Creative Musings: HierARTchy

I've been thinking a lot about how we become better at what we do. I've been studying images and techniques from some of the heavy hitters like Sherri Serafini, Laura McCabe, Heidi Kummli and Marcia DeCoster, and I've been thinking about how they became so good at what they do.

As a result, I wrote down a list of creative levels I'm calling the HierARTchy. I started by writing Master down and then seeing what steps lay just below that.

This is what I came up with:

Master

Professional

Apprentice

Amateur/Hobbyist

Novice/Beginner

Each one of these I chose for a specific reason. I believe that they form the steps to becoming your best at what you do, notice I did not say "the" best. I think the goal should be to be the best you can be. I will never be Sherry Serafini, what she creates is her, but I do want to be the best me.  

Wild Strawberry Bangle by CDL Jewelry

The climb up the ladder from will be slower or faster for some. Also, I believe that if you choose to stop along the climb, you can, whether it's a personal choice, a time constraint, or just simply a loss of interest. For the next few weeks, I want to explore these levels and kind of see what each level really means, and what level of craftmanship can be seen at each level. I think we'll focus on jewelry since I think that's kinda what we're all into.

Leaf Fall Season by Guzelle

But first, the Webster's Dictionary definition of what each word really means.

1. Master - a person eminently skilled in something, as an occupation, art, or science and a worker qualified to teach apprentices and to carry on a trade independently.

2. Professional - following as a business an occupation ordinarily engaged in as a pastime (I chose this one because I think it relates to jewelry making. Also, it was interesting that the definition of professional had a lot more to do with money and less to do with skill)

3. Apprentice - a person who works for another in order to learn a trade (Now, I know that this is relatively uncommon, but I chose the word apprentice to describe those who are seeking out interaction with the masters, in a class, or on the web and are paying for their services)

4. Amateur/Hobbyist - a person who engages in a study, sport, or other activity for pleasure rather than for financial benefit or professional reasons

5. Novice - a person who is new to the circumstances, work, etc., in which he or she is placed

The Lily of the Valley - TaraBacci

Next week, we'll talk more about what it means to be a novice, but what do you think...

Where do you think you are in the levels and why? Where do you want to be?

Also, think about a novice...what kind of work can you expect to see from someone at the novice level? What kind of work were you doing when you were a novice or beginner?

Enjoy your Wednesday and the gorgeous pieces of jewelry I've linked to above!