As you might have noticed, taragentile.com just got a makeover. Not just a new banner or color scheme but a whole new flavor & focus.
The “new” here is really a reflection of an evolution that’s been occurring in my business since March 2010. From January 2009 til March 2010, my business and my online presence was about experimenting with things I thought might “work.” But my definition of success was limited and my understanding of what I had to offer the world was in its infancy.
Experimenting is a brilliant way of finding your passion and your calling.
Businesses that truly thrive (not simply get by) are those that are willing to experiment. Non-profits that truly make a difference are those that are willing to try something new. People who stand out, get noticed, and help others are those who are willing to do something without the burden of perfection.
Francis Ford Coppola recently did an interview with the 99 percent. He marveled at the fact that he can still learn something every day that he works on his craft (film).
The cinema language happened by experimentation – by people not knowing what to do.
The very idea of film, its culture, its language, its art happened only because people were willing to wing it. There was no manual. Even after thousands of years of theater and drama, this new medium required its artists to dig deep and try something that just might fail.
If you’ve gone to the movies lately, I’m sure you realize that even a hundred years later, artists are still failing every day.
Many of my ventures have failed as well. But with each failed experiment, I have come closer to expressing my art on its own terms. I have inched nearer to the goal of serving (and changing) the world with my passion.
Today, I launch this outward part of my evolution. I brand myself as an expert in DIY culture and lifestyle design. If I’m not, I don’t know who is. This is the fullest expression of my passion that I’ve achieved thus far. And if there is another step to this evolution (I’m sure there is), I welcome it with open arms.
This is how I choose to be present in the world. This is how I choose to serve you. This is how I choose to be seen by your eyes and heard with your ears.
What experiments are you willing to try to find your truth? Are you willing to fail to find what truly succeeds?
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Congrats on the makeover, layout and all!
I couldn’t agree more, experimenting is the way to figure out what your purpose, your mission is.
As my yoga teacher brilliantly puts it, sometimes you have to try and find out what doesn’t work in order to find out what does.
I am willing to try, actually that’s what I’ve been doing for a few months, and I am evolving, I can see a bit more clearly now. I’ve let go of what wasn’t working without anger or frustration, I’ve accepted it. No regrets, at least I know because I’ve tried, not because I didn’t dare.
And the process is still going on
Yes. This is exactly what it means to be a real creative: not being afraid to experiment and get your hands dirty. If we sit around all day, trying to figure out ways to be different instead of just being ourselves, it’ll stagnate. We’ll stagnate. And so will our visions.
Relished this.
I love what you’re doing here, Tara.
Your new look is very embracing. I love it!
Congratulations on your new direction & your confidence that emanates from your pages.
Thank you for showing me the way with all that you do-that it can be done.
Growing up to be the best in all my endeavors never allowed for failing-so experimenting was never an option.
I didn’t pass this on to my children. I encouraged them to reach for their dreams.
They have reached for those dreams & succeeded & reached & failed, but they always dusted themselves off and happily took off again usually in a new direction.
They inspire to do so many of the things I always wanted to try in my art & in my life. I have found that the wondering is a lot worse than the doing. I have finally found the joy & excitement of being willing to fail my way to success.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
ellen is right. your site and your attitude are both embracing. is that what makes you so successful? is that the little secret?
joking…but your energy is catching and despite the fact that i’m sick as a dog today, i’m ready to get up and go now.
It looks truly great Tara! Well done
I love the new look, and rebranding direction! I tend to experiment then turn around and wonder what was I thinking!? But it’s those moments of trying and playing with possibilities that takes you to somewhere awesome, eventually.
I’m a big fan of this rebranding, Tara – I’m a big believer in learning from one’s mistakes and hiccups. The last year of my creative business has been nothing but learning lessons and finding new paths that work for me. It’s all about growing and expanding…and it looks like you’ve done it with great vigor.
I wish you the best of luck with your new direction
Tara, you are TRULY an inspiration. I remember when you took over Scoutie Girl and you have had this steady momentum from there. I am trying something big and I am scared and yet I AM READY!
in the same river of thought, I’ve started a blog geared toward looking at Art and Design from a flawed human perspective, in fact, asking the questions of how art and design can be approached without fear. Experimentation is much easier if you can regard “ART” and DESIGN” as not precious, and not sacred. Please read more here, and feel free to join in the conversation:
http://designinkarnation.blogspot.com/2011/01/art-design-human-experience.html
and on FB: http://facebook.com/designinkarnation
Many thanks! You are a good force in the creative/tech community Tara!
Julie
You evolve with such class Tara, wishing you great success in the adventure ahead…& I LOVE your new tag line!
Just what I needed to read. I have been reflecting back on some of my own “experiments” that did not work, wondering if my time could have been spent more wisely. Now I feel good about trying and feel excited about future projects I am considering that may (or may not) work. Thanks!
I love the new look and the new outlook! I am beginning my year of experimentation. I have a product and now I am seeing how I can market it and expand. How lucky I am to have someone like you to learn from! You are an inspiration every single day. Thanks
Love the new look…ironically I was working on a design board for a customer last night and all the colours are very similar! Hopefully it is a great minds think alike thing!
“without the burden of perfection” = priceless! Thanks!
I have been in full experimentation mode every day since May when I quit my ‘job’ and started creating my business! Every day is an experiment, everything I do is a litmus test for the next thing that I will do. And really, aren’t we all always experimenting whether we know it or not?? It is essential! Great, great article
xo
What an encouraging post! After several disappointments with previous experiments, I allowed myself to fall stagnant for nearly a year. In just the past month or so, I’ve finally started to feel confident enough to pursue some new directions! The best part is that my creativity has really picked up momentum since I decided to take the leap. Thank you for offering some reassurance!