Newsletter #2: On creativity and Self Discipline

 Newsletter #2: On creativity and self discipline

 May 2022

From a young age, strong self discipline has facilitated my success as a student. I grew up being pushed to work hard and to be determined to achieve ambitious goals. Over time, I realized that working hard benefitted me most in my own personal sense of gratification, and that it wasn’t about comparing how I did to others, but about feeling proud that I was moving forward. For that reason, I continue to push myself academically, and strive to be a knowledgeable person. 

On the other hand, I feel boundlessly drawn to my creative passions. After a short period of unproductiveness in sewing a couple weeks ago, I felt inspired to start my “clothing line” (not really sure what to call it honestly, but this feels very cool of me). I got into this creative zone where I only wanted to work on this project – it made me happy. But there were two voices in my head tugging at each other and holding me back. One was telling me that I should be spending more time doing my schoolwork and prioritizing that over art. The other was telling me that I should make the most of the time that I feel inspired and motivated to create, especially after a slump. I truly wanted to be driven by creative inspiration, but my self discipline brain made me take some time to get other work done. 

So this has got me thinking about the balance between creativity and self discipline. Does it exist? And how do you reach it? 

And I’m not sure if there are answers or if I’ll ever find them, but it’s something to think about. And even sometimes it’s good to not think at all, and just do stuff. 

With that, here are some fun things I made recently. 


This is a wall hanging I did for a friend of a friend who reached out to me wanting some art for her home. It was honestly so surreal having someone who I’ve never met before reaching out to me wanting something made by me, and I am so appreciative of this support.


It goes this way too! :) 

I also have been working on more clothes which is always fun, and I have some current wips that I can’t wait to finish and share soon! (chore jackets, a jumpsuit, and a matching set!!!!) 

                

Here's Ellie rocking a funky sweater I made for her ft. scrap fabric flowers, a denim vase, and some embroidery!

That's all for now, see you in my next letter! As always, respond to this email if you want! Tell me things!

-Kayla

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