The Vital Importance Of Creating Like Only YOU Can...

[Dan Goodwin]

Many people who come to CCS are on the brink of a kind of creative rebirth, rediscovering their creativity and the enjoyment they get from it in a way they haven't done in years, maybe even decades.

Consequently, every step feels like a leap of faith, and from the feedback and conversations I have, one of the biggest doubts people have is "What do I have to offer?" or, put another way, "Is what I create significant or important?"

The answer to that is a big loud YES!

Each of us can only create in our own unique ways, no-one else can create the same. The world needs you to create like only you can, not to try to be a carbon copy of whatever's popular or in fashion at the time.

Follow your passion, create what you long to create, and it will always be the "right" thing to create.

Maybe you've felt these kind of doubts yourself?

Share your thoughts and experiences below:

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

I've struggled with these doubts. Even during my most creative period of making and selling beadwork jewelry, when I was making money at what I loved doing, I still had that niggling voice telling me that it was frivolous and didn't have much worth. I didn't really allow myself to soak in much praise, of course it felt nice when people would compliment my work, but for the most part, my own beliefs about jewelry being frivolous tainted it for me. The only times I truly was proud of my work was when another beader would come by my booth and we would get caught up in animated discussions full of ideas, or when someone who really knew what's involved in beadworking would be complimentary and willing to purchase my creations. I feel I've grown personally since then ... now I realize how much a pretty bracelet or a nice scent of perfume can lift someone's spirits and make a difference in outlook ... not frivolous when you think of it that way!

[Dan Goodwin]

Barb, you almost answered the question I was going to ask when I started reading your reply.

That is, what did you think what you were creating was frivolous - was it the effort & creativity that went into producing the jewellery or the fact that is was jewellery and you saw that as a luxury and "frivolous"?

Dan

[Barbara Ann Storrier]

I loved the process of beading and it was very therapeutic and relaxing for me. But I did look at jewelry itself as being frivolous and a luxury, and did not wear much jewelry at the time. I was in a strange state of mind and did not want to attract attention to myself, and in retrospect, I sabotaged my own creativity by my attitude.

[Alfredo]

Oh boy! OK, where to begin? It is so interesting that you said: "Many people who come to CCS are on the brink of a kind of creative rebirth." In many ways, the current album I am working on feels like a creative rebirth. I have set myself to tackle a form of music that took me completely away from what I was doing before, challenging me to no end. However, as harrowing as this process has been, it has been a form of rebirth in a way, taking me to a whole new level as an artist. In this, I have many times had the "What do I have to offer" nagging question in my mind, not to mention the "Is what I create significant or important?"

The struggle also comes in marketability of product. Can my art compete with what is out there enough that people will want to buy it or even listen to it? This project has also taught me how to reach a balance between what pleases me and what is considered marketable. And while I still struggle with this with each new song I am composing, the results remind me that I am doing it.

What I want to do after this, as I shared in another posting, is to truly follow my passion entirely and do what I want to do. Problem is that ever since I was young I have been an actor who 'caters' to an audience. Even when I compose music and my audience is not here, it is very real to me, as if it was here in my studio, waiting and scrutinizing. It was was the same for me acting for film and TV. The audience is not there, but it is. And, like a good actor and now composer, I am plagued with doubts... If you sat before me and asked me, "What is it that YOU long to create" it would be nearly impossible for me to answer without 'audience' immediately popping up in my head. It has almost gotten to be like a disease! I am, however, currently working on a cure for it :-)

[Detta]

can you let one doubt go and make a space for your intution to kick in - could you ask a small question without any attachment or pressure for an answer like...'if I created one small thing that came from my soul - what would it be?' then leave it alone...you might be surprised at what comes up when you least expect it. x d

[Alfredo]

The interesting thing is that while I am working, doubt goes out the window. It is before, after and in-between that self-critique and doubt comes in. I think that what I create comes directly from my soul. However, the expression of it is many times affected by the commercial viability.

[Dan Goodwin]

Reading your reply Alfredo I thought I couldn't relate to how marketability seems to have such an influence over what you create. I know I couldn't create to order almost, then I realised I do in a way with CoachCreative. I write articles on topics I know people relate to and struggle with, I ask my readers and clients what they need and want help with, then I fill that need as best I can. So I guess I can relate.

When it comes to what I call "personal" writing/creating though, I can't imagine writing for a specific audience. Whatever comes out, comes out. Freedom is vital.

It must be a challenge to be in the position you're in. I'm really pleased to hear that after this album is finished you'll be resting from the commercial pressures and creating what you truly want to create...

Dan

[Alfredo]

I think it sometimes has to do with where I am in my career, like actors who at first have to do whatever comes their way but later get to pick and choose. As I am more established I will certainly pick and choose (though I myself do choose the subject matter for my projects) and sometimes do something that may not be as commercially viable.

Also, as more licensing comes my way ($$$), I will not be as dependent on CD and download sales. So, in many ways, I feel challenged quite a bit, which can not only be frustrating, but conducive to burn out. But, on the other hand, that challenge helps me expand as an artist. It would be too easy for me to cheat my way out of pushing my limitations.

Meanwhile, I see the needed rest coming after this album and I am almost sad to admit that it is one enormous incentive!

[Judy Allen]

This is such an interesting subject that I think all of us struggle with. The portion that directly hits me is "Is what I create significant or important?" I create art quilts for myself, I have no intention to create these to sell, just for my own satisfaction and enjoyment. I do occasionally create and give to my family. They seem to appreciate what I give and even have ask if I would do similar quilts for others that come in and admire theirs. My answer is always no, as I am sure they would want to get them for little or nothing and I am not about to do my quilts (loads of time and energy involved) without charging more than the market will bear. So, I struggle with the need to create and the significance and importance of what I create when it is just for me and those that come into my home. I have not found an answer to my satisfaction. Oh, and yes maybe all of the other things that are around to do just to get through life are more important? I think this is why I seem to put my creativity at the end of the list and not on the top. Judy

[Mary Hicks]

Love this discussion!

I love to create - in many forms. One thing I do that I truly love is crochet. And what I crochet is dish cloths. Big deal, eh? People will ask me, "What are you making?" Sometimes, the look on their face when I say "A dish cloth!" is embarrassing to me. I try to tell myself it's more of a reflection on them than on me. But it is humiliating! I crochet in public -- at little league games, on park benches, at the beach. I crochet while watching television because it gives me a feeling of "not wasting time." I love to crochet squares, finish them off, and call it a dish cloth! Colors are never the same, and I love putting "non-traditional" colors together.

Recently, my husband and I attended a fund raising event for homelessness here in Worcester. When I heard that there would be a silent auction, I contacted the coordinator and asked if they would be interested in some of my dish cloths to auction. This was a huge leap of faith for me! She couldn't say no (or so I convinced myself), right? I put together two baskets and sent them for the silent auction. I do not know if they got sold, but assume they did because nobody called me to give them back!

It's not rocket science, or a new trend...it's just a dish cloth, for crying out loud! But it's art because it's creative and made by hand and heart. Perhaps it is a passion. Perhaps it just keeps my hands busy. But I keep doing it, so it much be somewhat important.

So, folks, can something so insignificant as a dish cloth be an important form of art? Tell my inner self how to proclaim it proudly and not be embarrassed to answer the question, "What are you making?" Please!

[Dan Goodwin]

"...it's art because it's creative and made by hand and heart..."

- love this definition Mary...

[sabrina]

Rebirth thats what it feels like. I am at the stage in my life where I need to
take action. I don't have any excuses any more. My children are all adults.
It's my time now. I am use to taking care of every body else, so now that I
can be creative I still feel like I should be doing something else more important. Don't get me wrong, I do make an effort to do my creativity, but
being persistent is one of my major problems. My doubts start to creep in
and I hear thease voices. Do you really think that you have the talent to write
lyrics? Can you make money being a singer?
All I can say is that people connect to artists, and they play a big part in the
Universe. Can you imagine that there is no music , singers , writers musicians.

Sabrina