Start where you are: Embracing your creative journey
1 October 2024 A big part of an artist’s journey is finding a space where they feel safe, at ease, and at home. These spaces can take many forms. Some find freedom outdoors, carefully watching the sun’s rays glisten as it kisses the water; others find it in someone special, while some discover it in a specific location where they can truly be themselves.
For me, that space is my home recording studio. Just mentioning it conjures wild ideas. People envision a sleek, high-tech space filled with professional gear. But the reality is much more relatable. Many artists, myself included, spend years piecing together a setup that feels like home. My studio is a modest home office brimming with equipment I’ve gathered over time.
Looking back, I remember starting from scratch—no space, no gear, and no creative outlet. Moving to New Zealand changed my financial situation, allowing me to finally acquire equipment I had once thought was out of reach. Was it fancy? Not at all. But it provided the comfort, solace, and peace I needed to dive into my creative work. In that space, I found my sound and my purpose. I’ve built it up over the years, but it still doesn’t fit the conventional mold of a recording studio. I often wonder if I would have been able to create my little sanctuary without that big move. Honestly, it might have taken a bit longer, but I believe I would have found a way. That nagging desire to create necessitates action!
What I’ve learned is that no amount of equipment or skill can replace belief in your craft. Trusting my creativity came from the act of creating itself. Initially, the quality of my vocal recordings was less than ideal, but I learned from those experiences. Even with limited equipment and skills, I managed to record and publish songs that people still enjoy today.
The biggest lesson? Don’t wait until you have everything figured out to start. We learn best through experiences - what some might call mistakes are simply stepping stones on your artistic journey.
So, if you’re reading this and feel like you lack fancy equipment or the latest tools, just start. Believe in yourself and your craft. Learn from what you create and seek ways to improve. Remember, practice makes perfect, but that practice can’t happen if you’re waiting for all the stars to align. Just take that first step, and everything else will follow.
Here’s to creating wherever you are. Here’s to the bravery it takes to share work that isn’t perfect, allowing us to grow. Here’s to your art, your practice, and you in your beautiful imperfect state.
Go out there and make the world a better place, one piece of art at a time.
Until next time - keep the music alive and buzzing!
Carnita Bee
