I Was Called to Serve, But It Went to Voicemail

I got so caught up in making cool stuff that I forgot to do my job

Here’s something you may know about me. I’m fearless in my pursuit of creative projects. If I decide to make a thing, I will make that thing, even if I’ve never done it before. It’s probably going to suck, but that’s the point for me—the doing, not the result. If I enjoy the process, I’ll make more, at least until I find a new creative impulse to chase.

The thing about making art is that when I’m in it, it becomes my whole personality, and it’s hard for me to change direction when I’m in that flow. I make the work, deliver the work, and move on to the next project.

For instance, last week, I made memberships more valuable here on Pieced Together. To make good on that promise with my current members, I went into hustle mode to deliver the first new member perk.

If you tried to get in my way while I was doing this, you would get trampled. There are only two people who can pull me out of this process, and you’re neither of them.

However, while in the process of that project above, I came to the gut-wrenching realization that lately, I’ve only been talking about myself. I shared only what I was working on and not talking about how or why I did what I did, which is counter to my original intention with this publication.

Sharing creative experiences and stories is the baseline for what I do here, but when I returned to Substack, I went in with the intention of helping others, sharing my strategy, and answering any lingering questions readers have.

I recognize that a certain contingent of people like to read or watch dance just for inspiration and entertainment purposes. I had a conversation this week with Duane Toops, who admitted to me that my YouTube videos during the pandemic era got him more involved in design and art making, and had he not found me, he might not be where he is now. That’s awesome, and I love that.

That said, when I pivoted back to Substack in November with the intention of finding my next creative inspiration, I wanted to provide tremendous value, but I went too deep into the Dave Show, where I talked about myself a lot more than I wanted.

I know I’m going to get comments here reassuring me that I’m doing ok and I shouldn’t be so hard on myself, but in a moment of clarity after my talk with Duane, I knew there was more I could do.

All of those things in that list above (aside from breathing and drinking coffee) are things some readers might struggle with. Maybe it’s the technology, the time, or the fear of treading into unfamiliar waters, and they need a little reassurance that it’s not as difficult or time-consuming as they believe.

Ok, maybe it will be time-consuming, but also time well spent because the result will bring greater reward than if you spent that time scrolling social media.

This is my directive, and could be yours too.

Anyway, the point being I gave some thoughtful intention to how I’m going to bring that value to you in the coming weeks. The one thing I do not want is to come off as some guru spitting success advice and redirecting to a masterclass. I hate it, and I hate that I may have ever been associated with those types.

I’m still going to share my stories and experiences of making things, but here are a few other ideas I’m kicking around for the near future.

• Funnel Cakes - A fun and easy approach to helping bring more fans and followers into the fold of your work and life

• Welcome messages - The most often ignored opportunity I see with others

• Publishing authority - Anybody can make and sell art, but publishing a book or zine creates authority and respect that art alone cannot.

• Nice Assets - I have a whole bunch of ideas on digital tools to help people make things, including some how-tos.

• Why you should be doing the same thing I’m talking about in this post.

Yeah, some controversial ideas there, and I know I’m getting some eye-rolls, but I can only speak my truth, and maybe some will find wisdom and inspiration in that. Or you can watch me dance.

Occupy Your Time With These Links

• Here’s a sneak peek at the first nine images from my next zine

• Oh, and the pre-order special for the F*ck Jeff Koons zine will go away this week, and then it goes up in price.

• Made by Ade Substack makes art from receipts, but don’t call them valuable.

• Editorial artist Barbara Gibson is making a journalistic impact with collage.

• I’m digging back into Remi Wolf’s 2024 album, Big Ideas.

• Geit Eero is an Estonian street photographer who doesn’t take himself too seriously.