How Artists are Killing their Creative Minds & How to Develop & Expand Your Creative Minds.

Insights from My 20-Year Journey as a Professional Artist

As I reflect on my two-decade journey as a professional artist, I’m filled with gratitude and lessons learned. The world of creativity is a vast landscape, filled with experiences that can either nourish or hinder our innate artistic talents. Just like every artist, I began with a spark of creativity—a blend of inspiration, curiosity, and personal expression—but along the way, I witnessed how easily that brilliance can dim. Today, I'd like to share with you not just how to avoid stifling your creative mind but also how to cultivate it into something truly remarkable.

Let’s start by looking at how we often kill our creative spirit without even realizing it.

The Creativity Killers

1. Overthinking: I’ve often found myself paralyzed by analysis, second-guessing every brushstroke. When we dissect our ideas to the nth degree, we can snuff out the very essence of spontaneous creativity. The solution? Give yourself permission to create without overanalyzing the details.

2. Comfort Zone Complacency: There’s a comforting allure in sticking to what we know. Yet, I've learned that true growth happens outside that cosy bubble. If you never venture beyond familiar techniques or subject matter, you risk missing out on the vast possibilities that exist beyond the known.

3. Fear of New Things: In my early days, fear often held me back from experimenting with unfamiliar mediums or styles. That fear can be crippling, leading us to avoid failure at all costs. However, embracing new experiences opens doors to growth and innovation.

4. Fear of Criticism: Early in my career, feedback could leave me feeling disheartened. However, through my artistic evolution, I realized that constructive criticism is a vital tool for improvement. Art isn’t just about what you see; it’s what you evoke in others. The feelings your work stirs are more crucial than fleeting praise.

5. Over-attachment to My Work: While it’s essential to love what you create, becoming overly attached can hinder your progress. I've made it a practice to step back from my creations, allowing room for new ideas and growth rather than repeating the same formulas.

6. Adhering to a Single Style: I remember the sense of security in sticking to a recognizable style early on. However, this approach stunted my growth as an artist. Exploring different styles is crucial for expanding our creative boundaries.

7. The “I Will Never Draw by Hand” Mentality: This has been a game-changer for me. I used to believe that mastering drawing was a prerequisite to all creative endeavours. But what I learned is that sketching and transferring ideas to paper can invigorate creativity. It’s the rough sketches—the initial ideas—where the magic starts.

How to Develop and Expand Your Creative Mind

Now that we’ve identified creativity’s nemeses, let’s explore how to overcome these obstacles and foster a vibrant creative mind.

1. Study the Masters: I immersed myself in the works of great artists, understanding the techniques behind their successful compositions. This foundational knowledge allowed me to build my own voice, drawing inspiration from the giants before me.

2. Practice and Experiment: The fear of failure can be daunting, but every failed attempt is a step toward refining our craft. I began approaching my art with curiosity, treating each piece as an experiment rather than a final product.

3. Reflect and Improve: Comparing my early works to more recent projects highlighted the growth I often overlooked. It reminded me that the creative journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Each piece teaches us, shaping our artistic identity.

4. Generate Ideas: I frequently engage in a process of rapid sketching—creating small thumbnails without thinking too much. This taps into my brain’s reservoir of memories and impressions, leading to unique compositions that often surprise me.

5. Break Free from Constraints: I encourage you to document your journey, tag your creations with dates, and track your progress. This practice not only motivates you but helps to develop a sense of continuity in your artistic evolution.

6. Develop Your Unique Style: Sharing your work is not about seeking validation, but rather understanding the emotional responses it elicits. Be open to both praise and critique, as they both contribute to refining your unique artistic voice.

7. Seek Feedback: Engaging with others about their perceptions creates opportunities for growth. I’ve learned to appreciate the ‘negative’ comments, as they often contain profound truths that can propel my development as an artist.

Admittedly, these steps may seem daunting at first, but remember that the path to becoming a successful artist is a journey of continual learning. Embrace the process, stay patient with yourself, and enjoy the creative exploration. After all, within each of us lies an inexhaustible well of inspiration, waiting to be tapped. Let your creativity flourish, and watch as it transforms your world.