When I left my day job at the end of July so I could focus on my art career, I’d thought that this move would free up some of my time so I could create more. However, the opposite happened – opportunities quickly came along and filled my schedule. I suddenly realized that busy may be my new reality.
I am not complaining about this at all; after all, to quote my friend Lisa, I chose this. But it does mean that, once again, I have to very consciously choose how I spend my time. For now, I choose to focus on creating new work and on seizing opportunities. I choose not to respond to every email (I get a lot of those) or reply to every social media comment (I get even more of those). There is only one of me, and I can only do so much.
I know I’m not alone in this. I follow a well-known food blogger/cookbook author. I love this blogger’s writing voice, and admire how much very good work he’s able to crank out on a regular basis. Most of all, I enjoy his un-styled Instagram posts of his meals.
But whenever he posts a photo, he gets a zillion questions, most of which fall into two camps: “Where is this?” and “Recipe, please?” One day, a follower posted, “Why don’t you ever respond to my questions?”
Before the blogger could respond, another follower said (and I’m paraphrasing) “Leave the man alone, and let him work. If he responded to every question, he wouldn’t have time to create new recipes, or write his blog posts and cookbooks.” And that is the nut of it. For a lot of us, social media is a tool we use to share and promote our work; however, social media is *not* our work. And every minute spent responding to a comment or answering an email is a minute that has to come from somewhere else.
I am immensely grateful for my following. I know that people follow me because they like my work, and I fear alienating them when I don’t respond to every comment or email. However, I am just one person, with a set amount of time. Many of us – writers, artists, business owners – are solo acts, making the best we can with what time we have. Perhaps social media makes our lives seem leisurely, but the fact is that we work just as much as everyone else. We struggle with deadlines and work/life balance just as our followers do.
Which, I suppose, is a very long-winded way to apologize up front for not answering every email, or responding to every comment. Though I try, there is just one of me, and I’m making the most of the time I have to make the work that I share – and to make a living. I hope you understand.
First of all: don’t respond to this comment!
I understand exactly what your point is. If you don’t have time to do the art work we love so much what is there to follow ?
I love your printing, sewing and blog PLEASE keep it up.
Please keep up doing your art, enjoying your art, and sharing your art without any pressure from us, you supportive crowd! For sure, I totally understand that you don’t have time to respond- especially to the very repetitive social media questions! You’re doing great.
We do … understand that is. Keep up with the stuff that makes your heart beat faster. We love watching.
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
I’m quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Howdy! I just want to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you’ve got here
on this post. I’ll be returning to your blog for more soon.
This is my first time visit at here and i am genuinely impressed to read everthing at one place.
Nice blog here! Additionally your website so much up fast!
What host are you using? Can I am getting your associate link for your host?
I desire my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Thanks for finally talking about > There’s Only One of Me | Jen Hewett, printmaker, surface designer, textile artist < Loved it!
Good info. Lucky me I found your website by accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve book-marked it for later!
Superb, what a weblog it is! This blog provides valuable
data to us, keep it up.
I was curious if you ever considered changing the
structure of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the
way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2
pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
I just want to say I am all new to blogs and absolutely savored this blog site. Likely I’m going to bookmark your blog post . You surely come with great articles. Bless you for sharing with us your web page.
Spot on with this write-up, I genuinely assume this site needs far more factor to consider. I?ll most likely be once again to review a lot more, thanks for that information.
I really prize your work , Great post.
I would like to thank you for the work you have made in writing this post. I am hoping the same finest work from you in the future as well.
There are definitely a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That is a fantastic indicate raise. I provide the ideas over as basic inspiration but plainly there are concerns like the one you raise where one of the most essential point will certainly be working in sincere good faith. I don?t understand if ideal methods have actually emerged around points like that, but I make sure that your job is clearly identified as a level playing field. Both young boys and also ladies really feel the effect of simply a moment?s satisfaction, for the rest of their lives.
Well, this Thursday I read through a couple of your posts. I must say this is one of your better ones. .
When I initially commented I clicked the -Alert me when new comments are added- checkbox and also now each time a comment is added I obtain four emails with the same remark. Exists any way you can eliminate me from that service? Many thanks!
This is the right blog site for any person who intends to learn about this subject. You realize a lot its practically hard to say with you (not that I in fact would want?HaHa). You certainly placed a new spin on a subject thats been blogged about for many years. Fantastic stuff, just fantastic!
We absolutely love your blog and find a lot of your post’s to be just
what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content for you
personally? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write in relation to here.
Again, awesome web site!
This really answered my trouble, thank you!
After study a few of the article on your internet site currently, and also I truly like your method of blog writing. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and also will certainly be checking back quickly. Pls look into my website also and let me know what you assume.
Great information. Lucky me I found your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I have book-marked it for later!
This really answered my issue, thanks!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and also the rest of the site is also very good.
This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Cheers!
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you so much, However I am having issues with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody having the same RSS issues? Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.
This excellent website truly has all of the information I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this info.
Great post. I will be facing a few of these issues as well..
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Many thanks! Where are your contact details though?
Good blog post. I definitely love this site. Thanks!
There is definately a lot to know about this subject. I love all the points you made.
Good article! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing.
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, However I am having problems with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I cannot join it. Is there anybody having the same RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be helpful to read through articles from other authors and practice something from other sites.
I absolutely love your site.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you build this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m wanting to create my very own website and want to learn where you got this from or what the theme is called. Cheers!
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously think this site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the information!
This website truly has all of the information and facts I needed about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.