Creativity can be seen through our take on past creative ideas. I decided to minor in Art & Design because I wanted to legitimize work in the field of design. Without a label, I didn’t feel justified in spending my time on art projects, bullet journals, sketching, painting, writing, whatever it is that I feel compelled to do creatively at the moment. These compulsive moments often pop out of nowhere. Next thing I know, I’m making a cup of tea and setting up my workspace to start creating.
The issue for me wasn’t starting to paint or draw. It was to continuing the flow while I had other priorities as a student. The resistance to continue working on my idea grows stronger and stronger when I realize I’ve spent too much on this mini side project. And that I couldn’t even turn in for a good grade let alone a couple dollars.
This resistance is so powerful that it stops us from doing what we want to do and takes away the opportunities to explore other creative outlets. Many people have came up to me and said “I wish I could dance” or “if only I had the skills to draw, I would open up a sticker shop.” The ironic part is I’ve said the same exact words to them. What got me to where I am today, being able to explore creative outlets, is getting over the fear of rejection. Who cares if you look like a monkey trying to hit the woah? Who cares if your illustrations look like a 7 year old drew it? Everyone. Has. The. Same. Day. One. You just need to start somewhere.
And commit to it.
My mistake was I thought I needed to sign up for a class to justify the creative outlets I wanted to explore. But that’s not the case. I started learning basic choreo on YouTube. I watched short Pinterest videos on how people drew flowers and line art. None of this was in a classroom setting.
Still, the fear of rejection was still getting into my head. I realized it wasn’t rejection from other people that I was afraid of, but it was the fear of failure inside me that was rejecting me.
Thankfully, I came across an amazing book that helped me overcome this fear:
“’Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently your job is to induce complete panic whenever I’m about to do anything interesting… There’s plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and I will never exclude you from our activities, but still- your suggestions will never be followed. You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are never allowed to have a vote. You’re not allowed to touch the roadmaps; you’re not allowed to suggest detours; you’re not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you’re not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.’
Then we head off together- me and creativity and fear-side by side forever, advancing once more into the terrifying but marvelous terrain of unknown outcome.”
– Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic
