That's an interesting topic Marisa.
I'd have to say that here in Encinitas it's nearly impossible to go anywhere and not run into a friend or familiar face. It could also be because I was born and raised here. I definitely have more friends in person than online, but I also enjoy the relationships that I've made with other online artists.
Its kind of funny because my personal friends rarely check their emails and only a handful read my blog. That's totally okay... I was one of them for a long time too. Karin

Oh, it's nice to see your chatty face again! So true about the blog world showing us a 2-D view, good to remember. I would love to do videos such as you to to help round things out. You do such a nice job! I'm horribly nervous and blech. Need practice I guess. :)

Anyway, to answer your question...I have just a few mom-from-school friends that are completely disconnected from what I do online. They know what I do but that's about it. The majority of my creative friends are online. But I have to say that the BEST ones are people that I have connected with enough to talk with occasionally on the phone or skype. Those friends have really become 3-D so to speak and I value those the most. :)

Thanks for starting the conversation!
Betz

I simply don't know where I would be if I didn't have the support of my peeps. All manner of them-online, in town, next town over, cross country, phone friends,text friends. Without feeling like I'm swimming in that love all the time, I'd be lost!
I feel so blessed. I AM so blessed!

Wow, what a huge and complicated topic...friendship. I guess there has been a big topic that's been swimming in my mind in regards to friendships. Having moved far away from my previous home in Los Angeles, I've had to sort of re-establish what friendship means to me and who really are my "true friends" - whatever that definition might be to you.

There seems to be different types of friends in life...you do different things with different groups according to your interests and past history of how you became friends with them. Growing up a bit...I guess I've learned that it's more important to foster those few but truly deep friendships. Those are the people who go through experiences with you through good and bad. You can go to them for support, but you also have fun with them...so it's balanced and a reciprocal rapport.

Okay, maybe I haven't really figured it all out because I have a lot of questions, I still feel like something is missing in my new life here in Italy... but I've found that I can't handle too many friendships that are "thin" so to speak. I want the 3D experience as you mentioned...true friendships...because we only have so much energy and time to give out...so we do have to choose the right people to have around us. Our environment, our sphere of influence makes us who we are and affects our mood a lot, so it's important to filter out...right?

On the other hand...what would we do, especially us artists if we didn't have the online community where a perfect stranger can comment and really help us through hard times as well? Obviously, we might never meet these people due to distance...but they are still so important...Hmm...how can we all continue this discussion...such a HUGE topic.

BTW, glad you are back with the videos...so nice to "see" you... :P

Hi Marisa

I have some amazing (offline) friends that I get advice & support from- most of whom I met at previous full time creative jobs so we all have something in common. They are invaluable to me and I don't know what I would do without them to be honest. Sometimes when I'm at home I get cabin fever and its so great to know that I can go see them whenever I need to. I'm in a similar situation to Karin though in that only one of my friends visits my blog regularly, but I'm totally fine with that too as I enjoy telling them what I'm up to when I see them and if they read my blog they would probably already know!

My online friends are equally important to me too as they are always there offering support & advice which I am so grateful for. To this day I still can't believe that I have people wanting to follow my blog so I am extremely grateful for that too.

I think for me personally I need both- friends online and off. Both have been the driving the force in keeping me going with my business when times are tough.

Great topic Marisa! x

The online community is an amazing way to meet like-minded folk, it expands your life--having conversations with people around the world, connecting with people based upon common interests alone. But I hope it is never substituted for good old fashioned-in-person friendship. I couldn't imagine my life without hanging out and visiting. There is a physical energy we each emote and you absorb it when you are in the presence of one another. It raises your happiness factor! ~Hugs from me, pretty lady!

oooooh....ps: love the new blog look!

I was so excited to see this video Marisa . . thank you for opening a discussion on the subject. As you know, I am missing a core group of friends, of the creative type. I have lots of support of my life & art from my family and my husband, but I don't have girlfriends. Thanks to your Together course, and the comments there and here, I am feeling incredibly inspired to start taking steps to change that. I love my online friends--and there have been so many times that I've wished we all lived in the same city. I feel like we'd be the best of friends. I have quite a few friends that I know in the neighborhood and through my husband's business, but they aren't creative types. It's been my experience that people who aren't musicians or artists or otherwise creative will tend to hold you {the creative one} up on a pedestal sometimes. It's wonderful to be praised and appreciated for your artistic abilities, but it also makes you feel more set apart. It's actually isolating in a funny way. I am trying to be more appreciative and grateful for their support in that way, instead of feeling so self-conscious about it.

The comments here are so helpful and insightful. I am almost ready to test the waters and put into action some of the ideas from the class and here as well. I'm excited! Thank you Marisa and everyone here for the thoughtful comments!

great topic! I can really relate to what you're saying, Marisa, about the absolute importance of surrounding yourself with a creative community. When I was in college it was thrilling to be studying art and to be surrounded with like-minded students, who were eager to talk about art and to experiment with materials together. After several jobs, a marriage and children I suddenly found myself isolated from that community or any other artistic community for that matter! I continued to create but found myself less inspired, more doubtful and less willing to take chances with my work. Once my children got a bit older and became more self-sufficient I started to think more about what I needed more of in my life and artistic community was at the top of the list. My husband, though a very sweet and loving person who is behind me in most of my endeavors, is not an artist and has trouble relating to where I'm going with something or what I might need in the way of artistic support. He does encourage me to go out and find the people I need to create with and bounce ideas off of and to take classes, travel, and fill my creative life with everything I need to be happy, and I am truly grateful.

Over the past 5 years or so I've tried to place myself in as many situations as possible where I will be surrounded by artists in an effort to connect again and to feel supported and offer my support as well. Through art openings/art classes/volunteering on projects/Film screenings at museums/Squam Art Workshops!!!/blogging etc. I've been lucky enough to make some wonderful new friends and to also re-kindle old creative relationships with people I lost touch with. My work seems so much more meaningful in the light of these friendships and I feel more understood, inspired and calm about this path that I'm on.

Thank goodness for friendships :):)

It is so wonderful to see your happy face and hear your voice. Love the videos whenever you are up for doing them. This is a great topic. I have an amazing circle of friends from childhood. They are a band of sisters and I am grateful for them every day. When I am with them I feel beyond blessed for their friendship. They are very creative in different ways but they do not share many of my own loves of sewing, art, crafts, writing, etc. I have been so appreciative of those reliable comments from new online friends on my blog and for those who I met in the fishbowl. I often wish (like Karla) that I could spend a weekend with them doing creative things and sharing ideas and inspiring each other. But for now, I am just happy to be a part of an online creative community.

You could've just called and invited me to lunch - no need to post a whole video with the secret hidden message of *i wish i could just have lunch with Jen and chat*! haha

Seriously, your video struck a chord with me - I spend FAR too much time sitting at this desk instead of taking some tie to relax and recharge with my girlfriends. I think I'm going to make a new New Years resolution to get out more....so - when do you want to do lunch??? :)

Im glad you figured out the meaning of my video Jen! So then, when are we having lunch???

Hugs right back to you pretty Lady!

definitely right Marisa. I heard your video and seems like interesting. Your e-course is unique and for sure you would prosper.