I had this exact realization a few days ago while working on a canvas I almost threw out. I kept blaming the brushes, lighting, even the reference photo, when really the painting had no emotional center. Technically it was fine, but I wasn’t saying anything with it. Once I stopped obsessing over details and focused on the actual feeling I wanted the piece to carry, the whole direction changed. The content here is spot on Idris Elijah so thank you for the reinforcement! Happy Friday to you!
Thanks, Jody! You’re too kind. And you’re absolutely right. Obsession over details versus focusing on the feeling you want to elicit in the audience. Have a great weekend!
I went through a stretch recently where I kept downloading new plugins and watching mixing breakdowns thinking that was the missing piece. Then I listened back to some unfinished songs and realized the real issue wasn’t the mix at all. It was that the songs themselves weren’t strong enough yet. Weak hooks, no clear emotional identity. Hard realization honestly, but also freeing because now I know what actually needs work. Thank you Idris Elijah for the nudge in the right direction and enjoy your weekend!
This honestly made me rethink the way I approach problems in general. Between work, parenting, bills and trying to carve out time for myself, I tend to assume the issue is “I need more time” or “I need to be more disciplined.” But a lot of the time the real problem is I’m overwhelmed because I haven’t slowed down enough to define what actually matters first. The part about confusion creating exhaustion felt very real to me. This was a thought provoking newsletter Idris Elijah, thank you and Happy Friday to you!
That’s great to hear. Being able to determine the real problems we have is so crucial to success. Not just in our creative pursuits but in life generally. Love these takeaways. Have a great weekend!! 🤩🤩🤩
My favorite line was the one about avoiding finishing because completion exposes your current skill level. I have essays and short stories sitting half-finished that I’ve been working on for months, but if I’m honest, part of me doesn’t want to face what they actually are yet. It’s easier to stay in revision mode than to complete something and let it reflect my real ability at this stage. I think it’s time to do some finishing this weekend. Thank you Idris Elijah for the inspiration and have a great weekend!
I feel you here, Chloe. When I learned this lesson, I realized I could always revisit published projects when I’m repurposing them or creating a collection of works. Going back over these older projects, I also learned that there are many levels to any craft. Reading something you published a year ago, you see where the writing is weak, because you’ve hopefully learned better. It’s crazy! Have a great weekend!! 🤩🤩🤩
I’ve spent so much time thinking I needed more information, more preparation and better structure when a lot of the time the real issue was just lack of clarity. The line about “I don’t know what I’m trying to say” stood out to me. I think sometimes I hide inside research and planning because defining the actual problem forces you to confront yourself a bit. But I think it’s that confrontation where the real growth will happen. Thank you Idris for really making me think about clear messaging and Happy Friday!
Clear messaging is so important and can only be defined after finding clarity. It’s at the center of everything I share, as you may well know. Can’t wait to see what you produce. Have a great weekend! 🤩🤩🤩
I had this exact realization a few days ago while working on a canvas I almost threw out. I kept blaming the brushes, lighting, even the reference photo, when really the painting had no emotional center. Technically it was fine, but I wasn’t saying anything with it. Once I stopped obsessing over details and focused on the actual feeling I wanted the piece to carry, the whole direction changed. The content here is spot on Idris Elijah so thank you for the reinforcement! Happy Friday to you!
Thanks, Jody! You’re too kind. And you’re absolutely right. Obsession over details versus focusing on the feeling you want to elicit in the audience. Have a great weekend!
I went through a stretch recently where I kept downloading new plugins and watching mixing breakdowns thinking that was the missing piece. Then I listened back to some unfinished songs and realized the real issue wasn’t the mix at all. It was that the songs themselves weren’t strong enough yet. Weak hooks, no clear emotional identity. Hard realization honestly, but also freeing because now I know what actually needs work. Thank you Idris Elijah for the nudge in the right direction and enjoy your weekend!
You’re most welcome. So thankful for your honesty and vulnerability here. Have a great weekend! 🤩🤩🤩
This honestly made me rethink the way I approach problems in general. Between work, parenting, bills and trying to carve out time for myself, I tend to assume the issue is “I need more time” or “I need to be more disciplined.” But a lot of the time the real problem is I’m overwhelmed because I haven’t slowed down enough to define what actually matters first. The part about confusion creating exhaustion felt very real to me. This was a thought provoking newsletter Idris Elijah, thank you and Happy Friday to you!
That’s great to hear. Being able to determine the real problems we have is so crucial to success. Not just in our creative pursuits but in life generally. Love these takeaways. Have a great weekend!! 🤩🤩🤩
My favorite line was the one about avoiding finishing because completion exposes your current skill level. I have essays and short stories sitting half-finished that I’ve been working on for months, but if I’m honest, part of me doesn’t want to face what they actually are yet. It’s easier to stay in revision mode than to complete something and let it reflect my real ability at this stage. I think it’s time to do some finishing this weekend. Thank you Idris Elijah for the inspiration and have a great weekend!
I feel you here, Chloe. When I learned this lesson, I realized I could always revisit published projects when I’m repurposing them or creating a collection of works. Going back over these older projects, I also learned that there are many levels to any craft. Reading something you published a year ago, you see where the writing is weak, because you’ve hopefully learned better. It’s crazy! Have a great weekend!! 🤩🤩🤩
I’ve spent so much time thinking I needed more information, more preparation and better structure when a lot of the time the real issue was just lack of clarity. The line about “I don’t know what I’m trying to say” stood out to me. I think sometimes I hide inside research and planning because defining the actual problem forces you to confront yourself a bit. But I think it’s that confrontation where the real growth will happen. Thank you Idris for really making me think about clear messaging and Happy Friday!
Clear messaging is so important and can only be defined after finding clarity. It’s at the center of everything I share, as you may well know. Can’t wait to see what you produce. Have a great weekend! 🤩🤩🤩