jennylafleur (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
jennylafleur) wrote2008-08-21 11:49 am
jennylafleur) wrote2008-08-21 11:49 am
Entry tags:
getting over myself
Have you ever had those moments when you realize you need to get over yourself about something? I’m been having such moments lately about my costuming.
And before you read ahead and think – "oh she means me!", this is not directed at anyone, only myself. Don’t mind me; I go through this mental exercise every few years, going back to the basics about why I bother with this hobby. It’s been good, and while I didn’t intend to have a "costuming hiatus" after Costume College, I’m glad it worked out this way. I’ve had a chance to absorb and reflect on things I learned about myself this summer that I didn’t even realize I’d learned.
Resolved – I will stop making costumes for other’s expectations (or what I *think* are their expectations) and start making what I want to make because I want to make it. I’d already come to this concussion earlier this year but I feel a more passionate and determined about the decision now.
Resolved – I will stop apologizing for the way I make my costumes. I seem to be doing this a lot, if not to others than certainly in my head.
A - Truth is, as fun as it is to use silks and the finest supplies available, that is not my style. It never has been. My challenge in costuming has never been making things spot-on accurate or as luxurious as possible, but creatively using what I have on hand. I’m used to having a narrow selection of options and building costumes around those limitations. That’s where I get my “"kicks". Looking at my body of work many of my favorite things are made of mystery fabrics, cobbled together from things in the stash and embellished with elements from Wal-Mart or scavenged from former costumes. Its okay, it’s not a sign of growing or maturing in my hobby that I use only the very best materials.
B – I am a perfectionist and detail-oriented seamstress *but* only when it shows or affects the level of accuracy I’ve chosen for a particular project. I’m rather haphazard in using finishing or period construction techniques and my things tend to be an odd mix of both cheating and meticulous detail. That’s okay. I focus on details of design, fit and creating an overall look. No more, no less. And I’m darn good at it too.
Resolved – I will allow myself to receive compliments and allow myself to think well of my own work. Nothing is more annoying to me than an over-sized ego, but perhaps I’ve been swinging too far in the other direction. I once heard the definition of true humility is knowing and acknowledging both your limitations and your strengths. It’s okay to acknowledge that after 10 years of this hobby I have strengths and that I am proud of my costumes. On the flip side I need to not grumble about every little thing I hate about my work too. We came up with a most excellent rule at CoCo this year, you could only whine to your roomies. Not everyone who comments about your costume needs to know all the things that aren’t "right" about it. To graciously accept compliments, let the issues go and whine to only to a few close friends really does work well.
Resolved - I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. This isn’t a contest and moreover I can hugely admire those who use the best in fabric and period technique without having to emulate them. I can receive no higher compliment than the respect of my costuming peers (and those I look up to in the costuming world) and I got the distinct impression at CoCo that is already the case.
In other words, Resolved - It’s okay to be me. :>
And before you read ahead and think – "oh she means me!", this is not directed at anyone, only myself. Don’t mind me; I go through this mental exercise every few years, going back to the basics about why I bother with this hobby. It’s been good, and while I didn’t intend to have a "costuming hiatus" after Costume College, I’m glad it worked out this way. I’ve had a chance to absorb and reflect on things I learned about myself this summer that I didn’t even realize I’d learned.
Resolved – I will stop making costumes for other’s expectations (or what I *think* are their expectations) and start making what I want to make because I want to make it. I’d already come to this concussion earlier this year but I feel a more passionate and determined about the decision now.
Resolved – I will stop apologizing for the way I make my costumes. I seem to be doing this a lot, if not to others than certainly in my head.
A - Truth is, as fun as it is to use silks and the finest supplies available, that is not my style. It never has been. My challenge in costuming has never been making things spot-on accurate or as luxurious as possible, but creatively using what I have on hand. I’m used to having a narrow selection of options and building costumes around those limitations. That’s where I get my “"kicks". Looking at my body of work many of my favorite things are made of mystery fabrics, cobbled together from things in the stash and embellished with elements from Wal-Mart or scavenged from former costumes. Its okay, it’s not a sign of growing or maturing in my hobby that I use only the very best materials.
B – I am a perfectionist and detail-oriented seamstress *but* only when it shows or affects the level of accuracy I’ve chosen for a particular project. I’m rather haphazard in using finishing or period construction techniques and my things tend to be an odd mix of both cheating and meticulous detail. That’s okay. I focus on details of design, fit and creating an overall look. No more, no less. And I’m darn good at it too.
Resolved – I will allow myself to receive compliments and allow myself to think well of my own work. Nothing is more annoying to me than an over-sized ego, but perhaps I’ve been swinging too far in the other direction. I once heard the definition of true humility is knowing and acknowledging both your limitations and your strengths. It’s okay to acknowledge that after 10 years of this hobby I have strengths and that I am proud of my costumes. On the flip side I need to not grumble about every little thing I hate about my work too. We came up with a most excellent rule at CoCo this year, you could only whine to your roomies. Not everyone who comments about your costume needs to know all the things that aren’t "right" about it. To graciously accept compliments, let the issues go and whine to only to a few close friends really does work well.
Resolved - I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. This isn’t a contest and moreover I can hugely admire those who use the best in fabric and period technique without having to emulate them. I can receive no higher compliment than the respect of my costuming peers (and those I look up to in the costuming world) and I got the distinct impression at CoCo that is already the case.
In other words, Resolved - It’s okay to be me. :>