I’ve decided to start a series where I talk about the thought process behind the prints I’ve created for my Ruby and Sass Etsy Shop. I thought it would be fun to give you the behind the scenes on how and where the idea for my prints came from. Don’t you agree?
I just did a bit of light redecorating in our living room this week and replaced some old artwork with my favorites from the shop. Calm My Anxious Heart was the first one I knew I wanted to put up.
I created this print last August amidst a whole lot of life changes that were happening. I was starting classes at a local community college for a Graphic Design degree, had just quit my job I’d worked at for 7 years, was starting a new part time retail job and was going to try this whole crazy business thing full time. Whew. That’s why I never said all of it out loud at once. Too, too much. For someone that’s not a big fan of change, that’s just insanity. Everything changed in about a week’s time. Now, normally, I’d be a basket case, fighting all the change that was coming and wondering why in the world I was putting myself through this.
The funny thing was, though, this time I wasn’t really feeling that nervous at all. I was ready and I knew it. I knew this was where I was supposed to be. Throughout the craziness of that week, I felt at peace. I could hear these words: Calm my Anxious Heart, Calm my Anxious Heart whispered over and over in my head and I knew everything would be okay.
As those words were whispered to me, I decided to make a print with the reminder of that complete peace on it so I could see it all the time and remember. So, one day, as I sat in class (I know, I know! But I was paying attention too! Promise!) I scrawled out those words in my sketch book and turned them into a print. Probably the quickest one I’ve ever made.
I’ll admit, I found the verse later, when then print was almost done. But I still like having it there anyway. This week, I needed to be reminded of that feeling I had when I just starting this new crazy adventure. With 1 day left before the drop deadline, I made the big decision to drop my classes for the spring semester. Coming to the realization that this was for the best and that just because I was quitting this, it didn’t make me a quitter or a failure (and that was a hard realization). The truth is, I learned I need to have more confidence in my abilities and not sit through classes which are telling me things I already learned on my own just for a piece a paper that tells other people I know it. I was supposed to be there last August, not to actually get a degree or to learn the same things twice, but to realize that all these ambitions and dreams can happen, but they might not happen the way I expect them too. And that’s okay.
Need the same reminder? Or know someone that does? I could think of quite a few people that would love this print as I was creating it- and I was right, it’s one of the most popular in my shop! You can order on my Etsy Page Here.
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Love the story behind the print. :) I can relate in so many ways, since I also made the decision to make big life changes last year. Dropping those classes definitely does not make you a quitter. I also thought about going back to school. I enrolled in a local community college and backed out before classes even started. The more I looked into the curriculum, the less appealing it was. Everything seemed a few years out of date and I decided self-study and online classes (NC FOREVER! <3) would be far more beneficial.
Thanks Rose! It was so hard to hit publish on this post because it was so personal, so I’m glad you can relate. And I agree, Nicole’s Classes Rules! One of the biggest reasons I decided to drop the classes is because I took the NC InDesign class this January and I learned more in 1 hour watching those classes than I learned in 3 classes at 15 hours/week in school. They are sooo great!
I absolutely love hearing the stories behind things. Yes it may feel strange to put the personal stuff out there, but it makes such a difference in appreciating the piece and makes it easier for a customer to relate it to something in their life. I think it’s a great idea to do this. And I loved hearing your story about it! I can completely understand that feeling of thinking you need the piece of paper (degree) to validate work, but it’s not true. At least it hasn’t been for me. I have a degree in something completely unrelated to web design, but I’ve created a successful business just from skills I learned through trial and error and through online classes. I’m glad you realized it wasn’t necessary for you!
Aww thanks! It’s people like you that further inspire me to believe I don’t need that “traditional” education. I love what you do and am so happy for your success!
Great post! And I agree about NC…they have changed my life, too! :)
I don’t know where I’d be without them! Probably still sorting through Youtube tutorials. Yikes.
Love this print! :) I am anxious FAR too much. I have also designed pieces as just a reminder for myself! I created a desktop/phone wallpaper several months ago that was inspired by a Bible study I did. That’s probably one of my favorite “parts” of being a designer… instead of just writing notes/reminders to myself, we can create art out of it and share it with others.
Mine too! And I always find the ones inspired by some crazy whim or feeling come together the quickest and are the most beautiful. Thanks!
You inspire me. This is my fave. Print out of all of them. I have told so many people about it, and can’t wait until I have those extra finances to ad it to the decor in my house!
Awww, thanks Nicole! We need another Starbucks date soon!
Megan I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished in such a short time. I know there many people praying for your success, not only in business but your personel life. God has gifted you with many talents and by using them you are pleasing Him. Your peace and calm all come from Him by you trusting.
I love you mom :)
What a great story and testimony of God’s goodness! I love your creativity and passionate heart.
Love this graphic AND the story behind it. And you are right, confidence isn’t something another class or course will buy you :) Glad you aren’t beating yourself up about quitting!