Being an AuDHD artist means lots of side quests

It's not unusual for me to have several projects going at once.

Quite the opposite. It would be highly unusual for me to ever start one project and work straight through to the finish.

This has gotten me into a few messes over the years.

Like last week, when I had to re-upload dozens of files because of a missed typo.

Or like Grade 10, when I should have won the sewing award but didn't because I forgot to trim all my threads. (Still bitter.)

But I can't be any other way.

I know there are productivity systems that would encourage me to pick one project, focus exclusively on it, and finish it before moving on.

That sounds like misery.

I'll be drawing a mandala and suddenly wonder what a camping-themed Coloring Mini would look like.

I'll be working on a journal and decide I need to make a set of stickers.

I'll be halfway through one book when another idea taps me on the shoulder and says, "Excuse me, but what if we drew mayonnaise?"

I can't imagine telling inspiration, "No, actually, I can't draw that. I have to finish what I'm working on."

So I don't.

I take the side quests in stride.

Actually, no. I look forward to them.

I like the unpredictability of my brain.