Sicstories

Creation is one of the most wonderful things someone can do, and it’s often one of the hardest. Finding common ground with another person and getting to know them is seriously up there too, and that’s particularly difficult in online circles where you just have a social media profile to go on.

Trades can help change the weaknesses of social media into a strength; you can take consumption of another’s work and turn it into a constructive process where your skills are tested making something bespoke for another person. It’s also highly motivating because you know you’ll be getting something in return. If two creatives respect each others’ work, that’s a wonderful kicking off point for reaching out to say hello, and a trade is a wonderful way to get to know another person and break the ice.

There’s certainly a mental hurdle to overcome in that you have to approach another person and risk slightly annoying them for creative output, which is not easy for many people. On the other hand, being clear that you’ll be striving to match whatever effort is put forth is powerful if it’s genuine. There’s also an incredible joy in asking questions about what the other person enjoys and what their ‘bullseye’ piece of art is. There’s also plenty of joy in learning about their creative process, favorite series, or original characters, because it opens up many new avenues of conversation. The finished products being able to be shown off to others is just icing on the cake.

Do you have skilled and active creative mutuals on social media? Are you feeling creatively stagnant or unsure what you want to make? Repost their stuff, compliment them, and reach out politely! Who knows, it might be the start of something amazing getting made.