In "behind-the-scene" posts, bloggers have a unique opportunity to show where their art is created. It should be a relaxing, fun post that shows a bit of the truth of your life. Sure, sweep and clean up before taking those pictures, but the truth is that no one creates in a pristine world. Be honest with yourself and your readers. Make a video, take pictures, draw floorplans, and remember to go outside, too. How do you get there? What are the pros and cons?
I walk just a few steps from my back door to my studio door. But the truth is that I don't like making those five steps back into the house after dark. Even when the lights are on. Even when family members are nearby. I haven't a clue why this is--I don't think I'm afraid--but that uncomfortable feeling is real. The result is that I don't often work very late into the night.
Behind-the-scene posts assume an intimacy with your followers. They are comfortable with your writing and your work. You are comfortable writing about yourself, your life, family, work, home. Think about this relationship because you this is the kind of post that invites others into your space. Are you comfortable doing so? Then think about your own interests in other artists, their work, their lives, their spaces.
Have you ever met or spoken to an artist or craftsperson outside of your interests and wondered how that person creates? Do you have a studio board on your Pinterest? If so, have you pinned a few studios that belong to artists who work in other mediums? Do you enjoy "window shopping" for supplies you do not need? What about shopping for supplies that are not even in your realm of interest?
Many creatives are curious beyond their own art. For example, I have a friend who is a very talented painter. I loved walking into her classroom to "talk" art. I've sat in on her classes and participated along with her real students. Because I enjoy her company and her work, I ask questions, read her handouts, try her exercises, and peruse art books in the library.
I had an advantage, of course, for seeing first-hand how one artist works, what her supplies and studio look like, why she chooses or does one thing rather than another. But that first-hand view hasn't completely satisfied my curiosity for knowing and understanding other creatives and their work. Despite the handful I already hold, I always want one more balloon.
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| Photo credit: NeONBRAND @neonbrand |
If you have a natural curiosity for knowing about other ceative arts, you probably don't have to ask why I have so many interests. You get it. You have your own fistful of balloons to chase. Use your curiosity as your jumping point for why you might write a behind-the-scenes post.
If you are able to compartmentalize your interests and really have no interests in other creative endeavors, you may want to consider a behind-the-scenes post for other reasons. One reason is that you can connect with your readers on a deeper level. Readers want ideas to use in their own studios, such as how you organize your space and store your supplies. They can also discover or learn a technique by they looking closely at your studio art and inspiration.
Do you share your space with others? This is a great way to introduce co-workers. My granddaughter does homework at a small table I set up especially for that purpose. A behind-the-scenes post might be interesting to readers who have a similar need for their children or grandchildren. In fact, looking at Pinterest ideas helped me decide to bring her in as a partner.
Titles for such a post don't have to say "behind-the-scenes" necessarily. Here are a few ideas that may interest you:
- Tips and Tools
- Behind the Needle--sewing blogs
- On my Pallet--artist
- In the Oil Can--mechanics
- Through the Lens--photography or video
- Behind the Camera--video
- Threading the Needle with ____ --sewing
- On Reel--video
- Where the Glass Cracks--glass works
In fact, that's good advice for stretching any post into more than one. Write more. Write deeper. Write with a plan. Consider a special behind-the-scene post.
Postscript: If you've already written this type of post, is it possible to delve deeper in? Is it time for an update? Have you gained new readers who may have missed the first edition? You could consider a new "edition" anytime you make a change.
Behind my scenes is a box in the garage full of fabric and a very messy kitchen! But you are right: I love reading this sort of post from other people, whatever their particular area of creativity.
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