Sometimes, it is a good thing: taking a few steps back to go forward.
Hello everyone, sorry I've not really been posting much on Instagram or checking in as much to see how everyone's doing.
These last few weeks I've had a nasty chest infection and as I seem to have had a few now - that have just completely floored me, I decided to have the bloods done that I should have had taken last November. Well… that's not strictly how it went - I popped into my practice to collect antibiotics and the lovely nurse hood winked me and said ok - these bloods are happening now, and I’d have run a mile if I could!
The truth last time I had my bloods taken I stood up... thanked my lovely GP and was just about to rush out the door back to work only to wake up on the floor conked out, bruised and a little disorientated hence why I've been avoiding a repeat performance but these chest infections and low levels of this or that seem to be something a lot of us are dealing with after covid.
This time I just accepted that I had to give in, rest as much as I could, take the antibiotics and admit that I wouldn't be doing my morning loop round Arthur’s seat or attending the classes I love for now. These last few weeks, I really have just had to reluctantly forego my normal routine and slow it all down. I had been trying to avoid more antibiotics, focusing on my fitness, removed alcohol in favour of nosecco but I still wasn't feeling 100%…
I have continued working mainly from home but also found myself reflecting upon where I am within my career and where I would like to be, out with feeling under the weather there were a few other bits unsettling me.
I won't go into everything as I don't want to over share or complain but I want to chat about a couple of things… I look after multiple accounts for clients who have become friends and I love working with but while taking a few days away over my birthday weekend, I was made aware someone had reached out to some of my clients and there were also other little bits and pieces filtering back and versions of events or stories that simply weren't true. It really made me wonder when it had got like this. We are so lucky to be invited to beautiful events and places. We meet lovely people, work with fantastic brands and are entrusted to showcase all that Scotland or wherever we may be lucky enough to work has to offer.
From the arts to beautiful restaurants, hotels, fashion, health, and well-being and so much more we in social media and content creation really do work & participate in some wonderful experiences!
We can all work supportively together and happily apart - we need to be secure in our own paths, creativity, and client base! After mulling all of this over & admitting to myself that it had hurt and knocked my confidence, I knew it was best just to let it be. It's not my way to confront or be mean about anyone, much better to quietly learn and move on. I also know there are many lovely, kind, funny, hardworking, clever, creative souls I have met in this industry.
While having this bit time, I have given a lot of thought to my next steps and realised that sometimes, it is a good thing - to take a few steps back to go forward.
When we started August - my business partner and I knew we wanted to build a small, friendly, warm bespoke agency. Our clients’ individual needs will always come first, and I wanted to be very hands on and contactable and a little under the radar. It's important to me that content isn't rushed or compromised whether for our August clients or my own personal, lifestyle content. We are lucky to also work with projects that mean something to us with some fantastic clients!
I've also spent more time with my family, got to catch up with my brother who's been away travelling a lot with his band. I had really missed him and missed singing with him! I’ve watched my youngest brother slowly preparing to come back to premier rugby one year on from surgery and got some much-needed girlie time with my sister who is now full time in teaching and works long hours herself!
I've had more time with my love and can always rely on great advice and a giggle from John. Those heart to hearts, cuppas & chats with loved ones are golden, as is the warmth and lovely messages from those you don't know so well but you can feel are just lovely souls - thank you for your lovely messages asking how I am doing.
I’ve read a couple of articles which really resonated with me these last few weeks Should we go back to gatekeeping? & Have we all hit fashion burnout? and I was invited back to the outstanding ECA costume design show. This course and show are always going to remain close to my heart and I have lots of beautiful images still to share from these very talented graduates! You can reserve a spot to see the Costumes at the ECA Performance Costume Design Graduate Show at the end of this month - ECA Graduate Show Tickets.
I’ve also spent some time at the beach enjoying the sunshine which was a huge part of my childhood and are a favourite for John and me to walk and talk with our much-loved Rick. I caught up with my neighbour Alan – which just shows you no matter what age or stage you are at you can have friends at all ages. We recently spent a lovely afternoon in the garden together chatting about everything from gardening to the news this week enjoying the sunshine while I worked from the garden.
In summing up I think the key is in staying true to yourself. You can end up running from event to event, worried you will let anyone down, so it is important to try and get the balance right then hopefully you can be as creative and concise as you would want to be.
I’m now feeling better and gearing up for a full, busy, working summer - I wanted to say thank you to all the clients who trust me to create content and collaborate with!
Sometimes less is more and it's better to weigh up the most productive way you can do justice to yourself and your long-term clients while supporting at lovely events.
It's been really inspiring during this time to look back over my art portfolio, mood boards, written work, photographic work, life drawings, design process & creative work from my degree at ECA. Remembering what led you to where you are now can really help you to revaluate and consider where you hope to go next. Always grateful to ECA, who like my parents instilled an incredible work ethic & really encourage you to push yourself creatively.
So, lovelies, I know this is longer than usual and I know everyone has their own quandaries and worries to navigate so I am just sending good wishes to you all. Thank you to all the lovely social media and content creators who inspire me every day, I’m looking forward to catching up with you all soon over the summer months.
Love,
G x
