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Being a creative, there are struggles that people who practice it endure. These struggles keep them on track and motivate them. Come, inspire others!
The Struggles of Being a Creative
Every creative has struggles that could either strengthen their creativity or cause the destruction of that creativity. This post has been sitting down in the drafts for almost 2 months already. I feel bad about not finishing it sooner. A lot has happened and I just started coping up with things.
But, why write about these? Mainly because, it’s real and most do not notice that they may be subtly doing it. This post aims to orient you with the hardships that creative people encounter.
So, how can these be defined?
- This could be simple that would soon become complicated. But there are some that are quite real and destructive for one’s morale.
Here, I’ll be enumerating some struggles that I personally experienced. Now, these may not be applicable to everyone but it’s better to get the word out there. Right?
Struggle #1: Money for materials
While being a creative and creating can be fun, materials used to create can get very expensive! Hence, money is a struggle.
For those who are still studying, it may be a bit easier to have money. They would either ask their parents for extra or just use their allowance for buying. Since I work part-time and study, I earn some money. With that, I could buy the materials I need.
Suggestion A: Try DIY
- However, even if I earn some money, some materials are really just expensive! So what to do now is to try look for alternatives or substitutes. You may also trying DIY-ing some materials you need, just in case.
Suggestion B: Sell your old stuff
- Through selling your old stuff or junk could raise some funds too. Just remember that the stuff you sell are the ones you own not the pieces of furniture lurking around your house. Your parents might scold you for that!
Struggle #2: People who would undermine you for being creative
From personal experience, there are always people around me who ridicule me because I am creative or that I do art. Yes, I’m creative and on the creative side but there’s no harm in that, right? I’m not doing harm to you because I’m pursuing the arts.
Yet, how come even your relatives would question you doing art? My theory is that they think that there’s no stable income in doing art. Well, when just started, it’s truly challenging. You have to get clients or find a work that would still allow you to do art even on the side. You’re lucky if you find a boss or leader who encourages people to do art.
I guess, I’d say that it’s better if you don’t mind them any longer. Even if it’s hard to do that, we got to do it little by little. Constructive criticism is good. That helps you improve yourself more.
Just put it this way, you do you.
If they try to hurt you, make them realize that it’s not worth their energy.
Struggle #3: Insecurity
When you have just started a new style with the art that you’re practicing, this is normal. Well, at least that was what I experienced. Back then, I’d usually compare my works with other people. I tried adapting to their style but it just didn’t work. Maybe because, I was a leftie and they weren’t.
Since then, I tried developing my own style that would fit how I truly write. As some may not know, it’s harder to be a leftie practicing calligraphy because almost everything is created for the righties. Spring notebooks would hurt you. Those smudges will never ever disappear. But, there are ways on how to debunk that! It all depends on how you angle your materials or your way of writing.
After trying to develop my own style, little by little I defeated that insecurity and just went on with the craft. Whenever I’d see some people trying my style, it somehow is a good feeling. It’s just how it goes. When someone’s new to the craft, you’d try somebody else’s style. But when the time comes that you’re already comfortable, you’ll have your own.
Just remember this:
Never ever copy somebody else’s artwork without permission. Let alone post their works as your own. That’s plagiarism and could be really, really bad!
Struggle #4: Creative Block
This happens, truly. Even for the artists that I admire. They say that it’s normal. Some would go into a hiatus then take a break or travel somewhere to see new sights.
Through these, they would recharge themselves wishing and hoping that they would see some new light. Or if not, find a different way of looking at things.
I did experience this before. What I did was just slack off, watch some series and just calm myself down. Sometimes, when we practice too hard it feels differently like our hands are forced to just continuously write. They, too, need a break just like our brains.
When you experience that block, just take a deep breath and calm down. Look at something green or read a book (like Big Magic).
Realizations
Every person has their own troubles. Some have a specific way of defeating those yet some might get stuck at some point. These are just trials that would test us if we can truly survive the harsh world out there.
Remember that some of these may not be applicable to you. Yet, some of your hardships may not be also applicable to me.
So different people, different ways of conquering these hardships. Let’s just hope for the best and continue creating and spreading good vibes!
If you’ll be having some hardships or just want someone to listen to you, just click the contact button there.
So why don’t you ask someone if how are they doing right now? 😊
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I guess these kind of struggles will help the creative individuals to prove themselves harder and also to improve their skills . I guess we all need those challenges to mold our skills, to motivate us and to make ourselves a better artists .
However, i have heard that some people are taking advantage of the creative ones… sometimes they will ask for some art works for free without knowing the effort and time and skills that an artist had to offer just to create those masterpiece
I was introduced to calligraphy and painting last Feb 2017 and until now I am doing it just for fun but inside of me I envy those people who’s earning from doing what they love. It’s always inspiring to hear stories like yours. I hope I can finally feel and decide to be really serious, introduce my works, and get other people’s interest on my creations. Thank you for writing this blog.
I have always been creative and arty, I have dabbled in many different arts but can’t seem to find the one that keeps my interest for more than a few months. I think it is my insecurity getting the better of me.
I could definitely relate on another level, I may not be an expert on art but all the things that you’ve listed are very relatable. I decided I wanted to post a video tutorial on youtube but I don’t have the proper tools, I don’t know if people would watch, I’m scared that it would be a flop or whatever. I have so many ideas for a vlog but I was very hesitant. That’s when I realize that no one is getting in the way but me.
I appreciate your honesty when it comes to these struggles. All the while i thought creative people doesn’t seem to be insecure because they just love doing what they do. But for the money, i think just like any other hobby, or passion, money matters! Like how can you work into pursuinh that passion without the need to buy your resources anyway. 🙂
Yes, good vibes always.
I find you creative. And inspiring. My first impression of you was: you can be real pushy (which is a positive trait) as you are able to do those craft. And you are romantic because I could read a few stories about you and your boyfriend.
Anyway, your uniqueness makes you who you are and you may not know it but you are an inspiration to me. I would want to learn calligraphy for so long but I dont even practice the way you find time to enhance your craft.
Be creative and be an inspiration.
Such wise words! Hurdles has made you richer in terms of experience, thanks for sharing them.
And for a reader it would be wise to learn from these experiences. Very well structured and enumerated post.
Very good points! It’s not always easy to be a creative person. Also a struggle is that people tend to see ‘creativeness’ as something extra. Just do your work and if you have time for being creative well, that’s fun. I don’t agree. I really think creativity is the foundation. Without being creative there’s no progression or innovation.
For me, my greatest challenge now is having the time to sit long enough to finish an artwork. I used to paint and draw a lot in the past. But now that I have small kids, I can’t do that. I don’t want interruptions when I’m painting.
I used to paint and draw a lot when I was still single. Now that I have small kids, I don’t have time to pursue these hobbies anymore. I don’t like to be interrupted when painting. That’s my challenge now.
Being a creative is definitely not an inexpensive task. I think the expression “starving artist” was borne from expressive individuals. Of the struggles you’ve listed, the one that stands out to me is people who try to undermine you….these people are energy killers and it’s important that we remove them from our uber circle..Or at least keep them a good distance away.
Personally, I am not that creative, but my mom and my sister are. And reading the post made me think of them and I found both of them here. First of all, it is true that materials are very expensive, and sometimes you even have the issues in finding what you need. Secondly, there are people who will never appreciate your creativity. Whatever you do or make, they will not give any value to your effort. Or, they may underestimate your work by saying that what you do is very expensive in comparison to how ‘easy’ the same can be made. And thirdly, there are times when creative people know what they want, but they just can’t make it. The good thing is to just leave it like that for some time, and then again start all over, once you are calmed down. My mom does the same.
Hence, I agree with you entirely. There are struggles of the creatives. Luckily, there are also solutions to the struggles. Just don’t give up. 🙂
I’m a creative soul – and an old soul, too. I share your challenges and frustrations. I’m also multi-passionate – so I like to practice a range of creative pursuits — from pyrography (my latest obsession) to beading, knitting, calligraphy, embroidery, making clothes, and, of course, writing. I’ve encountered a range of unpleasentness and ridicule – from “why don’t you get a real job?” to “do you have no ambition?” – It’s insulting and small-minded. But hear me — don’t listen to your detractors. They are either jealous or narrow-minded. Or both. Follow your passion and your creative heart.
Yes, finding an audience is tough when you’re first starting out, and selling enough work to make even a fraction of your necessary monthly income is difficult — but you’ll get there. You’ll also get satisfaction from touching people with your work — seeing them smile, pause and think, or display some other emotion — it makes your efforts worthwhile.
Depending on your art form, one brilliant way to cut down on costs is to visit charity stores and thrift stores. For example, for some of my beaded jewelry, I’ll purchase strings of vintage beads for a few pennies, strip them from their cord/chain, clean them, and turn them into something beautiful. And, for my steampunk and mixed media, I buy old broken watches that would normally be thrown away, strip them down, and repurpose the inner workings and the cases into other art projects.
OMG. I am speechless. I truly love your honesty and high five for being a creative and being an old soul! <3
I strongly agree with how people undermine you for being creative. Tho before college my parents supported me with pursuing my degree, still after graduation some people think that there’s no money in art or creativity. Still now as I work as a graphic designer some still thinks it’s not a stable job, but everything is different now and I proved them wrong.
I love this post, yes the struggles are real, I can identify with every single one of them. Sharing this on Twitter and Pinterest xx
Got curious with the title. One, because I know you are creative and because I do not consider myself as one in terms if artistry hehe. But, I can say I understand the things you listed here especially the one about the budget hehe. But, glad you continue showing your talent through this blog because youre so good.
Thank you, Cieri! But, I believe that everyone has their own creativity and artistry. We may not have the similar inclinations but surely, I think you have one. Maybe, you haven’t noticed it just yet? 😀
May I add one more point- enthusiasm.
Creative people often face phases of troughs and crests and it is important for them to be aware of their mental stability. Failure should not disappoint them much. I understand that creative people are very emotional and can’t handle the joys and sorrows but it is important to develop equanimity.
My greatest challenge, since birth, is always starting with something and always finishing with nothing. I’ve got a lot of unfinished art that I left hanging because I moved on to the next idea. Every creative does.