Small, do-able, customized projects pave the path for every singer and creative.
We tend to think the big stuff is the best way to be seen.
Getting the choir solo or the lead in the musical may feel like the space you’re most likely to be seen. Maybe people at your school or community or church are familiar with these opportunities, so they naturally think of them first when they’re talking to you about places where you could be seen.
Or maybe landing a spot on The Voice feels like the space where you’ll finally be seen. The average person doesn’t know a single working musician, but they watch The Voice, and so do their friends, so they naturally think of that show first when they’re talking to you about places where you could be seen.
We humans tend to remember things that are repeatedly brought to our attention. And when people we know personally bring them to our attention, we tend to give it even more brain space. So it’s no wonder that the average person thinks something that gets talked about a lot in their life is the best way to be seen as a creative.
But that’s often not true.
Just because a lot of people see something doesn’t mean it’s the best place for YOU to be seen.
Just because the people in your life talk about the choir or the musical or the Voice doesn’t mean any of those things are the best place for you to be seen right now as a creative.
Musicals tend to be more clear about the fact that they’re looking for a very specific personality, vocal style, aesthetic vibe, skill set, etc., but even seemingly generic singer opportunities like The Voice want a very specific combo of these things, too.
While many of these opportunities may have a secondary goal of helping creatives be seen, their primary goal is for the show/project to be seen. They will need you to be whatever helps the show to be seen. Ideally, they will cast so well that the show naturally highlights the most authentic version of each person, and the outcome is win-win. But it’s important to keep in mind what their main goal is.
Trying to fit into big projects where lots of people will see us can distract us from the integral creative process of finding and creating smaller projects where we will truly be seen.
Ultimately, only YOU can create projects that allow you to be seen in exactly the ways you want to be.
Before people do well-known big projects, they usually learn about themselves in their own little projects first.
The average person doesn’t know that most of the people on The Voice have already built a following through lots of smaller music projects completed over time.
Little projects build a more stable foundation.
With each smalll project, they’ve learned more about…
- Who they are, what they have to say, what’s unique about them, and how to feature all of that.
- How to identify and build the skill and tool sets they need to communicate those things.
- Where they belong, and where they want to belong.
- How to be in relationship with listeners and collaborators…learning to connect, to create healthy boundaries, and to handle conflict.
- How to regulate their nervous systems around performing and communicating at each level of growth.
The Voice/Idol winners who haven’t already done foundational work are the most likely to disappear when the show’s backing is over. If they didn’t build the foundation and scaffolding and gradual internal change beforehand, it can be tough to keep going on their own.
Even if you don’t want worldwide fame, your expectations may still be skewed.
Most singers I’ve met aren't interested in The Voice or Broadway or The Met. They already know that they can experience success and satisfaction without them.
But even if they’re perfectly happy being known only among their local community, they still tend to think only of the projects they see and know: the school or community musical, the solo in the choir concert, the regional opera company, a band that’s already established in town.
There just aren’t as many people around them who talk about the kinds of small projects that lead to those bigger ones.
The Solution: Complete little projects that help you shine brighter.
Instead of heading straight for that big, well-known opportunity, try starting small and seeing what you learn.
Here’s are the two questions I ask my clients to help them brainstorm small projects:
- What’s the smallest project you can imagine that still motivates you?
- What important parts of yourself can you highlight in that project so you feel more seen?
Here are some examples of ways clients made their projects smaller and more do-able while also feeling more seen:
- Performing in their best friend’s living room where they feel more comfortable allowing authentic parts of their personality to show
- Hosting a house open mic where they sing a few songs and friends sing a few songs, too, letting them practice performing in their new style without feeling overwhelmed
- Recording one song and sharing it with trusted friends so they can share a vulnerable, powerful story in a safe space
- Recording one verse of a song so they can practice using a new video editing technique that better matches their visual aesthetic
- Inviting friends over for a sing-a-long so they can experience community support while singing
There are many ways we can put together different elements to help clients find a project that feels motivating and aligned while also being approachable.
Helpful Tools for Projects
If clients need help coming up with specific ideas, we work through my Project Brainstorm Worksheet together and see what ideas come to mind. If you’re not a current client, you can purchase the Notion template here.
If clients need help planning and managing their project, we use my Creative Project Manager. If you’re not a current client, you can purchase the Notion template here.
Want a creativity coach by your side to help you feel the fulfillment of finished projects that help you shine brighter? Sign up to work with me today!
