The Creativity Curse
The innate drive to make can also break
There are way too many talented artists in the world. The Internet has no shortage of fantastic illustrators, authors, and creative types in general. The sheer volume of skilled creators and designers is staggering. So, why do we still try? I’ve written about this topic before - how creatives experience the inherent feelings of being an amateur impostor playing at drawing or writing. The consistent conclusion as to why people continue to produce new paintings, novels, or poems is that it is indeed inherent. The real question is what do artists do with this inborn drive to make something out of nothing? For one thing, we fail.
Yes, artists carry on, and we persevere, but the onslaught of rejection is never not tough. The “art gene” lies within our DNA, flowing through our blood like a curse. Even those quitting for one reason or another are still likely to have their previous endeavors cloud the back of their minds. The past is indestructible, after all.
There was a period in my life where I can’t recall trying to do much of anything creative. There were lengthy stretches where I simply didn’t think to draw and even if I did, it was an errant doodle. I even pursued continuing education courses that were a far cry from anything resembling art. Business classes did not suit me, and it wasn't long until I dropped that particular kind of schooling. I had no business attempting accountating - all I was doing was delaying the inevitable, or rather, denying the inevitable. I eventually entered design school and flourished, and began seriously writing at the same time. It took a significant amount of time to land in my lane, a path that feels so natural to me. Despite my penchant for coming up with stories and drawing slightly more sophisticated doodles, I spent a decent chunk of my existence ignoring these traits. The reason? Well, chiefly among the explanations, rationalizations, and excuses, I simply didn’t think I was good enough.
I don’t set out to be some inspirational figure, but I do think it’s always worth exploring ideas. Spare time can be woefully scarce, but the creative pursuit will continually be hard to ignore. Blogging, sculpting, performing - whatever the case may be, will always be time well spent.
Easy for me to say in a carefree moment. It’s not such a flippant concept while stewing in the drudges of a rejection or negative comment. It’s wonderful to see such positive affirmation across social media, but the reality is that a fledgling project and/or being told your efforts ultimately missed the mark sucks. Spending hours working on a piece of art resulting in less than stellar feedback is enough to make anyone want to hang up their stylus. No attention at all is potentially worse. The devastating heartbreak of sharing your passion with the world and it getting dismissed is not fun. I mentioned people quitting, but I do not believe anyone truly gives up their artistic side. I think people will find different, little ways to showcase their hobbies and talents. At the end of the day, it doesn’t necessarily matter how you define success in the arts - of course, we’d all love to have our audiences shower us with praise, but let’s be honest, if you enjoy writing, you’re going to write anyway. If you like to draw, you’re going to sketch regardless. There are champions of the creative arts who have achieved every possible accolade who also still desire to produce new works.
Think of the wealthiest, most famous, and celebrated author or artist in any field - chances are, if they can, they are still making things. Maybe they’ve even gone past their prime and should enjoy the privileged life their art has earned them. Never working again. Simply living in a permanent vacation while the world reveres them as a legend. There’s a strong chance that even living legends who want for nothing still feel compelled to create. Rich or poor, the creative type will be drawn to make art no matter what. Man, it’d be nice to relax once in a while. But, that’s the curse of creativity. And it’s also an amazing and weird gift.
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