The greater culture has done a great job at sabotaging the creative journeys of plenty of us. We internalize these external messages of how to live, and what art is "supposed" to mean in a person's life. We struggle, a lot. These are some common lies I hear or personally experienced. They may resonate with you, and they may not.
Please know that it is normal to feel this way in a world that does not support the creative path.
We have a lot of unlearning to do, to live authentically without these damaging messages. You have talents to nurture. You have dreams to work towards. You have creative outlets to explore. Challenging these negative thoughts and lies can help a creative person live more authentically.
LIES WE TELL OURSELVES AS CREATIVES:
I’m not good enough to show or sell my work.
You have to be born with artistic talent.
I have to make a lot of money before I can practice art.
My family and friends have a lot of power with their opinions on my life.
I need to make and show art for free until I get famous. “Exposure” myth.
Attention to imperfect art is dangerous. It’s not finished!
There is something embarrassing or shameful about choosing this path.
You have to be emotionally intense or live with pain to be creative. If I lose this, I can’t create.
ANTIDOTES TO THESE LIES:
We all start in the beginning. Comparing will bring you down. Asking how someone got there gives you skills and supports others.
Even the masters start as apprentices. Masters put in work, and so will you.
Art is natural and has positive benefits to our lives. It is essential every day.
They may be afraid because of stereotypes, and they don’t have answers for you. Show them you will be okay by living for your values and joy. Some will come around.
This is how people take advantage of struggling artists. Thriving artists know their worth and will take payment for their work. If people want it, they should pay for it. Or, make money to make art.
Showing works in progress is BRAVE. You can learn how to take critique and grow as an artist. This takes practice. Start with small projects and people you trust and admire.
Being an artist is one of the most courageous things in this life. Lots of people wish they could do the same. Know that their reactions are about them, not you.
Our creativity comes from being able to see and think differently; we see more of everything. Artists tend to feel and see more in general. It doesn’t mean we can’t create when we are joyful or at peace. Pain is one emotion of many. We can have inspiration from all emotional experiences; joy is felt more strongly because we know how dark and paralyzing sadness can be.
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