The pressure creatives feel in challenging times
No matter what creative field you’re in, you do what you do because you’re attuned to the world and the people in it, so when that world is in trouble, it can be a struggle keeping perspective about the things going on around you.
Allowing the creative muse to whisper in your ear at such times isn’t easy. Sometimes, it feels like she’s checked out entirely. I get that.
The irony, of course, is that the world needs creativity now, more than ever. Works of art, whether on paper, on screens, on stages or in earbuds, provide us with emotional solace at a subliminal level.
Good art is wide-awake dreaming. It is balm for the soul. And it reminds us of our humanity.
Which is why, creative people, you need to create!
The world needs you!
So, if you’re struggling, here are some prompts to help you get back on the wagon.
1. Embrace imperfect creative work: Why you don’t need to wait for “inspiration”
Perfection is a great thing to aspire to. But no creative work of art ever explodes, fully formed, into the world without a whole lot of stumbles along the way.
We only ever get to see the final creative product when it’s ready to go out into the world. We don’t get to see the rough sketches and failed attempts in the dumpster out the back.
Case in point. Keith Richards and Mick Jagger were up all night struggling with the song (and quite possibly a fair number of class A substances) that was to become Jumping Jack Flash when the sound of Mick’s gardener’s boots outside the window inspired Keith to write that legendary riff; and, yes, the gardener’s name was Jack. We don’t hear the failed attempts. We just hear the end result.
Then there’s Picasso’s Guernica, which changed enormously along the way. Even Da Vinci had second thoughts about the Mona Lisa.
Don’t believe me? Well, have a listen to legendary architect, Frank Gehry, on the power of failure.
So don’t stop because you’re afraid what you’re making won’t measure up. Because everything you do is bringing you one step closer to creating something truly wonderful.
2. Build a routine: How consistency beats waiting for the creative muse
That muse can be a temperamental creature. If you sit around expecting her to call, you’re most likely setting yourself up for a long wait.
Funny thing about creativity. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Your muse might be snoozing on the sofa, but if you plonk yourself down at the laptop and start writing, chances are you’ll wake her up and before you know it, she’ll be there by your shoulder, ready to work.
So try to set a routine of sorts. Find a block of time, no matter how small, where you can exercise your creativity.
Put a sketchbook and pencil in your work bag, and instead of listening to a podcast on the train, do some studies of the things around you. Get Siri going on your phone and get her to record audio notes of your book in progress on the drive home from work. Yes, you will end up with some hilariously bad voice-to-text errors. But that’s part of the fun!
3. Channel the rage and diversify your creative outlets to stay fresh
If you’re feeling disheartened, depressed, angry, frustrated, lonely… channel it into your work. Maybe that means finding alternative outlets in the creative field you already occupy. Or maybe it means finding a new one to play round with for a while. Got some pent-up rage? Find a drum and give it a smash. Or a canvas and some paint, and go full Pollock on it.
Why else do you think I’m here? There are a myriad dimensions to my creative personality. And they all need an outlet.
Creativity cannot stagnate, or it is not creativity. It must be exercised and honed. The more creative outlets you have, the more accomplished and, most importantly, satisfied you will be as a creative person.
I am a novelist and a screenwriter. But I also work as a sometimes copywriter and journalist. Plus, I regularly post here, and over on Instagram and Threads. Every time I do, I’m flexing my writerly muscles and finding new voices within me. It’s making me better and faster at what I do. And that means the whole process is far more satisfying.
4. Take breaks and practice self-care: Why resting can be productive for creatives
Tapping into your creative core isn’t easy. Right? Or everyone would do it.
And when things are tough and you’re feeling flatter than a day-old pancake, finding the words, or the pictures, or the sounds, isn’t easy.
That’s why you have to be kind to yourself.
If it’s not happening for you, go for a walk. Or meditate. Plant some basil in a pot so you can have fresh pesto on call. Take the dog to the park. Jump on your bike and take a spin around the neighbourhood. Have a long bath. Catch up with a friend for a coffee – or a glass of wine. Watch something terrible on TV and remind yourself there’s hope for you yet if that thing got up!
Sometimes – and this is the hardest thing for me – what you really need to do is go to bed early. Have a read, turn out the light, and sleep.
Because while you’re keeping your body and conscious mind busy doing all those other things, your creative mind is hard at work unravelling the tangled threads that have been tripping you up.
And when you sit down tomorrow, chances are you’ll find that creativity will flow like a mountain stream.
5. Reclaiming your creative flow
Because that’s what it all comes down to.
If you have been blessed with a creative calling, it’s a persistent beast that won’t let you alone.
And that’s a good thing. Remember that. Because it’s telling you that what you have to offer the world is important.
It’s reminding you that the ability to create something from nothing for no practical reason at all is the most sublime and unique human trait. You must answer that call. Now, more than ever.
