling and inspiring. Read about them and walk in their footsteps. You could stumble on a brand-new way of making your art and/or connecting with the public. 

Brainstorm your finances with a trusted friend

• Let's face it: artists are not typically gifted in this area. We need help to recognize our limitations and see the bigger picture. Many of us work crummy, menial jobs that leave us time to make art but don't allow us to do much more than pay our bills. We might think we don't have to "worry" about money, because there is so little of it to manage. But allowing a trusted friend and/or professional (ie someone who knows much more about finances than we do) to take a look at our situation, and suggest ways that we could improve it, can give us new insight into how we might turn our art into a thriving business. Also, let's make sure that we have some kind of retirement plan in place! Without the 401K that comes with a "straight job" it's not as easy to visualize what retirement should be. Don't depend on inheritance(s) or support from a spouse to see you through. While it's true that "artists never retire", it's also true that aging takes a toll on our bodies and can make it much harder to produce our art as the years go by. Schedule monthly automatic deductions from your checking account into a retirement account. Start the process and let it inform all the financial choices that you make.

Love someone deeply

• I know what you're thinking: what the heck does this have to do with making my art? The answer is simple: everything. An artist's inner life is dramatically compelling, often much more so than the outside world. We can get so entangled with our inner lives that we completely forget to be present with our loved ones. Self absorption is not sustainable! Loving and caring for others helps re-orient our perspective, and reminds us that we are more than just the art we make. Perform regular acts of thoughtfulness and care with those closest to you, and be present in this place of selflessness. Ask about them, and talk about things other than your art. Be a good listener, and provide advice (if you have it) when asked. Our larger community is also worthy of our attention. Consider ways that you can contribute through advocacy and volunteering. Don't overthink it, just do it often and well. Your heart will fill up, you'll feel supported, and you'll have plenty of renewed energy to bring to your work when your next creative lightning strike shows up.

How to Overcome "Impostor Syndrome" and Rule the World With Your Art...

The most revealing question I ask my individual coaching clients is, "what do believe about being an artist?" Although there are myriad ways to answer, most people tell me something like, "Oh... uh... I'm not sure that I would call myself that, actually. I mean, I'm pretty creative, I guess... but I don't see myself as like, an actual artist."

News flash: no one gives it to you. You have to take it. Like, for yourself. Right now.

If you are drawn to the arts as more than just a profession, if you feel it as a calling, then you are an artist, even if you have not yet achieved what you aspire to. Beyond that you're simply in development: you're a young artist, a working artist, a mature artist of vision and wisdom, or any stage in between. Whatever; you're an artist. Own it!

Easier said than done. Impostor Syndrome is the bane of artists everywhere. It's the feeling that no matter how dedicated we are, how much work we produce, and how much success we may achieve along the way, at some point we're going to be "found out" and exposed as a hack, or even a fraud. This underlying fear can cause tremendous anxiety and make our life much more difficult than it should be. If we are afflicted by impostor syndrome, external success and validation might not cure it. In fact, our anxiety might worsen as we become more visible to the world and our work comes under greater scrutiny.

So how do we overcome Impostor Syndrome and become who we truly are? Here are 6 ways to kick its ass and rule the world with your art:

1) Become an advocate for your art

• Artists, more than anyone, have to advocate for ourselves and our work. Advocacy is about publicly standing up for something that you believe in. It's a valuable skill that you can use in other parts of your life according to your values and beliefs, but start with your art and make it count. Help the world understand why your work matters, and be quietly relentless about it (see #2 below for help getting started). Let people know you take it seriously, and keep your community updated on your hard work and progress. One valuable way to advocate for your work is to get right back up after you've taken a hit: did you get a bad review? Did someone name-check you in a public list of has-beens? Were you left out of an important show of local artists' work? Release something magical that you've been working on. Make some noise about it on social media. Celebrate your release publicly with friends. Now get back to work!

2) Write the best elevator pitch ever

• A creativity coach can help you with this one (actually, with all 6 of these things!). Your elevator pitch is your front line of advocacy, so make it count. Keep it short, sweet, and current. Practice it with friends and get used to the feel of it in your mouth. Make a list of action verbs and potent adjectives to describe what you're working on, and have them ready for updates on your pitch. Use it often, and be friendly and sincere when you deliver it. Be prepared to answer any questions that may result from your pitch, and understand how to gage someone's interest level. Remember to follow up with people by phone, email, on social media, or in person according to their preferred method of contact. 

3) Spend time with your greatest champions and thank them

• Who are the people in your life who reflect your vision of yourself as an artist? Hang out with them often, and get used to the feeling of being your authentic self in public. Keep them updated about your work, and take a genuine interest in their lives and what they do. Support their dreams as much as they support yours by showing up for their successes and being fully present. Seek their counsel and listen when they talk. Share resources, alliances, connections, and opportunities with them. Be kind, loyal, and forgiving, and let them be the same way with you.

4) Find your critical voice and use it to advocate for others

• Here's another way to use your advocacy skills: you are a real-live artist with real-live opinions, obsessions, and loves. Whose work do you love and why? What is most valuable about their work? How does it compare to its competitors? You don't have to write a term paper, just point out hidden gems and help them sparkle. Curate your choices, and understand that they reflect your larger aesthetic in the eyes of the public. You never know who might be watching... magic happens when artists support and promote each other's work!

5) Be your own ferocious editor

• No one is more of an expert on your work than you. That's not to say that you shouldn't ask (or hire) others to help you edit and curate; feedback is essential for your growth and progress. But strive for a good level of objectivity, and be brave enough to see which parts of your work are connecting with the public, and which ones should be strengthened (or left behind). Avoid becoming a substance-less content machine. Develop a sense of how your work is being received by the public, so you don't give them more than they can digest. Provide quality over quantity, and thank those who recognize your efforts to do so.

6) Become a body language master

• Fake it till you make it, artists! Not convinced? There is genuine science to support this maxim, and if you read Amy Cuddy's book and use her techniques you'll be amazed at how well it works. Part of overcoming the feeling of being an impostor is grounding yourself in your body, and using it to help you become who you truly are. This isn't about working out or strenuous yoga, although the book suggests a few specific postures that may feel strange at first. Give it a try and let the results speak for themselves. AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've road-tested many of these methods in my own life and career, and I still use them and recommend them regularly to clients.

5 Ways to Build Your Brand Without Losing Your Soul...

What a strange new world we live in, here in the 21st century! In addition to [staying on top of our work load], maintaining our inspiration, and being consistently prolific, artists and creative people are now expected to present a cohesive vision of our personal brand whenever we do business. If done correctly, branding can make clear to the world who we are and what we do, attract our ideal customer or client, and help us stand out above the competition. But there is a dark side to branding, one that can take a toll on our well being and sense of self if we're not careful. Because of its intense focus on image, and because of our culture's belief that it's the only effective way of doing business via the internet, branding can sometimes be extremely intimidating to sensitive creative people (especially at the beginning of our careers when we're not exactly sure who we are and why we make art!). The very concept of branding comes from corporate America, and has long been a potent marketing strategy employed by everyone from greedy advertisers to shady politicians. Branding something as personal as our cherished work can feel uncomfortable and even phony, as we try to condense the many elements of personality, inspiration, and aesthetic tastes that comprise our artistic Self. We might fear that something essential will get lost in the translation, and we'll end up feeling like an impostor, hiding behind an ill-fitting costume. 

Fortunately we already possess a magic power that can help us make sense of branding: our creativity. Using the same instincts that drive our artistic endeavors, we CAN take control and craft an image that reflects our authentic Self. Here are 5 ways to build your brand without losing your soul:

1) Perform regular updates of your brand's aesthetic

• Just as our sources of inspiration (and the ways they affect us) are always changing, understand that your brand is constantly in flux. While it's true that our core creative values and fundamental objectives for our business should remain steady, the ways in which we express these things through our brand, such as images, fonts, and the text we write to describe our work, can and should keep changing. Not only will we honor our natural aesthetic evolution, but our audience will stay engaged with our journey if we keep it fresh and compelling. An occasional re-fresh of our brand's look and feel can also attract new fans who are drawn to our new look. Follow some artists and creative people whose work you love, and stay up-to-date with their brand changes. Consider a regular, twice-yearly re-fresh, and collect some fonts and images for use along the way.

2) Make activism part of your online presence

• Are you passionate about environmental causes? Would you do anything for the ASPCA? Do you care about social justice, and the conditions of homeless people in your community? Make this clear on your website, and blog, Tweet, and email about your cause. Don't be afraid of turning off prospective clients or employers. Creative people are valued for our passion! Typically we contribute to community wellbeing through our art and creative work, so it's natural that we should take an active interest in our community. You might even consider partnering with your chosen cause and putting together a benefit event for them, featuring local artists. You'll attract new eyes to your work, and gain valuable insight into ways that art and business can work together in service of the greater good. 

3) Endorse products and services that are not produced by corporations

• Little companies and local workers need your help, so give them a boost with occasional shout-outs. Devoted to a certain acupuncturist? In love with a magical skin care product? Collect the work of a talented glass maker? Mention their work on your blog and in your Tweets, and don't forget to include links. Consider being photographed with some of their products and post them on your blog and/or website. Let them know how much you value their work, and publicly thank them for contributing to your well being. Don't forget blogs and other sources of information and services. AUTHOR'S NOTE: one of my all-time favorite beauty blogs is BeautyLiesTruth.Com, run by two Brooklyn women who are devoted to products that won't harm us or the environment. They've done thorough research and are constantly updating their list of excellent items for all your beauty needs.

4) Promote the work of esteemed competitors and colleagues

• It may seem counter-intuitive, but promoting work done by your competitors is actually good for your professional reputation. It's a strong statement about your knowledge of, and engagement with your corner of your industry. Whether you're an author, blogger, designer, musician, actor, or craft maker, take time to look around at other professionals and identify people whose work moves and inspires you (if you're not quite where you want to be in your career, it's OK to chose people whose level you aspire to reach).  It's important to curate your choices, because they are an indication of your personal aesthetic. Make sure that you include a description of exactly why you enjoy someone's work, and where their work can be found online and in the world. Keep checking in with your choices, and follow their work as it progresses. You might even attract their attention and be able to collaborate with them, a great move toward growing your audience.

5) Keep a sense of humor

• You're not an automated robot creator, you're a human being with real live feelings and a genuine sense of humor. Don't be afraid to show it once in awhile. Blog, Tweet, and talk about your favorite sources of funny stuff. This is an area where prospective clients might be turned off, so keep in mind what is NSFW and don't cross that line.