Voices of the North

Sports stars have long incorporated healthy eating, sleep, friends and family, and mental health as core components in their training programme. Perhaps it is time for artists to do the same?

Unlike sports, where you have a coach or a team who can support and motivate you, many artists work alone. Try and create a daily structure, lean on artist communities, find a mentor, meet up with like minded people online so that you can share ideas, and concerns.

High level artists are process driven and very focused on achieving their goals and vision. To elevate your artistry, try focussing on your skills or tasks that you are struggling with, and focus more and reflect on your development, rather than competitions or concerts.

Think about what kind of artist you want to be or what do you want your life to be about? Reflect on what is important for you and how you want to be perceived as an artist. Your values will help to define your goals and act as your compass as things in life change.

According to Elle Sofe, where you come from naturally appears in your work. Sami perspective and culture appear in her films not as a conscious effort, but organically and visibly. She always starts with what is important for her to share and what story to tell.

Elle Sofe: It's difficult to set the boundaries for how art is influenced. But it is important to see the world and to be inspired, to see your home culture in a different way, and new themes you want to investigate. 

Elle Sofe's tips:Trust your own ideas
Believe in yourself
Communicate the world as you see it
Be patient