Don’t Let “The Creative” Cripple
Creating isn’t the hardest part, we love that part. It’s our passion, our release, it’s what we are good at…it’s doing something with it that often posses the problem. “Maybe I should tinker some more…just incase”. Moving from the creative process into actually putting it out into the world can be scary and I know many artists who are paralized by it.
If for you it’s perfectionism, I get it! If I’m not careful, I could tinker forever and never let my work escape my tight grasp. The truth however, is it’s never actually “done”. There is always something else you could do. Eventually you have that feeling (you know you do), that it feels complete. When this happens, go ahead, give yourself a day or two to sit on it. Don’t even look at it. Then come back with a fresh set of eyes and if there are no glaring refinements, be “done”! It’s time to give it to the world in whatever way that is for you. Post it, print it, sell it…give it to the world. As Leonardo da Vinci said, “art is never finished, only abandoned.” Art is not about perfection. It’s so much bigger than the person that made it. Don’t let YOU get in the way.
Fear. Perhaps the biggest reason we keep our art to ourselves. Fear of failure, fear nobody will like it, fear nobody will Like it, The version of fear holding you back may vary but either way, KNOCK IT OFF! Don’t do that to yourself! If “the creative” is the angel on one shoulder, than “fear” is the devil on the other. He’s a dick, ignore him! For those of you that draw, paint, write, sculpt, take pictures, compose music, perform music…your art is a part of you and being afraid only delutes who you are and will suffucate your happiness. Feeling fear is normal, don’t get me wrong, it’s what you do with it. If your fear prevents you from putting your stuff out there, you are insulting that which you created. When you feel fear, know that it is simply a sign that you are doing something brave. Not everybody has the courage to put themselves out there because ya, it’s scary. Know your feeling of fear is because you are about to do something many others can’t. That is exciting! Therefore, let your fear become your excitement and soar!
If you are creating something, the world needs what you make. The world needs you to continue making it. So whether “putting it out there” means posting it on Instagram, trying to sell it, or simply putting it on your own wall at home, do it! Don’t let it stay on your hard drive or in your sketch pad.
Stop pursuing perfection and believing your fear. Let you’re work have a life. Let it breath. Push it out of the nest and let it fly!