Single parent and artist - is that possible?

Warum ich als alleinerziehende Mutter von drei "Kids" gerade als Künstlerin durchstarten konnte


Hey Leute! Hier ist die Geschichte einer alleinerziehenden Mama, die das Timing ihrer Familienplanung irgendwie nicht so richtig durchdacht hatte, die aber herausfand, dass ihr einziger Weg zum Erfolg in einem kreativen Chaos lag – als Künstlerin! Seit ich 18 bin, habe ich ein kleines Kind zuhause. Mittlerweile ist dieses kleine Kind 25, meine jüngste ist 7, und dazwischen gibt es noch einen 16-jährigen Teenager! Schnappt euch 'nen Kaffee, während ich euch erzähle, warum mein Leben als Malerin und Kreative ein wahres Abenteuer ist.

Selbstbestimmtheit:

Wisst ihr, als Künstlerin kann ich meine Zeit so einteilen, wie es mir passt. Kein nerviger Boss, der mir sagt, wann ich anfangen und aufhören soll. Ich arbeite nach meinem eigenen Rhythmus, was besonders wichtig ist, wenn man Kinder hat, die jeden Tag neue Überraschungen bereithalten. Diese Freiheit ist Gold wert!

Selbstbestimmtheit bedeutet für mich nicht nur, dass ich meine Arbeitszeiten flexibel gestalten kann. Es bedeutet auch, dass ich mein eigener Chef bin. Ich entscheide, welche Projekte ich angehe, welche Kunden ich akzeptiere und wie ich meine künstlerische Vision umsetze. Diese Unabhängigkeit hat mir geholfen, meine Kreativität voll auszuschöpfen und meinen eigenen Weg zu finden.

Als Künstlerin konnte ich auch meine Arbeitsumgebung so gestalten, dass sie zu meinem Lebensstil passt. Mein Atelier ist nicht nur ein Arbeitsplatz, sondern auch ein Ort der Inspiration und Ruhe. Es ist ein Raum, in dem ich mich voll und ganz auf meine Kunst konzentrieren kann, ohne von äußeren Zwängen abgelenkt zu werden. Diese Freiheit hat mir geholfen, eine Balance zwischen meiner Rolle als Mutter und meiner Leidenschaft für die Kunst zu finden.


Scheduling:

Children, doctor's appointments, homework, household chores - madness! But as an artist, I've learnt to be flexible. Sometimes I paint in the middle of the night or early in the morning when the birds are still asleep. The main thing is to get my creative vibes in, no matter when.

Scheduling is one of the biggest challenges for any single mum. There are always unforeseen events that can disrupt the carefully planned daily routine. But instead of getting angry about it, I have learnt to accept these challenges as part of life and deal with them creatively.

One advantage of working flexible hours as an artist is that I can plan my creative work around my children's needs. When they are at school, I use the time to work on my projects. When they are asleep at night, I can paint in peace or develop new ideas. This flexibility has helped me to develop a productive work routine that fulfils both my professional and family commitments.


Creative expression:

You know, art is my therapy. When life goes crazy again, I can stand at my easel and let it all out. It's like yoga for the soul, only with colours and brushes. I tell you, there's nothing better than conquering the canvas and letting my feelings run free!

Creative expression is not only a way for me to process my feelings and thoughts, but also a form of self-discovery. Through art, I can understand myself better and share my inner world with others. It's a way of reflecting on my experiences as a single mum and giving them a positive meaning.

Art has also helped me to maintain my identity as an individual. In the midst of the daily challenges of motherhood, I have found a space where I can be myself. This creative expression has given me the strength to get through difficult times and to recharge my batteries again and again.


Motivation:

Natürlich kann ich wegen der Kinder nicht immer alles so machen, wie ich es tun würde, wenn ich kinderlos wäre. Aber der Wunsch, meinen Kids ein schönes Leben zu bieten und ihnen als Vorbild zu dienen, motiviert mich unglaublich. Ich arbeite effizienter als je zuvor. Wenn ich weiß, dass ich nur eine Stunde Zeit habe, erledige ich Dinge in dieser einen Stunde, die andere vielleicht in einem ganzen Tag nicht schaffen würden.

Motivation ist der Treibstoff, der mich antreibt, auch in schwierigen Zeiten weiterzumachen. Meine Kinder sind meine größte Motivation. Ihr Lachen, ihre Freude und ihre Erfolge geben mir die Kraft, jeden Tag mein Bestes zu geben. Sie sind der Grund, warum ich jeden Morgen aufstehe und warum ich niemals aufgebe.

Effizienz ist ein weiterer Schlüssel zu meinem Erfolg. Als alleinerziehende Mutter habe ich gelernt, meine Zeit optimal zu nutzen. Ich setze mir klare Ziele und arbeite konzentriert daran, sie zu erreichen. Diese Effizienz hat mir geholfen, meine künstlerischen Projekte erfolgreich abzuschließen und gleichzeitig genügend Zeit für meine Kinder zu haben.


Vorbild für meine Kinder:

Und wisst ihr, was das Beste ist? Meine Kids sehen, dass Mama ihre Träume verfolgt. Sie lernen, dass man alles schaffen kann, wenn man an sich glaubt und hart arbeitet. Vielleicht werden sie eines Tages selbst Künstler oder finden ihre eigene Leidenschaft – und das wäre das Größte für mich.

Als Vorbild für meine Kinder zu dienen, ist eine meiner größten Freuden. Ich möchte ihnen zeigen, dass es möglich ist, seine Träume zu verwirklichen, egal wie schwierig die Umstände sind. Indem ich meine Leidenschaft für die Kunst lebe, hoffe ich, ihnen den Mut zu geben, ihre eigenen Träume zu verfolgen.

Ich möchte, dass meine Kinder sehen, dass Erfolg nicht nur daran gemessen wird, wie viel Geld man verdient oder wie viele materielle Dinge man besitzt. Erfolg bedeutet, das zu tun, was man liebt, und darin Erfüllung zu finden. Ich hoffe, dass meine Kinder durch mein Beispiel lernen, dass sie alles erreichen können, wenn sie an sich glauben und hart arbeiten.


The challenges of an artist's life:

Life as an artist is not always easy. There are times when commissions fail to materialise and financial uncertainty becomes a daily reality. In such moments, you sometimes doubt yourself and wonder whether you have chosen the right path. But it is precisely at these times that it is important to stick to your vision and keep going.

The art world can also be a very competitive and sometimes even daunting environment. There are many talented artists out there and it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. But instead of letting this deter me, I see it as an incentive to keep developing and improving my skills. Every setback is a chance to learn from my mistakes and come back stronger.

Another challenge is the balance between creativity and business acumen. As an artist, not only do I need to be artistically talented, but I also need to be able to market my work, set prices and negotiate with clients. This business aspect of art can be overwhelming at times, but it is essential to be successful.


The beautiful sides of an artist's life:

Despite the challenges, there are many good things about being an artist. The freedom to express my own creativity and turn my visions into reality is priceless. Every finished canvas, every artwork sold is a testament to my hard work and dedication.

Another beautiful aspect is the opportunity to touch people with my art. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone inspired or moved by one of my works. This connection between artist and viewer is one of the most powerful and fulfilling experiences I can have.

The community of artists is also a valuable source of support and inspiration. Through the exchange with other artists, I have not only learnt new techniques and ideas, but also made friends who accompany and support me on my journey.


The role of art in my life:

Art plays a central role in my life. It is not only my profession, but also my passion and my lifestyle. Through art, I have found a way to express my thoughts and feelings and earn a living at the same time.

Art has also helped me to get through difficult times. In moments of despair or doubt, art was always a safe harbour to which I could retreat. It has given me the strength to keep going and to keep finding new ways to realise my dreams.

The importance of the family:

Despite all the challenges and adversities, my family is the centrepiece of my life. My children are my greatest joy and my greatest motivation. They give me the strength to give my best every day and never give up.

As a single mum, I've learnt that it's important to make time for your family and cherish moments together. No matter how stressful everyday life is, I always try to find time for my children and show them how much I love them.

The support of my family is also an essential part of my success as an artist. Without the help and understanding of my children and extended family, I would not have made it this far. Their support has given me the stability I need to focus on my art and achieve my professional goals.


Art as a way of life:

When I look back on my life, I realise that art has always been an integral part of my life. Even as a child, I loved painting and drawing, and this passion has accompanied me through all the ups and downs. The decision to become an artist was a natural progression in my life.

Art has helped me to find myself and strengthen my identity. It has shown me that it is possible to realise your dreams, no matter how difficult the circumstances. And it has given me the freedom to shape my life according to my own ideas.

The balance between art and family:

It's not always easy to find the balance between art and family. There are times when I feel I can't do justice to both. But I've learnt that it's important not to neglect yourself and your needs. By making time for my art, I ensure that I am also happy and fulfilled as a mother and a person.

My children are an integral part of my artistic life. They inspire me every day with their curiosity, enthusiasm and carefree creativity. They often bring fresh ideas and perspectives to my work that I might not otherwise have discovered. They are my biggest critics and my biggest fans, and their support means everything to me.

A look into the future:

When I think about the future, I am full of hope and confidence. I have big plans for my artistic career and many projects that I want to realise. But no matter where my path takes me, I know that I can always count on the support of my family and that my art will remain a central part of my life.

I hope that my story can inspire others to pursue their own dreams, no matter how big the challenges are. The journey may be rocky and difficult at times, but in the end it's the passion and dedication that makes the difference.

Final thoughts:

So guys, when life gives you lemons, don't just make lemonade out of them - paint a rainbow on them! Because sometimes the crazy way is the best way to be happy. And hey, who needs a fixed plan when you've got a canvas and a few pots of paint?

Life as a single mum and artist is not always easy, but it is definitely fulfilling and exciting. I am grateful for every challenge that has made me stronger and for every support that has helped me find my way. My children are my biggest drive and inspiration, and art is my life path. Together they make a perfect blend of chaos, creativity and love.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires you to pursue your own dreams and shape your life according to your own ideas. No matter what challenges you face - believe in yourself and stay creative!

Stay creative, stay inspired and paint your own path through life.

Colourful greetings,

Your

Shirin