Lessons on Creativity
what I didn’t learn in art class
4 min read
In art classes growing up, I remember learning how to shade a circle with the light source coming from the upper left corner.
I remember learning how to draw still-lifes & trying to replicate objects perfectly with paint.
I don’t remember being taught how to develop & refine ideas, I was supposed to have them already & go with that first thought.
I don’t remember learning about the creative process, it was something that was supposed to come naturally.
It wasn’t until I started teaching myself design that I learned the biggest lesson.
Creativity is a practice.
Cultivating ideas, making connections, & bringing concepts to life- all of this needs practice!
It takes time to learn yourself well enough for your creative output to align. (I’m still figuring it out myself.)
Everyone is born creative, we’re just not taught how to foster & care for that creativity as we grow up.
We’re told to stop daydreaming. We’re told to follow an acceptable path. We’re not exactly told to create our own. We have to learn how to daydream again.
We have to choose creativity, choose play & stay curious- every day.
Cultivating a creative practice takes time. After all, it is a practice.
It’s okay if you fall off for a bit, it’s still there, & you can always access it.
Whether you decide to start a new creative practice today or pick up your old one, here are a few things I wish I had known earlier.
Your experiences, environment, perspective, etc- are what makes you, you. It’s what shapes your unique voice as a creative. Learn how to use it.
You are forever a student. Teaching yourself the skills you are interested in gives you more control over your reality. You also learn self-discipline along the way, a skill creatives need more than you might think.
Fill your creative cup! I used to work without references for fear of copying or being unoriginal then wondered why I had no ideas. Take in inspiration! Everywhere you go (not just on Instagram/Pinterest). Then figure out what’s the thing that is drawing you to this & work from there. No copying needed. Watch more about this topic here!
Play = not being afraid of failing. In fact, play means you’re seeking out failure, you see it as part of the process. Everything is a learning experience. Play > Analyze > Iterate.
Document the process. I’m not just talking for social media (although, of course) but also the plan, the notes & the reflection. Everything is connected, one thing always leads to another.
Create rituals, but don’t get caught up in habits. Collect experiences that get you out of your comfort zone & allow you to see things differently. Stay flexible & curious.
Keep track of your ideas. I like to use my Notion Notebooks but any scrap of paper lying around when you get an idea will do just fine. You can organize it later & also expand more on the idea with my Creative Direction Template.
Slow down. Practice patience & the art of noticing. Having a long attention span is a flex these days, so start listening & being more present.
Believe in yourself. What you learn about yourself along your creative journey is worth more than the output or approval it may bring. Enjoy the journey.
It took some time for me to learn creativity isn’t just being able to draw or paint well. It’s not something you either have or you don’t.
Creativity comes from within, it’s something you cultivate & practice every day. Almost like a mindset or the ability to see the world through different eyes.
It’s a constant adventure, don’t forget to enjoy it!
THANKS FOR READING!
What have you learned about being a creative? Let me know in the comments!
