Dear Readers,
I'd love to have your thoughts and advice on the following issue.
Several days ago, I received the following email from SR, a "regular" of this blog.
For about a decade now, I've had a hard time being 'creative' . . . when I sit at the drawing table, it's very difficult for me to have fun and be creative. This is not good for a graphic designer who's job it is to be 'creative' all the time. It affects me at work, and even in the sanctuary of my own home studio.
What I am good at creating is negative dwelling, self-doubt, and ridiculous negative fantasies.
So, my question is... could my 'creativity' struggles be attributed to my negativity? When I try to buck down and be creative, could something inside try to stop me, because subconsciously, I associate creativity with negativity?
Do you think I'm on to something here? Or does it sound stupid?
Okay, readers: What advice would you give to SR? Thanks.
I like that a lot of positive ideas are being exchanged. The suggestions of burn-out and taking time away sound like good ideas.
Others suggested taking the negative energy and somehow converting it. That sounds crazy to me, but makes sense. But, if the 'energy' is already present, then you're already half-way there.
Posted by: L.Vazquez | 16 January 2008 at 10:08 PM
Patti & Tony's comments most appealed to me. All I could think of was that the problem is you’re not embracing what your good at. Why can't negativity be a catalyst for creativity?
I think of two things. Woody Allen (who turns self doubt into hilarity), and this site:
Demotivators
Whenever I feel most cynical, that site helps me to not take it so seriously. It's so funny, creative, AND negative. Expressing doubt is human, and other people can relate. Finding a way to make the negativity funny might help.
It may sound crazy, but what the hell. I’m trying a different approach.
Posted by: Jeff Mordan | 17 January 2008 at 05:06 PM
Look at the first two videos on "procratination" in YouTube (the cartoon and the 30nin guy).
I promise you, you will be surprised.
Kind regards
Matt
P.S. You master is aslking you to be creative!!!
Posted by: Matt | 02 February 2008 at 06:05 AM