Creative Blocks: Just Say No!
For those of us that have an artistic calling, it's not always easy to reconcile the need to make a living with a creative life. I have struggled with this issue for several years now, having spent the last 10+ years of my life working in various marketing roles - something I'm good at, but don't identify with as my life purpose.
I decided to create this lens for what Julia Cameron (author of The Artist's Way) refers to as the "shadow artist" -- people that hear a different calling and would like to follow the creative path, but are grappling with this little thing called the dollar (or Euro, whatever your currency is).
With that said, there are many artists that ARE living their life purpose. Some of them are doing quite well I might add*. For the rest of us, I would like to share some resources that will help you on your artistic journey.
*Here's one example of a successful artist doing very well for herself:
The Raw Artist
Ideas for overcoming your blocks
In Julia Cameron's classic, "The Artist's Way", she suggests several steps you can immediately take to pursue your creative goals:#1. The Morning Pages
The Morning Pages consist of waking up a half hour early each day, and writing three full pages of whatever is on your mind. This is essentially a "brain drain", a meditative exercise to clear your head, which allows you to become a "receptor" for creative energy. There are no rules here - just make it three pages and try to be consistent. It doesn't matter whether you're a painter, poet, writer, musician, actor or dancer.
#2. The Artist Date
Each week, set a date for yourself - a date you will spend with your "inner artist". Two hours of uninterrupted time, that you will spend by yourself -- don't invite your friends, spouse or family member. This is for you only. The purpose of this is to both nurture and inspire. It works hand-in-hand with the morning pages. Look at the Artist Date as you would a parent that hasn't spent quality time with his/her child.
#3. The "Great Creator"
Surrendering your creative obstacles to a higher power is essential to overcoming creative blocks. Try to see this as your higher power is doing the creating, and you are channeling this energy. It sounds kind of new-agey, but according to Ms. Cameron, it WORKS.
#4. Affirmations to combat automatic negative thinking
I've never been a fan of affirmations, but the truth is that you need to respond to that little voice in your head that says, "No you can't" or "How in the world will you do THAT?" or any number of negative thoughts that prevent you from achieving your dreams. The idea is to talk back to these negative thoughts or "blurts", and respond with an affirmation.
These are just a few of the many ideas found in Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way. I would strongly encourage you to purchase this book, do the exercises, and move forward with what you REALLY want to do.
POLL: What do you most want to learn from this lens?
Books to help you remove creative blocks
How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist, 5th ed.: Selling Yourself Without Selling Your Soul by Caroll Michels
An excellent resource for the artist serious about making fine art a full-time career. A+0 points
The Blank Canvas by Anna Held Audette
A fabulous little book that offers so much inspiration...ideas for how to start your masterpiece. Many examples from artists past and present. Highly recommend.0 points
Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
This is the hardcover edition of the Artist's Way.0 points
Creative Whack Pack by Roger Von Oech
A deck of cards that helps you with out-of-the-box thinking. Very useful for when you're faced with a specific problem. Offers suggestions that force you to think in different ways.0 points
The Art Spirit by Robert Henri
My figure painting teacher referred to this as the bible for figure painters. I would say it applies to painters in general, less so to non-painter artists. This is hands-down THE MOST AMAZING BOOK you will ever read as it relates to art.0 points
Keys to Drawing with Imagination: Strategies and Exercises for Gaining Confidence and Enhancing Your Creativity by Bert Dodson
The author, Bert Dodson, offers this practical workbook on using out-of-the-box drawing exercises to get your imagination going. Fantastic.0 points
Art & Fear by David Bayles
While I have not read this book, it is a top-seller on Amazon and received excellent reviews. Check it out!0 points
Fearless Creating (Inner Workbook.) by Eric Maisel
While I have not read this book, it is a top-seller on Amazon and received excellent reviews. Check it out!0 points
Trust the Process by Shaun Mcniff
While I have not read this book, it is a top-seller on Amazon and received excellent reviews. Check it out!0 points
Inspirational DVDs
Vincent: The Life and Death of Vincent Van Gogh
Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
How Art Made the World
Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
The Mystery of Picasso
Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
Picasso: The Man and His Work - Part 1 (1881-1937) (1986)
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
Picasso: The Man and His Work - Part 2 (1938-1973)
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/25/2008)
More tips for unblocking your creative talents
1. Surround yourself with supportive peopleDevelop a support system that cheers you on! Get out there and make friends with people that inspire and support you. It's difficult enough dealing with our internal censor. We don't need our friends to be like this too. How can you meet these people?
a. Take a community education class
b. Go back to school for your given discipline
c. Attend a meetup group (Visit meetup.com)
d. Seek out organizations of interest and become an active member. There are Watercolor, Pastel and Portraiture societies. There are Animation groups such as ASIFA. There are concept art groups. There are life drawing sessions in most major cities.
2. Set goals for your creative self
Wanting to pursue an art form is one thing. Having a concrete objective with a deadline in mind is another. Goal-setting will help you stay focused. A former boss of mine suggested using a "Triage" approach. Don't overwhelm yourself - focus on 3 goals and work towards achieving those.
3. Spend as much time as possible with your discipline
For example, a painter may immerse him or herself with coffee table books that include artwork from the Masters - Picasso, Munch, Matisse, Rubens, Cezanne, etc. Visiting art museums and attending art gallery openings on a regular basis will ensure that this discipline stays top of mind.
4. The Daily Ritual
In Twyla Tharp's book, The Creative Habit, she suggests having a daily ritual. Something that you do each and every morning that becomes so ingrained, you don't even think about it. It's important to establish some rituals at the beginning of the creative process, when you are most apt to give up or turn away. You may choose to link your ritual to the setting in which you choose to start your day.
For example:
i.e. Composer Igor Stravinsky - sat at the piano every morning before entering his studio to work, and played a Bach fugue.
i.e. Another example in Twyla Tharp's book - a chef who begins each day in his urban garden. He spends the first few minutes of each day with his herbs, spices and flowers, thinking about new flavor combinations and dishes. He picks a vegetable or herb, and brings it to the restaurant and starts cooking.
5. Act as if
Act as if you're already doing whatever it is you want to accomplish. And then just DO IT. It's great to have a vision of where you want to be, but making your dreams a reality will be a lot mo
More resources that will help you pursue the creative life
The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life
Twyla Tharp, internationally-known choreographer and the mind behind the hit broadway musical, MOVIN OUT, offers this phenomenal book whose purpose is to ingrain creative habits and out-of-the-box thinking into your daily routine. There are so many great ideas in here, it's almost overwhelming.
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/25/2008)
The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women: A Portable Mentor
On my wish list. Sounds like a phenomenal book - the author interviewed 45 creative women and shares their insights with the reader.
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/25/2008)
Living the Creative Life: Ideas and Inspiration from Working Artists
Another book that's on my wish list. Check it out.
Amazon Price: $15.63 (as of 07/25/2008)
The Artist's Marketing and Action Plan Workbook
If you're going to make art a full-time career, devoting time to marketing is absolutely essential. The artists making a full-time living have email lists, they know their audience, they sell merchandise, they sell both originals and giclee prints...they are on top of the business side of things, have no doubt about it. This book can help you with the business side.
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/25/2008)
Taking the Leap: Building a Career as a Visual Artist
Another book that's on my wish list. Check it out.
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/25/2008)
Check out these websites!
- The Artist's Way
- The official website for author Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way.
- Changing Course
- All about career change and making your dreams a reality. An excellent resource.
- Book: Unleash the Artist Within
- Author Bob Baker has spent the last 15 years making a good living from various creative passions, which have included playing in rock bands, releasing three CDs of original music, publishing his own music magazine, organizing an annual music festival, doing stand-up comedy, and profitably writing and publishing books. This book is a very action-oriented approach to overcoming creative hurdles.
- 43things.com
- 43Things.com is a social networking website that helps you to achieve your goals. You make lists of 43 things you'd like to do with your life, and discuss your progress with others that have similar goals. People you cheer you on and leave constructive feedback. Highly recommend.
- International Coach Federation
- The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the largest worldwide resource for business and personal coaches, and the source for those who are seeking a coach. The ICF is a nonprofit, individual membership organization formed by professionals worldwide who practice business and personal coaching.
- Creating a Life Worth Living
- The website that accompanies the book by the same name.
- How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist
- The website of author and career coach Caroll Michels, author of How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist and Selling Yourself Without Selling Your Soul.
- Right On The Money - Making a living as an artist
- The transcript for a special that was broadcast on PBS, called, Making a Living As An Artist.
- Artist Help Network
- A website by author Caroll Michels, with a ton of resources for the developing artist.
- Constant Contact
- This is one of the most widely used email marketing programs for small businesses anywhere. It's very affordable, compared to other email marketing software such as Exact Target or Silver Pop, for example. Email marketing is very cost effective when compared with direct mail or other marketing methods. A great way to stay in touch with prospective art buyers, collectors, galleries, etc. Start building your email list now, and reap the rewards later.
Coaching Your Creativity
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byHave a suggestion you'd like to share? Tell me about it.
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Guitartam
Great lens, getting stuck as a songwriter happens lots!! so nice to hear feedback from other artists and reminding myself that it's all part of the creative process... Posted February 04, 2008 |
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Barbarino
Thanks for your feedback artyfax! Glad to hear you found the lens helpful. Posted June 24, 2007 |
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artyfax
Great Lens, I read Julia Cameron's book sometime ago but never got around to making anything happen. Now that I have retired/downsized I am glad to have found this lens and have been reminded of the methods and routines - Thanks for all Posted June 18, 2007 |
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Barbarino
Hey, thanks so much for the vote. I did the same for you! Posted June 13, 2007 |
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Great lens! I voted 5 stars - I invite you to check out mine too, and rate it for me!Live Streaming Video Posted June 13, 2007 |
