Unleashing the Inner Artists- A Passion Project

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

“What is a passion project?” you ask.

According to Webster “A passion project is defined as work that someone undertakes out of a strong interest or curiosity in a particular topic, idea, or skill.” More so, that person might have a strong connection or feel that it is important work and therefore work more passionately on that piece of work.

The “passion” in the project is where it gets exciting. As artists, our passions are what define our work. It makes our works more creative, more mindful, and unique to our perspectives. Simply put, our passion makes us better.

Ironically, it took me a very long time to figure that out.

Like many people I’ve engaged in artistic hobbies or extracurricular activities for joy and relaxation. Expression through art and music can certainly have a positive impact on one’s mental health. In today’s world the relentless pursuit of productivity often overpowers personal fulfilment. However, rethinking my definition, I’d like to rate the success of a passion project on how it impacts those it reaches and the fulfillment it brings to me as an artist.

My “hobbies” have officially become my personal “passion projects.”

It took me most of my adult life to realize that regardless of the life/career path I was on, all roads lead back to artistry. I couldn’t escape it; I’m a creator by nature. My sketches turned to murals and then further evolved into oil paintings. My stories are becoming books. Poems to songs.

Today, it’s all about approach. I try to remember that everything isn’t for everybody, art is not easily packaged, and most importantly- just keep creating.

If you’re working on a project and you just can’t find your spark, I would urge you to remember how you’ve already made an impact. Maybe you need a break, maybe you need a new media, or a new project. Take the moment. Follow where your passion takes you, it knows the way.