Personally, I consider myself to be moderately creative, with interests in drawing, photography, sculpting, writing, painting, woodworking, design, and several others. However, just because I have an interest in these creative things, that doesn't necessarily mean that I think I'm any good at any of them. But fortunately, as we'll discuss, that really isn't even relevant.
How can that be? Don't you have to be good at some creative process or technique in order to be considered creative? Well, consider the word “considered”. Getting rid of that word is the whole key to becoming a more creative person.
Let me explain. Have you ever given a blank page and crayons to a young child? How in the world do they come up with all of the wonderful things they manage to draw on the paper? Trees and flowers and animals and people and activities and the list goes on and on. And when they're done with their masterpiece, the budding artist is so proud and excited about their artwork, showing it to everyone they can. Is the drawing recognizable as what they were attempting to draw? Perhaps not. Does the child care? Not at all. And that's the whole point. Creativity is unleashed when other people's opinions about the artwork don't matter.
Now, putting that thought into practice as an adult is not always easy. A child doesn't have to get rid of this concern about what other people think, because they haven't developed the concern yet. They quickly develop this thought that their artwork or they themselves are somehow inferior, however, when exposed to criticisms. When at home, a young child will usually receive praise about their efforts, bolstering their creativity. It's a whole other story once school starts, however. Teachers do their best to encourage youngsters to be involved in creative things and ideas, but it can all be undermined by our peers. Yes, children can be cruel. And the older we get, and the more we are exposed to these negative comments or reactions to our work, the more we stifle our own creativity.
How to Get Rid of Your Conditioning
So, how does one go about negating years of conditioning about their own abilities and creativity? As with anything else in life, it takes time. The task may look daunting, but taking it one step at a time it becomes manageable. First, think about what areas you'd like to be more creative in. Perhaps you'd like to do some home decorating. Or maybe write a novel. How about learning to draw? All of these are possible; you have within you the ability to do whatever it is you want to. Don't sell yourself short. Put out of your mind the thought “I can't”. The truth of the matter is, you CAN. Belief in yourself is the difference between success and failure. Also, remember that the creative process itself is more rewarding than the thing being created, and MUCH more important than any praise or recognition from other people. So look to being enriched by the experience, and not the finished result.
Ok, so let's say that you're interested in unlocking your ability to draw. What can you draw so far? Even if it's just stick figures, DRAW. Sit yourself down with pencil and a lot of paper, and draw. It doesn't matter that it still looks like those drawings that we mentioned earlier. No one will see these, just you. Hide your drawing book somewhere if you feel the need. Getting to the point where you don't care what others think or say about your art takes time, and in the meantime, keep the things you're trying to yourself. If you're trying to develop your culinary skills, make small portions and try them yourself, not asking for the opinions of others for now.
So you're sitting there with your stick figures. What next? Well, think about SMALL changes that you can make. How about feet on the stick figures? Give them hats, or elbows, or a dog on a leash. The idea is to just make small changes, letting your imagination free. Draw. A lot. And don't care. Don't care about what other people think, and don't care about how your work compares to anything else. All that doesn't matter. It's just you and your art. When you're done with one piece, don't criticize it. Instead, think to yourself that it is good, not that it is good compared to this or that. It feels good to create. Become interested in not the output, but rather the process. The creative process is relaxing, it's natural, built in. We were created to create! It gives a deep inner satisfaction just to be creating.
As you pursue your art, whatever art that is, you'll start to get interested in other people's art, if you aren't already. That's a good thing, as long as you don't compare your art to theirs. This is not a competition, there are no judges. Try to look at, not how good the other person's artwork is, but rather the techniques they use. Hmm… that person put little clothes on their stick figures. I could try that! Search the internet or your library for tutorials, techniques, samples, or tools pertaining to your chosen field. Examine the way other artists create, rather than what they're creating.
As you continue observing, learning, trying new techniques, you'll probably want to set up an area specifically designated for your creative endeavors. Having a desk to draw on, a kitchen stocked with the essentials, or a garage to piece together your visions will enable you to immerse yourself in your creativity, as well as leave it at the ready when attending to the rest of your life! Gradually collect together your artistic implements, rather than going on a shopping spree and purchasing everything at once. Try not to get bogged down in the tools. Instead, get a couple tools, or maybe just one, and work with it extensively before expanding your collection. Familiarity with your tools lends itself much more to creativity than having everything at your fingertips and not knowing how to use them.
Work at your goal to become more creative slowly, remembering to enjoy the process itself. And above all, keep in mind that it doesn't matter what other people think, you're not doing it for them. Whatever creative outlet you choose, it can become a pastime, a lifelong hobby or the dream job you've been waiting for!
