I’ve been pondering this post for a really long time. I am completely in love with our 7 Vignettes community on Instagram and it gives me so much joy to see what people get out of the experience and how supportive everyone is of each other. I’m also blown away by the beautiful images but that almost comes second! It genuinely makes me feel sad and frustrated when I hear people saying they’re too intimidated to take part because the standard is so high, or that they don’t have time, or the right props. I wanted to debunk all these myths and encourage you to give it a go, just once, then come back and tell me you didn’t love it! Please read on for my roundup of the most common excuses and why they’re nonsense!
1. I don’t have enough cool stuff. Pft! Nonsense! Some of our best images contain seashells, hairy string, flowers from the garden, a corner of a textured rug, pieces of fruit, a cuppa or a chubby baby’s hand! It’s not about owning lots of designer homewares, it’s about how you put the stuff together, the natural light, the composition, even the Instagram filter. And sometimes (often) simple is best. As they say, it’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you do with it that counts!
2. I’m intimidated by how good everyone else is. This is probably the biggest issue people have. I draw your attention to these recent comments…
I totally get it though. We have some super talented participants. It blows me away every month! But the absolute BEST thing about the 7 Vignettes community — even better than the beautiful feed of images — is the sense of community and all the lovely encouraging and friendly words for each other’s efforts. Take part and get to know them. You might even make a few new friends. I can promise you I have never ever heard of an incidence of anyone telling someone else theirs wasn’t up to scratch! And think what you can learn from these clever and inspiring people! Any doubts are in your own head only.
3. I’m a newbie and have no chance of winning when up against everyone else who has been doing it for two years. Ask @mintandfizz about that. She won the December 2014 round on her very first attempt!
4. My home isn’t stylish enough. Again, 7 Vignettes isn’t about showcasing cool or expensive stuff or even your home. Interiors Addict’s motto is, after all, style without the snobbery! You don’t even have to show us any of your home if you don’t want to. Most people don’t. It’s less about interiors and more about creativity, fun and enjoyment.
5. I feel guilty taking part in something so self-indulgent when I should be hanging out with my kids. Enough with the mother guilt already (let’s face it, the overwhelming majority of participants are female, this is not me being sexist)! I’ve heard comments to this effect a few times and it really bothers me. Why not take a little time out for yourself to do something creative for a few minutes for seven days of the month? It doesn’t have to be every month. If you’re stuck in a job that you don’t love, this could be one of your only creative outlets. Your kids may want to join in too and be inspired by watching your creativity in action. This happens all the time and sometimes we get to see the little ones’ vignette attempts too (super cute)! We love seeing little hands in parents’ vignettes too. And we laugh when we hear the stories of husbands who just don’t get it. Share the outtakes and the funny stories with us. Most of all, keep it real!
And, if you truly believe 7 Vignettes is too self-indulgent a pastime for a mother that’s fine, but please keep it to yourself and don’t make others feel guilty, okay? Thanks!
6. I just don’t have time. My biggest advice here is not to over think it. And I hear time and time again that the most spontaneous vignettes can be the best. You can even set yourself a timer to make it more fun and challenging! Don’t just take it from me though…
So, I really hope that hearing from readers who may have felt you once upon a time and are now hooked on 7 Vignettes and loving it, will encourage you to have a go yourself! I dare you to come and join Instagram’s friendliest community! We even have events throughout the year where you can meet each other.
The next 7 Vignettes challenge starts on 1 February 2015. To be first to receive the themes list, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For step by step instructions, go here and please ask any questions in the comments below.
The saddest thing is the inherit sense that this is something you have to be “good enough” for. The notion of “good enough” and that lots of people see themselves as “less than” anyone else is soul cancer. That shit will destroy your life. As will guilt.
Do it, or don’t do it, but don’t let self-doubt be the reason behind any choice you make. Life is too short.
Annette…surprised to see you here! I remember writing about this once …and recommending it…and I thought you thought it was too fancy!..at least that’s what I seem to recall. ..probably wrong…brain like Swiss cheese! Glad to see you are part of this community…It really is very supportive….There are definitely high standards…and have felt this pressure myself…but inherent in any challenge….is of course..THE CHALLENGE ….Otherwise it would be easy….and not called a challenge! I guess it is the intrinsic challenge that is most important…your own learning curve.Comparison can be the thief of joy (so I am told) so take the bestbits, scramble it up, throw it around, and see what happens.And smile at the outcome…easy to do when there are so many lively lovely people to support you on the way.x
Oh Jen, you have convinced me! I must admit I’ve been so intimidating but no longer. I’ll keep an eye out for Feb themes and instructions. Sometimes you just gotta get out of your head and have fun with it right?
Success! Add it to your Year of Zoe!
Great article, thank you 🙂 I am loving Insty this year as a creative outlet and it has actually been great getting involved in little comps cause my kids benefit from me thinking creatively and like playing around with things I’ve made afterwards. Don’t know what my hubby thought about standing on a stool the other day, sprinkling glitter over something I was trying to video 🙂 Your community just sounds fab and I’m so in for the Feb 7vignettes. One question… Do most people just use their phone or a proper camera do you know? I’m thinking Instagram is all about taking snaps with your phone but maybe that’s wrong or just doesn’t matter. Thanks Jen!
Great to hear! Most people use their phones but you’re welcome to use a proper camera if you like. See you next month. Love the glitter story 😉 Jen
I participated for the first time this month and absolutely loved it. I found it really motivating and inspiring, and I feel like I learned a lot in just one week! It was great styling practice, it made me think outside the box, and I learned not to over think it too much. The community is really lovely and supportive and I definitely don’t feel like it is about trying to win – there is so much to gain from the experience itself! I can’t wait for next month’s! Thanks for running such a great challenge!
Great to hear Nina, thanks for your comment! Jen
These 6 excuses include some of the most common excuses not to do anything new – no matter what it is. And it’s sad that so many people have these doubts, but that’s just part of life, you’ve got to overcome difficulties every day, and you’ve got to overcome yourself. So go out there and post your stuff!
PS I don’t think 7vignettes is a lady’s thing. I might give it a try as well. 😛
Well said, Ryan! And yes, please do! We’d love more men! One of our previous winners is a guy and his pix are awesome. Check them out: http://instagram.com/kraig_at_the_warehouse Jen