I don't know about you, but sometimes I find that if I am trying too hard to draw or paint or take the 'perfect' picture the end result is very disappointing. I can't tell you how many times I have set out to create a piece of art or take a photograph determined to get a result that is just like the artist or photographer I admire. I may watch a few of their videos and religiously follow their process to the letter but rarely get an end result that is anywhere near as good as theirs'.
What I consistently find is that if I relax and just have fun and allow myself to get lost in the process - get in the zone, as they say! - then I am constantly surprised and, sometimes even delighted, by the result. Inevitably this means I have to get into the right frame of mind BEFORE I go out on a photo shoot or start a drawing or painting. I remind myself I am not trying to produce a masterpiece that will be universally admired or sell for thousands of pounds, I'm just going to have fun, try a few new things, experiment and enjoy what I am doing. Even if the end result isn't quite what I had hoped for, I know I will have learnt something and maybe, just maybe, progressed on my journey as an artist or photographer or somehow improved my skills.
So go on - give yourself permission to do the same. Have some fun, go with the flow and get in the zone. Listen to your gut or instinct and above all enjoy the experience without judging the result!