When I was younger, I thought of myself as an artist. I loved drawing and writing, spending my summers at art camps and evenings in art classes. My high school was even focused on the arts. But around the age of 16, I started to see things differently. I got into photography and wrote for the school newspaper, and these felt more practical than artistic.<\/p>\n
After reading Steven Pressfield\u2019s, The War of Art<\/em>,[1] and Austin Kleon\u2019s, Steal Like an Artist,<\/em>[2] I’ve had a chance to reflect on how my perspective on art and creativity has evolved over the years. In the past I used to believe that being an artist required conjuring creations from air. However now I realize that even though I may not fit into the notion of an artist, my creativity is undeniable. My artistic training has influenced every aspect of my life whether it be capturing photographs or crafting written pieces. These two books have helped me with my understanding of creativity and emphasized the importance of cultivating habits to support it.<\/p>\n Defining Artistry and Creativity<\/strong><\/p>\n As I reflect on my childhood passion for drawing and writing I find myself considering the essence of being an artist. Initially I believed that art solely encompassed the creation of paintings, sculptures and perhaps the composition of poems or songs. However as time passed and I gained experience my perception of art and creativity underwent a transformation.<\/p>\n Artistry in a context pertains to the abilities involved in producing visual or auditory forms of artistic expression. Think painting, drawing and composing music. It revolves around utilizing one’s talents to create something that can be perceived through sight, sound or touch. During my years I fully immersed myself in the realms of drawing and painting convinced that this was the path to becoming an artist[3].<\/p>\n However creativity is somewhat distinct. It extends beyond creating art. Creativity encompasses the utilization of ones imagination to generate concepts and resolutions. It can manifest in problem solving approaches the ability to devise methods of accomplishing tasks or even in the craft of storytelling. It primarily involves thinking outside boundaries and fostering innovation.<\/p>\n As I explored endeavors such as photography and contributing to a school newspaper I came to recognize that my greatest talent resided in the realm of creativity. It wasn’t about producing art in the sense but rather about embracing a creative mindset in all aspects of my life.<\/p>\n Personal Journey with Art and Creativity<\/strong><\/p>\n I discovered my passion for art at 16 and I realized that my artistic path was taking a different direction. While I enjoyed drawing and painting I found a love for photography and writing. These skills felt more practical to me yet they allowed me to express my creativity in different ways.<\/p>\n As I worked in\u00a0 journalism and public relations I came to understand that creativity goes beyond creating artwork; it involves finding approaches to problem solving and storytelling. This realization became a turning point in my life. Although I may not be considered an artist I recognized that my true strength lies in harnessing my creativity.<\/p>\n After incorporating The War of Art<\/em>\u00a0and Steal Like an Artist<\/em> into my experiences I gained insights into the true nature of creativity. Pressfields notion of overcoming ‘Resistance'[4]\u2014those obstacles that impede our endeavours\u2014really struck a chord with me. He emphasizes the importance of approaching work, with discipline and treating it with a professional mindset[5]. This mindset of confronting and overcoming self doubt and procrastination has completely transformed how I approach my projects.<\/p>\n Kleon on the other hand offers this viewpoint when it comes to generating ideas: his advice to “borrow” ideas in the meaning of finding inspiration from existing works and adding your twist is an approach to creativity[6]. It challenges the idea that everything must be completely original and instead embraces the art of combining and reimagining existing concepts.<\/p>\n Both authors stress the significance of habits and routines in fostering creativity. Pressfield underscores the value of showing up and putting in the effort when inspiration feels out of reach. Kleon echoes this idea by emphasizing the importance of persistence and being receptive to ideas during the journey. Their teachings have shown me that creativity is not merely a surge of inspiration but rather a nurtured talent that flourishes through practice and a willingness to learn and explore new avenues.<\/p>\n Incorporating these understandings into my endeavours I’ve discovered that having an approach and being adaptable can go hand in hand. While sticking to a routine can enhance productivity, staying receptive to ideas and diverse influences is just as vital. Striking this balance is essential for maintaining an ever evolving process.<\/p>\n My Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n In my creative journey, I’ve learned that balancing discipline with flexibility is key. While it’s important to have a routine and work consistently, being too rigid can sometimes stifle creativity. For me, sticking to a strict schedule isn’t always the answer. Instead, I focus on being disciplined in my approach but flexible in my execution.<\/p>\n This flexibility means knowing when to take a step back. When I feel my creative batteries draining, I don’t hesitate to take a break. It could be something as simple as watching YouTube or mindlessly scrolling through Netflix. These moments away from my work are not just rest periods; they’re a crucial part of my creative process. They allow my mind to wander, often leading to unexpected bursts of inspiration and new ideas.<\/p>\n This approach has taught me that creativity thrives not just in structured environments but also in moments of relaxation and spontaneity. It’s about finding the right balance that works for you, understanding that sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re not actively searching for them.<\/p>\n [1] Pressfield, S. (2002). The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles. Black Irish Entertainment LLC.<\/p>\n [2] Kleon, A. (2012). Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. Workman Publishing Company.<\/p>\n [3] Sandbox, I. (n.d.). The Difference Between Artistic & Creative Ability. IDEA Sandbox. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https:\/\/idea-sandbox.com\/blog\/difference-between-artistic-creative-ability<\/p>\n [4]<\/p>\n [5]<\/p>\n [6]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When I was younger, I thought of myself as an artist. I loved drawing and writing, spending my summers at art camps and evenings in art classes. My high school was even focused on the arts. But around the age of 16, I started to see things differently. 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