I'm just going to type my thoughts right now. Do you ever wonder if all the hours and time you spend on your scrapbooking is worth it? Do your kids and family members really appreciate the thought, the work, the emotion spent on each and every page you create? Did I just waste a lot of time during my life over the last 6 years for nothing? Why am I doing this?
That is the question I am asking myself today after feeling rejected by Basic Grey. I know I'm putting myself out there by even posting this on my blog but I have always felt that putting my thoughts down on paper (or my blog, now) helps me feel better. I know my Basic Grey work is good. I know I can design and showcase papers well. What didn't they like about me? That brings me to this question.....
Should I quit?
After pondering that question now for the last few hours, I had to remind myself why I love this craft. I love creating memories for my family. I am passionate about photography and capturing every memory with my Nikon. I want my family to know how much I love them, years and years from now. I love the satisfaction of finishing a page and looking at it and feeling proud of what I created, considering I have never considered myself an artistic person. I love the people I've met through this hobby, and, yes, I know politics does play a part and sometimes it is who you know that makes decisions, but overall, the people in this craft are good and I enjoy sharing a little part of our lives with each other. So..
No, I'm not going to quit!
I'm determined now, more than ever, to create because I like to, not because I want someone else's praise or because I need to showcase some manufacturer's product. I love scrapbooking because it has taught me how to create memories that my family will cherish for years and years to come. They are not going to care if I was on Basic Grey's design team when they look at my page. They are going to read my little love notes to them and they are going to smile and remember that Mom loved them so much to follow them around during their ever waking moments with that camera even if she was a nuisance at the time. They will never doubt how much I love them.
you know how much i love your work, alicia!!
ReplyDeletestay as you are and please continue your fab work!! you said it so well: scrapbooking for the memories and not for a manufacture!!
your fan from germany ;)
Thank you so much, Christiane! I'm one of your biggest fans, for sure. I appreciate your encouraging comments...
ReplyDeleteAlicia
You are one of THE BEST scrappers out there... honestly. My style is so different from yours, but I appreciate your pages and creativity. I think you could rock ANY papers. Who knows what BG is looking for or why they didn't choose you and I know how disappointed you feel. It is so crushing that it makes you want to quit, like you said. But just remember your family and ALL of your fans who look forward to seeing your work. Who knows? Maybe you didn't get selected because there is something even better just around the corner. Many hugs to you. xoxo
ReplyDeleteAlicia...I completely understand what you are going though....I really wanted Bella Blvd or Doodle Bug and walked away feeling totally rejected!!!!! But, on the flip side, you are amazing and I feel blessed just knowing you and sharing your life through your pages!!!! Your talent is amazing and yes, I do believe that there are other factors that go into play other than just your talent....but oh well...their loss!!!!! Thank you for telling your story and sharing it with the world and I will continue to tell mine AND I will continue to feel blessed because of the friends we make along the way...you included :) Hugs to you my dear friend!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNatasha....thank you so much for your sweet words. I really needed that.
ReplyDeleteKim...you are a sweetheart! I'm sorry about Bella Blvd and Doodlebug. You would have been perfect for either of those teams. Big hugs to you and thank you for taking time to comment.
Alicia
Sharing the same thoughts and feelings with you this week, Alicia. :( I think we both have the right attitude though. We do this for us. We do this for our kids and families. We do this as a creative outlet. And we do this because we love to. :) Hugs to you girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa! I really appreciate your friendship. Hugs...
ReplyDeleteAlicia
OMGoodness, you had me freaking out for a minute there when I thought you were considering quitting!
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing scrapper, Alicia! SO sorry you felt sad about not being picked. Definitely their loss.
But always remember the joy you get from scrapping and the memories you are documenting for your family, and that'll keep you going forever!
Alicia:
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I just wanted to tell you how much I absolutely love your work and want to thank you for sharing it with all of us. I totally know how you're feeling, because I too tried out for the BGDT and wasn't chosen. But I decided I'm just going to keep creating because I know how much my kids enjoy paging through their scrapbooks and I'm glad you're going to do the same! :-)
you know.. I have been holding my breath since I read the DT list.
ReplyDeleteI know I read it.. re- read it.. re-re-read it.. and then just frowned... went to your blog.. and I simply was afraid to ask.
I thought for a moment you didn't apply.. I was afraid to ask you .. because I thought I might hit a sore spot.. I read your post now... and took a big big breath. Raw.. painfull.. and I have to say.. I don't get it... I don't get it.. AT ALL.. I thought.. you would be a done deal. Prooves that sometimes things don't go as planned.. sometimes the unthinkable happens.. and throws you back to basics.. I had a big painfull "scrapmoment" like this about 5 years ago.. made me ask the same q's... cost me tears.. and time.. but..then I thought.. I am doing this for me.. for my kids.. and for me. That's it... the end.. no1 else.. just you.. and your family.. and I could say things like "their loss" - and it sure is- but it sounds totally empty .. I just want to let you know. YOU ROCK.. as a scrapper.. as a person! Don't ever doubt that. Big hugs!
Debbi....don't worry! I love this hobby too much. I do appreciate your sweet words.
ReplyDeleteJody...thank you so much for taking time to introduce yourself and to encourage me. That means so much to me.
Mireille...as I've said before, you are my hero. You are strong, you are sweet, and you are a dear friend. I so appreciate your outlook and I am enlightened for knowing you. Thank you!
omg Alicia! I feel the same! I too was rejected by Basic Grey and my Kaisercraft earlier this year. Huge blow to the ego! but, your right, keep on going, keep applying, one day it will happen! Ask some of the big name designers, they went through the same! ((hugs))
ReplyDeletehttp://piperloo.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Danielle. I hate rejection. I appreciate you taking time to comment.
ReplyDeleteAlicia
So sorry to hear that you are feeling this way. I have been there many times. It's a tough industry to be in, there are just too many awesome scrapbookers and crafters out there. I went for American Crafts and LOVED my submission! I thought it was my best ever. I was once again disappointed when I didn't make the team. Almost didn't submit to BasicGrey because I didn't feel like I had a chance. And look what happened. I absolutely LOVE your work and I am so happy to hear you are not quitting! Hang in there! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pamela! I am so happy for you making the BG team. I love your creativity! Congratulations, again, and thanks for your sweet comments.
ReplyDelete