I love the reframe that taste is a compass, not a judge. That’s such a clean distinction, but I’ve been confusing the two for years. I’ve been letting my taste decide too early whether something deserves to exist, instead of letting it guide where the work should eventually go. No wonder so many ideas never make it past the intro. This issue helped me see that the problem isn’t high standards. It’s bad timing. Creation needs permission first. Judgment can come later, when there’s actually something to shape. Thank you Idris for these grounded tips with direction and Happy Friday!
This really resonated with how I move between my sketchbook, my journal and the canvas. I’ve noticed that the more I study color, composition and emotional restraint, the harder it becomes to let an image exist in its raw state. I’ll start judging a painting before it’s even found its shape. Reading this helped me realize that my journal is where the work is supposed to be messy, where taste can spill without consequence, so the painting itself doesn’t have to carry that weight too early. Finishing, even when the piece feels unresolved, has been the only way I’ve ever discovered something real hiding underneath my standards. Thank you Idris Elijah for this meaningful and enjoyable look at finishing your work!
When I was starting out in music, I finished constantly. Not because the work was better, but because I didn’t carry the weight of comparison yet. Now every idea has to survive my entire musical history before it’s allowed to breathe. This newsletter helped me see that growth isn’t just improving skill, it’s learning how to coexist with higher standards without letting them shut the process down. This was such an effective motivator to keep finishing my music. Thank you for another great music issue Idris Elijah and Happy Friday to you!
The idea of borrowed confidence really stood out when it comes to my writing. I’ve been demanding originality at the starting line, which is a ridiculous standard when I say it out loud. Early drafts are allowed to lean on familiar structures. I can then learn again instead of perform. It reminds me that voice isn’t something you summon. It’s something that shows up after you’ve finished enough work. Thank you for inspiring me to finish Idris Elijah and have a great weekend!
I love the reframe that taste is a compass, not a judge. That’s such a clean distinction, but I’ve been confusing the two for years. I’ve been letting my taste decide too early whether something deserves to exist, instead of letting it guide where the work should eventually go. No wonder so many ideas never make it past the intro. This issue helped me see that the problem isn’t high standards. It’s bad timing. Creation needs permission first. Judgment can come later, when there’s actually something to shape. Thank you Idris for these grounded tips with direction and Happy Friday!
You’re most welcome 🤗 pleased you found this issue helpful
This really resonated with how I move between my sketchbook, my journal and the canvas. I’ve noticed that the more I study color, composition and emotional restraint, the harder it becomes to let an image exist in its raw state. I’ll start judging a painting before it’s even found its shape. Reading this helped me realize that my journal is where the work is supposed to be messy, where taste can spill without consequence, so the painting itself doesn’t have to carry that weight too early. Finishing, even when the piece feels unresolved, has been the only way I’ve ever discovered something real hiding underneath my standards. Thank you Idris Elijah for this meaningful and enjoyable look at finishing your work!
You’re most welcome, Jody! Love your takeaways and really appreciate you 🤩🤗
When I was starting out in music, I finished constantly. Not because the work was better, but because I didn’t carry the weight of comparison yet. Now every idea has to survive my entire musical history before it’s allowed to breathe. This newsletter helped me see that growth isn’t just improving skill, it’s learning how to coexist with higher standards without letting them shut the process down. This was such an effective motivator to keep finishing my music. Thank you for another great music issue Idris Elijah and Happy Friday to you!
This is grand!! 🤩 You’re most welcome, Brooke!! 🤩🤗 Happy Friday!
The idea of borrowed confidence really stood out when it comes to my writing. I’ve been demanding originality at the starting line, which is a ridiculous standard when I say it out loud. Early drafts are allowed to lean on familiar structures. I can then learn again instead of perform. It reminds me that voice isn’t something you summon. It’s something that shows up after you’ve finished enough work. Thank you for inspiring me to finish Idris Elijah and have a great weekend!
You’re most welcome, Chloe! I really loved what you shared! Thank you and have a great weekend too! 🤩🤩