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

Some of the materials I own

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

Part of the exhibit at Type Kita: Pass on the Passion

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).

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? 😊