Let me start by saying that Holly at decor8 has an awesome “Creative Series-Just Do It!” coming out every Thursday that I am quite excited about. Tons of comments followed her post and I see that I am not unlike a lot of her other readers in that I have many questions swimming around in my brain about how to get back to a more creative me (and make a living at the same time). Tip #1 for the Creative Series is to do a mind map for “What did you love to do as a child”. Mind mapping is a great way to tap into ideas, and organize information. Try not to self edit while doing it though, better to just let the ideas free flow and come back to them later, you’ll be amazed. All that I can do here is share my thoughts on creativity, inspiration and how I try to be in a continual state of growth (not only in the creative sense but the human sense). I have found that my mind is wired a bit differently in that I am constantly “mind mapping”. I carry a journal (or two) at all times and I have since college. Mostly I do this because my brain is constantly running and if I didnt get some of these things out…gosh, who knows what would happen. It was only recently that I began to further my creative venting in blog form, and that has had benefits equaling if not exceeding that of the journaling. It might be the right brain left brain thing. Learning how to set up a blog and utilize the features available has been a great left brain exercise, requiring better planning, time management and the more analytical aspects of my brain; primarily functions determined to be left brained in nature. I’ve read that strengthening the less dominant side of the brain actually increases the strength and efficiency of the dominant side. I thought that was a neat factoid and it has lead me to pursue more left brain exercises. Ok, cool nerdy talk aside…I kind of went off on a tangent there…back to the reason I started this post…
You might remember my post about resolutions (schmesolutions) and the new year and that is the first point I would like to bring up while discussing how to nurture your creative soul. BE POSITIVE, BE CONFIDENT, BE WHAT YOU ARE. Do not worry about being judged by others, if you discover (through your mind map) that you used to love paper mache (and still do) then you go and pursue that and make yourself happy. (whoa, don’t quit your day job–yet) I’m just talking about staying positive, being good to yourself and being creative without being so product and results driven. Take an art class, a cooking class, a craft class…get out there! Everything takes time. Be consistent with yourself and others…good things, positive endeavors turn into more good things (think-bunnies doing math). Yes, it may seem that the market is saturated with other artists all doing their own thing or maybe they are doing your thing–but you are the only person that can control “you” and you are the one that can positively effect change in your life. I cringe when people admit saying to themselves “well what makes me so special?” Oh-I don’t know–how about the fact that YOU’RE YOU! Sheesh.
One of my favorite people would tell me (repeatedly) “You’ve got to drive your own car Aimee, you can’t stay in the passenger seat forever.” Basically, you cannot control the path you are on if you don’t have your hands on the wheel. Creatives tend to be introverted (believe me, I AM an introvert) and vulnerable, it’s a challenge sometimes to take risks and put our artwork out there. We, inherently, are our own worst critics. But creative tension is not a bad thing (think-”growing pains” – no, not like the show with Kirk Cameron). I’m currently looking into a couple craft classes here locally, something that will push me out of my comfort zone a little and out of my office.
I really believe that everyone has the capability of being creative. Some of us just need a little nudge, some inspiration and much encouragement. If you read my “hello me” post you know that my nudge was a simple mantra (dream. inspire. create.) and it took me 6 months to even start the blog so that proves my point…everything takes time and consistency pays off. Please take a moment to visit decor8 and read Holly’s post about her new Creative Series, tip #2 will be out this Thursday and I’m excited to know what it is and read everyone’s input.
[artwork © Aimee Elizabeth McEwen 2009]
