Overcoming feeling creatively lost

Creativity is an essential part of our lives, but sometimes it can be challenging to maintain a consistent level of creativity. Feeling lost creatively can happen to anyone, whether you're an artist, designer, or writer. In this newsletter, we'll explore what it means to feel lost creatively and ways to overcome it.

 

What does it mean to feel lost creatively?

Feeling lost creatively can manifest in different ways, but it often leads to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. You might feel like you're not making progress or that your work is not good enough. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including imposter syndrome, external pressure, or a lack of inspiration.

3 Types of being creatively lost and ways to deal with it

There are three types of being creatively lost, and each requires a unique approach. Let's explore them in more detail:

1) Lost within negativity

This happens when we let imposter syndrome or negative voices in our head take over, making us doubt our abilities and lose confidence. To deal with this type of creative block, it's important to acknowledge and address the negative thoughts.

Here are some tips:

• Recognize that everyone has doubts: It's common to doubt your abilities, especially when you're comparing yourself to others. However, remember that everyone has doubts, even the most successful artists.
• Focus on your strengths: Instead of dwelling on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths. Think about what you're good at and how you can use those skills in your work.
• Challenge yourself: Push yourself out of your comfort zone by taking on new projects or trying new techniques. This can help you gain confidence and improve your skills. 

2) Lost within positivity

This happens when we focus solely on the likes and external validation. To overcome this, it's essential to shift your focus from external validation to your internal drive and passion for creating.

Here are some tips:

• Identify your motivations: Why do you create? What drives you to make art or design? Understanding your motivations can help you stay focused on your internal drive instead of external validation.
• Focus on your process: Instead of focusing on the end result, focus on your creative process. Enjoy the act of creating and experimenting, and don't worry too much about the final product.
• Join a creative community: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for creating. This can provide you with support and inspiration when you need it.

3) Lost within others

This happens when we become obsessed with copying others or comparing ourselves to them. To overcome this, it's important to find inspiration from others but also put in the effort and consistency to create and develop your own unique style. Here are some tips:

• Study other artists: Look at the work of other artists and designers for inspiration, but don't copy their style. Instead, focus on what you can learn from their work and how you can apply it to your own style.
• Experiment with different techniques: Try new techniques and experiment with different mediums to develop your own unique style. This can take time and effort, but it's worth it in the end.
• Practice consistency: Creating consistently can help you develop your own unique style and voice. Set aside time each day or week to work on your creative projects, even if it's just for a few minutes.

When have I experienced being creatively lost?

Everyone experiences feeling lost creatively at some point in their lives. Here are some examples of when I've experienced these types of creative blocks:

Negativity

I remember feeling like I could never draw as well as my peers in college. To overcome this, I focused on my strengths and found small things in projects that would push me out of my comfort zone. I also tried to focus on the progress I was making rather than comparing myself to others. It took time, but I eventually gained more confidence in my abilities.

Positivity

It's easy to get caught up in the likes and shares on social media, but what really matters is building a community of people who appreciate and support your work. I've found that engaging with my audience and creating work that I'm passionate about has helped me stay focused on my internal drive rather than external validation.

Others

For years, I looked at other artists on social media and daydreamed about doing the same thing. However, I realized that I needed to put in the effort and consistency to develop my own unique style and voice. It's a journey, and I still have so much to learn, but I'm committed to putting in the time and effort to develop my skills and create work that reflects who I am as an artist.

 

It happens to everyone

Feeling lost creatively is a common experience that can be overcome. By identifying the type of creative block you're experiencing and implementing the tips we've discussed, you can push through and continue to create. Remember, creativity is a journey, and it's okay to have ups and downs along the way. Keep pushing forward, and don't give up on your creative passions.

 

Supporting your favorite artists

A lot of artists don’t enjoy posting on social media nor how it has changed how we create art. To beat the algorithm, it requires art as performance in reels. This can take away from the act of creating the art. Document everything, right? I do enjoy documenting my process and social media is a necessary part of being an artist these days.

If you want to show support for an artist you like it doesn’t have to cost anything. If they are posting on social media, do these things to help boost engagement and discovery for them:

1. Like every post of theirs that you see
2. Leave a comment and tell them what you think about the art, how it makes you feel, drop an emoji, or tag a friend that might like it
3. Click the save icon
4. Share it to your stories

That is, unless you really don’t like the content they are posting. Honest engagement is the best engagement.

 

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That’s it for this newsletter.

I hope you all have a great upcoming week and find ways to make your everyday life just a little more creative.

Cheers, Crawdad