Toubie

When Toubie Jack started her MA, all she had was an idea in her head.

Nearing the end, she has a three-metre inflatable fish, ready to be paraded, and it does everything she said it would.

“I’m so mega pleased and happy with that.”

Be Bold, Be Brave, Just Ask

One idea from the course stuck with Toubie more than any other: be bold, be brave, and just ask.

She has put it into practice again and again, and more often than not the answer has been, yes. What she learned is that the fear was never really about the request itself. It was about putting herself out there. Each yes made her more confident, not just in herself but in her project.

Thinking Ahead

Toubie is honest about how she used to work. On past projects, things got done the night before. This time was different. The MA’s assignments helped her think about her project in order, plan ahead, and build it step by step.

Finding Her Voice

The Bootcamps in Sweden were a turning point.

Five days to focus on herself and her project, away from the responsibilities of home, was “quite something.” So were the people. Surrounded by authors, musicians, and artists rather than only sculptors, the conversations reached far beyond her own discipline.

In those circles, when the course leaders asked a question, Toubie started putting her hand up. Before, she wouldn’t have offered anything, held back by a racing heart and anxious feelings. She fought through them, and each time it got easier.

Since then she has done a podcast interview and a video interview, things she would once have shied away from. She also found one of her best friends. They met at the airport, sat together on the first coach ride, and have been close ever since.

Just Do It

Toubie’s advice for anyone with an idea is simple. If you believe it’s worth something, try it. You don’t need to know everything before you start. She didn’t. She learned along the way, and she is still learning.

“Strength comes from doing it. You feel stronger each time.”