Friday, September 22, 2017

How to Be Your Own Kind of Creative



Yo, my people!

As bloggers, artists and writers, creativity is something we adore. We live for it, obsess over it, and are constantly seeking new outlets to express it. Creativity is a beautiful thing! But not every creative soul is the same. What works for one person in the way of artistic process may not work for everyone. So how do you hit your own creative stride? Here's what I'm learning about being your own kind of creative! 

Don't compare yourself.

WHY DO IT. No, really...why do it?



Know this: EVERYONE compares themselves. Even that musician you love. Even that actor you aspire to be like. EVERYONE DOES IT. I don't know why we do. Hey, it's a fallen world. But just know that being your own kind of creative starts with just that - realizing that the Lord has made you unique and that He has plans for the creative life only you can lead!

Embrace all types of creativity.

Creativity isn't limited to words on a page. You can be a writer, yes, but you can also explore painting, cooking, fashion design, learning about science, etc. Even loving others can be creative! Do you have a tender heart? Make someone a birthday card or show them you care by babysitting and coming up with fun games for the kids! There is not one cut-and-dried "type" of creativity. So don't stress if you're not one certain kind of creative. Embrace you!

Discover your creative rhythm.



When and why do you get lit up about a creative project? Learn to identify patterns in what things encourage you to make your art and when you are most creative. For me, I always get super inspired after running in the early morning. Or, conversely, super late at night. (Wha?) Know when you are most productive and tap into that. After all, it's your own creative process. Know what works for you!

Remember that no one's perfect.

Oh gosh, no! I know that social media and the Internet makes it really easy for other creatives to appear #flawless, but YO - that's not true. Never pursue perfection in creativity - it's impossible and just ruins the journey. I beat myself up so much about making my novel "perfect" that I had to put it aside. Ask yourself what is more important - attempting to make something flawless or learning and experimenting with your art along the way. It truly is a journey!

What about you?

What does being your own kind of creative mean to you? What kinds of ways do you pursue creativity outside of writing/blogging projects? Is there anything you wish you'd known earlier in your creative journey? Let me know down in the comments!

14 comments:

  1. Once again, your post hits the bulls-eye :) I ALWAYS end up playing the comparison game ... oops oops oops.

    I get inspired after walking on the beach or spending hours reading a new book or watching a movie (I follow TV shows but I don't watch many movies, so for some reason actually taking in an entire movie usually gets my juices flowing).

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    1. Aw, I'm glad you liked it! :) Girl I feel you...I don't know why I am wired this way, but I struggle with comparison really bad!

      Movies are the best! I think it's the combo of the epic music and beautiful story lines! And OMW I need to go to the beach real soon :) <3

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  2. This is good. I like your focus on creativity in recent posts. :)

    For me, creative inspiration comes when I take a step back and slow down - let the dust of busyness settle in my mind, and let God speak. It makes me wonder if we're made to be always in that space.

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    1. Thank you so much! :) I'm experimenting with different type of posts lately! <3

      Such powerful words, girl! I agree. Being still enough to hear God speak always recharges me. I needed that reminder! Thank you so much for your wisdom and sharing your heart! <3

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  3. This is so inspiring, wow. I always adore your posts, Erin. They're so encouraging!

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    1. You are so sweet!! <3 Thank you so much. That really means a lot :)

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  4. DUDE ORIGINALITY IS SOMETHING THAT I STRUGGLE WITH ALL THE TIME! This was a beautiful post, one with great insight! I love the part about finding creative rhythm, because that's one thing we all have that differentiates us <3

    - andrea at a surge of thunder

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    1. It can be tough for sure! Thank you so much! <3 I agree. What works for one person might completely put off the other. Thank you so much for commenting Andrea! :-)

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  5. Your words made me feel so much better! I always feel like I'm not enough for blogging/art. But in reality - who said that? Noone. I'm a very unorganized soul, that's why I always compare to others.

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    1. Aw, Mary, I'm so glad! That warms my heart! I hate that you don't feel like you are enough - your photos are always so beautiful. <3 If it makes you feel better, I compare myself, too. But I'm trying to change that. It's more fun to celebrate who we are! Thanks for commenting! :-)

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  6. I compare myself all the time. XD Late hours, cool weather, tea, art, and good music inspire me!

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

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    1. GAH it's such a struggle, right? I don't know why we do it. This is one habit I am desperately trying to change about myself. I agree about tea and cool weather! Nothing better than a cozy sweater while drinking tea in fall <3

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Go with grace.