Create for Yourself

I am writing this segment for 2 different audiences… the artists and all the beneficiaries of Creativity (the World).

An amazing book for any creative, or anybody interested in the creative mind and/or process, is Rick Rubin’s book, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being”. One of the most “controversial” things he says in this book is, “the audience comes last”. What he is referring to is that the artist must always, first and foremost, create the things they want to create… create for yourself, no one else!…much easier said than done.

When an artist enters a creative career, business and the need to generate income becomes a powerful and, often, persuasive force. Admittedly, I am a people pleaser and I too was not immune to being motivated, to varying degrees, by what others wanted and what my business financially required at the time. Personally speaking, I am very fortunate because my Creative soul has a Very loud voice and my art has always been mostly guided by this voice :)

Now, I am not advocating abandoning all thoughts and motivation to generating income, but rather to focus on and appreciate the real wealth of being an artist: creative freedom!

As a young artist and building an art career, creating things you think the public will like and purchase and, conversely, creating things your Creative soul is guiding you towards is one of the most difficult mental battles you will go through. If I could magically instill a belief into another artist, it would be to Always create for yourself. By creating for yourself, you are in fact creating the absolute best things… this is the greatest gift you can give to yourself, and your audience. When you truly start to create for yourself, wealth and abundance will follow right behind… creative sincerity is a magnet for wealth and abundance.

No matter the financial gains or accolades you would get by creating what others “like”, if you do not fully enjoy the creative process and results, you will never be fully happy. I can assure you that when you truly create for yourself you will succeed in life… the success you will find is true success: happiness!

My hope is that this message empowers artists to follow their true creative souls and that the beneficiaries understand and support artists pursuing sincere Creativity. The more the World supports sincere, genuine Creativity, the more masterpieces the World will receive. Following your Creative soul is the greatest gift you can give to this World :)

Human Created and Human Inspired… non AI

I am often asked, “Where do I get my creative inspiration?” and the answer is humanistically simple: I tap into the same creative spirit/energy/muse/God every person here in this life has access to.

The reason I am able to create the art I do, and constantly evolve, is because I honor and daily strengthen my Human Creative Spirit. Your Human Creativity and Imagination is exponentially more powerful and sacred than any AI now and any AI in the future. I say this with complete conviction because, what is more important than the humanism we share within ourselves, with the people of this World? Creativity makes us Human and Creativity makes for a very beautiful Human life :)

As an artist and, more importantly, as a Human I consciously, for all intents and purpose, do not use AI. I do not use AI to “inspire” ideas to paint, I do not use AI to write, I do not consume AI generated “art”, I do not use AI for any creative related activity. The “creative” use of AI will wither your creative muscles and ultimately dehumanize you… albeit slowly, but very much surely. Do not let AI rob you of the opportunity to creatively grow!

I believe we have been mislead about the true potential of the power we hold within and Creativity is one of the channels in which this power comes to us. With that said, I encourage artist, and everyone, to embrace the pursuit of exploring pure Human Creativity… you will grow beyond and more valuable than any AI system ever will… you will become a force for positive good within this World and inspire others… most importantly yourself :)

To artists and creatives of all kinds, again, if you are using AI in any aspect of your creative practice I would strongly encourage you to stop. The real power you possess is that in which you already hold and are connected to: the beautiful power of the creative force, the creative muse, creative positive energy, God, whatever you want to call it and/or identify with.

Do you want to elevate and grow as a creative!?… start nurturing and strengthening your relationship with true Human Creativity.

Creativity is not Easy

I had a friend ask me recently if art (Creativity) gets any easier the more you do it and my reactive answer was “no”… which surprised her and myself!

I have been creating virtually every single day of my life since 2009 and I can still remember thinking that this should get easier and easier however, it has not… but do not let that scare you, let that excite you!

As I progress in my art career, and in life, I have realized one big personal truth: life is about growth and pushing the boundaries in what you once thought was your limits… I can promise you that will lead to a fulfilling life. With that said, as a creative, and more specifically as a creative whose hands are directly creating my art, realizing that their is absolutely No limits to the infinite possibilities of Creativity can be a very daunting realization. Within that knowledge is the the true blessing of Creativity, and ultimately life: anything and everything is possible. Learn to love the idea of endless positive possibilities.

Growth, no matter the size, is an uncomfortable process however, this is where life and Creativity becomes Very exciting! Learning to embrace the process of growth will lead you to an infinite number of magnificence breakthroughs in both life and art… the only question is, are you willing to trade momentary discomfort for lifelong fulfillment?

“Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.” ~Edgar Degas

Human Creativity is Capital

The next Renaissance is coming and human creativity is the capital!

The idea of AI growing and replacing more and more jobs is a bit of a concerning notion however, one thing I know for certain is that the appreciation for human created things will Never go out of style and our desire for great experiences in life is limitless. Human made art, movies, music, poetry, dining experiences, clothing, novels, comedy, podcasts, and so much more, will forever be appreciated and sought out.

With that said, if you have a creative impulse, follow and nurture it… money if often the side effect of doing this however, the real gift is the creative process itself.

The understanding and appreciation for the magic of creativity is what will lead to the next Renaissance… and it is already happening :)

Your Mindest is Your Creative Adventure

To artists…

Just Keep Creating!… art is whatever You as the artist Thinks it will be. YOUR mindset about the process/adventure of creating will be either the protagonist or antagonist. If you think it will be a fun adventure, then the joy of discovery, overcoming challenges and triumph will propel you forward… if you think it will be a worrisome trip, then the anxiety of the process will deter you from further creating. Create for the joy of the adventure and you will create things that are very special :) Remember, there are NO wrong answers in art.

This can be very difficult when business is also a factor in your creative career/decisions however, let Creativity guide your business career and you will therefore create a very harmonious business and life :)

Success does not lead to Happiness… Happiness is Success.