March Meet the Maker? Why?
March has been a funny ol’ month. I’ve been really busy working on this secret project which I will hopefully be able to share soon, so I haven’t had much ‘work-work’ to share, even though I have been creating. I guess it’s the nature of creative businesses; everything comes in waves! Which leads me to why I am writing this month’s blog on prompt challenges.
A prompt challenge is always a good way to keep your hand in and the dreaded algorithm happy. When you work from home its also a resource to connect to other creatives, share ideas and learn new approaches.
I have taken part in a variety of these during the last few years. They have varied from a short and sweet 14 Days of Fruit, Inktober during the month of October to a year long Nature Journal.
Each of these challenges have helped in my creative practice in some way; whether it was to experiment with a particular material, explore a subject or simply to get back into the habit of creating after some time away.
This is the third year where I have taken part in the March Meet the Maker daily prompt challenge by Joanne Hawker. It continues through the entirety of March and focuses on promoting you and your creative business. It is a positive challenge which brings a creative community together and celebrates small businesses.
The purpose of the daily prompts is help small businesses to tell their story behind the brand. It gives an insight into the person, a snap shot of the process and highlights the hard work which goes in to creating and building a small business. It’s also one of the few times I will pop up a photo of my face on to social media ;)
On top of this, I see it as an opportunity to review aspects of my business, consider the reasons why I do things or have chosen to take a certain approach and think about where I see it going in the next 12-18 months. It basically gives me an excuse to assess my current situation; small business owners are so busy juggling that this is often something way down towards the bottom of their to-do lists!
There are many prompt challenges to have a go at, for different purposes, outcomes, frequency and duration. I find having small targets are doable, and can offer a daily focus and an easy ‘tick’ on the days to-do list, with the added bonus of connecting with other creatives. Why not have a look at trying one? If you do I would love to know how you found it!