Embracing the "Not So Artist" Mindset
A few years ago, my friends and I began using the phrases "not so artist" and "not so art" to navigate our shared love of creating. Inspired by art in all its forms, we sometimes struggled with creating for ourselves and often doubted our abilities. These phrases became a way for us to encourage each other to create simply for the joy of creating, letting go of the need for perfection.
Through this "not so artist" mindset, we've learned the value of embracing imperfection and relinquishing the pressure to excel right away. Whether you’re an artist, musician, scientist, or another professional, the journey toward mastery often starts with feeling like a "not so" version of who you aspire to be. In our experience, learning to appreciate the journey itself and enjoy the act of creating was transformative.
Imposter Syndrome and Creativity
Imposter syndrome often casts shadows over the creative process, making us question our abilities and worthiness. It can manifest as doubts such as, "You're not talented enough," or, "Others do this better." This mindset can stifle our artistic expression and hold us back from fully engaging with our creativity.
By embracing the "not so artist" label, my friends and I found a way to combat these doubts. We realized that creating art isn't about achieving an external standard of excellence, but rather about exploring our thoughts and emotions. Focusing on our personal creative journey instead of comparing ourselves to others made the process much more fulfilling.
The Practice of Art
Art is a practice that evolves with time and dedication. Just as a musician hones their craft through hours of practice, an artist improves their skills by consistently creating. The more we embrace the "not so artist" mindset, the more we open ourselves up to the journey of improvement.
Persistence and patience are crucial components of artistic growth. Progress may be slow at times, but each piece of art we create is a step forward. Allowing ourselves to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them helps us cultivate our skills and deepen our connection with our work.
Reflective Questions and Their Impact
To keep our creative spirits grounded and motivated, my friends and I often pose a series of reflective questions to one another:
What is art?
What makes art good?
What makes an artist?
Do you enjoy making things?
What does being an artist mean to you?
Where does the sense of success come from for you as an artist?
These questions remind us that art isn't just about a perfect final product but rather about exploration, expression, and connection. They help us stay focused on what truly matters as creators and bring us back to our reasons for creating in the first place.
The Value of Creation
Creating art, regardless of the final outcome, is a deeply rewarding experience. It connects us with ourselves and others, helping us process emotions and tell our own stories. The act of creation can be therapeutic and poetic, messy and forgiving, allowing us to explore our thoughts and feelings in tangible forms.
Art also serves as a window into different cultures and historical moments, offering insights into the lives and minds of those who came before us. Whether we’re creating or admiring art, we become part of a larger narrative that transcends time and place.
Ultimately, the value of creation lies in the journey itself. Embracing the "not so artist" mindset allows us to experiment, make mistakes, and grow. We learn to appreciate the process of creating and find joy in the act itself.
Conclusion
Embracing the "not so artist" mindset has been transformative for me and my friends. It enables us to create without fear of judgment, focusing instead on the enjoyment and growth that come from the process. Through our journey, we've discovered that art is not just about the final outcome but also about the stories and emotions we express along the way.
Imposter syndrome may never completely disappear, but we can manage it by asking ourselves the right questions and celebrating our progress. By staying grounded in our reasons for creating and the joy it brings, we can continue to explore, learn, and grow as artists.
Whether you're a "not so artist" or simply someone who loves to create, remember that your journey is unique and valuable. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep creating. Your voice and perspective are essential, and the world benefits from the art you bring into it.
Thank you for joining me on this reflection. I hope this post encourages you to embrace your own creative journey, no matter how uncertain it may seem at times.
Let's celebrate the beauty of being "not so artists" and enjoy the freedom that comes with it. Happy creating!
