Substack
Go Where They Gather
STERLING HUNDLEY
Illustrator, painter, & Educator
Right now, across all corners of the world, there are people leading lives of creative fulfillment. They are celebrated for their individuality; their courage; their honesty for being themselves. The things that they make and the work that they do are a reflection of their distinct perspective of the world. These individuals dictate fashion and find themselves at the bleeding edge of innovation. They write and define the ever-changing rules within industry. Creative industries are led by individuals who fiercely pursue their own voice and vision.
Regardless of your interests, people are meeting, speaking and working together that know exactly how you feel. Seek them out and share your work. The more you give, the more you’re given. You’ll be encouraged, supported, challenged, defeated, afraid, and overjoyed. You’ll be alive.
A Call to the Clearing
More importantly, you will see that there are definitive boundaries, rules and limitations that give structure to these common-interests. Understand that these are the rules of the game. You can choose to follow them or to rewrite them altogether.
You don’t know what you don’t know.
It is said that you don’t know what you don’t know. Starting something new means that you will be clumsy as you search through a dense and opaque fog. There is something calling to you, but you don’t know how to get there, only that you have to. You are drawn to it in inexplicable ways. But it speaks to you on a subliminal and primal level. I refer to this as the calling and it’s not just your imagination. Like a frequency that only you can hear, it’s a silent roar just below the surface of the life that you are leading. If only you could find your way there…
I’m writing this from the clearing. I’m sending this note to let you know that you aren’t alone. The clearing is where people gather who have cut their own path through uncertainty, risk and fear to embark into the outer edges of expectations. We are a collective of individual explorers who have chosen to chart our own path outside the scaffolding of the ordinary. This is Frost’s road less traveled and you’ll know many of the names of those who have crossed through here before. They are the creative icons, innovators, entrepreneurs, architects, filmmakers, poets, athletes, painters, disrupters, writers, performers, and visionaries who have changed the world as we know it.
Every industry and subcategory within those industries gather in pursuit of common interests.
In a time of unprecedented connectivity, there is a place where people gather. Physical places, virtual spaces, communities, conferences, courses, cities, conventions, clubs, organizations, chat rooms, online groups, schools and businesses are all examples of places where people of common interest come together. Every industry and subcategory within those industries gather in pursuit of common interests. These are the voices you hear calling from the distance and it is in this space that you will be welcomed. This is a giving space where people hold the same interests and openly share knowledge that can shorten the path between your ambitions and dreams.
Welcoming Artist Communities:
Drawing Hive [free]
Draw alongside award-winning illustrators and painters, explore the art of visual picture-making, and participate in an immersive masterclass on the joy of drawing with friends, guest artists and more. Drawing Hive livestreams every Thursday at 4pm PT (7pm ET).
Society of Illustrators NY
Founded in 1901, the Society of Illustrators is the oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of illustration in America.
AIGA
The American Institute of Graphic Arts is a professional organization for design. Its members practice all forms of communication design, including graphic design, typography, interaction design, user experience, branding and identity. Learn more and become a member here.
Please recommend other communities we should add in the comments!
STERLING HUNDLEY
Illustrator, painter, & Educator
From musings, insights, and more, check out Sterling’s incredible Substack.
Art Mentorship
Career Development
Hone skills, enhance you portfolio, and outline career strategies. Every step of this process is guided by Sterling Hundley, one of the most highly vetted professional in the illustration industry.
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