The Naked Truth about being a Pig Pen

My husband and I have a very different creative Process. He is very organized and detail oriented. There is always a plan and his area is neat and tidy. Even when he cooks, he keeps things cleaned up as he goes and uses as few pots and pans as possible. I so respect this skill that he has and I wish I was more like him.

My creative process is messy, and would seem unorganized to an outside observer. It absolutely drives Anthony crazy! Whether I’m cooking, grading papers, or creating art I tend to first make a mess and organize as I go or organize when I’m done with the project. It is fairly common to find my desk in disarray with multiple projects started.

Early on in our relationship I acquired the nick name Pig Pen from Anthony because not only was my area a mess, but often when I paint, draw, cook, etc. my person ends up covered in whatever I using. I reminded him of the Charlie Brown character Pig Pen who always has a cloud of dust around him.

I enjoy sitting on the floor with my stuff all around me, but out of respect for Anthony, I try to keep it contained to my art desk as best as I can; it doesn’t always happen. 🤷🏻‍♀️

For me letting stuff lay out and wait for me to come back helps me make better creative choices. I start, but don’t always like what is happening so I take a break and come back later when I know how to fix the problem, or never finish because I feel stuck. People always tell me things like, “I’m not an artist” or “I could never make something that beautiful“. I’m here to tell you that not every project is a slam dunk. Some ideas are terrible and need tweaked. Everyone has a process, you just have to find your thing. Maybe you’re organized like Anthony, messy like me, or maybe somewhere in between; just find your thing. Don’t give up because today’s project, meal, goal, didn’t turn out the way you planned. Get up tomorrow and try again!

Being nicknamed Pig Pen has never felt like an insult because to me it means I’m growing and learning every day with every mistake. I may be messy by the end, but I’m still standing and finding a way through no matter the situation.

Just in case you think I’m exaggerating here is the current state of my desk in all of its glory, or rather, my embarrassment...

Feel free to comment if you are like one of us or share your own photos. I’d love to hear about your success and struggles. Thanks for reading!