Creator Versus Creative Being
There is definitely a distinction between them
Hello and welcome, my lovely creatives! I hope you had an inspiring week filled with enchanting moments of quiet inspiration.
This month is supposed to be for writing a novel, or, in my case, several since my Muse wants to be working on all the projects at once. I even gave some ideas away to folks because my Muse is working overtime to give me all the ideas. But I’ve still managed to have fun writing copy for some of the things I’m selling online. It’s such a goofy thing, but it amuses me and gets me thinking in a different way, which is always welcome.
I’d intended to publish a list of resources on Monday, but when I went to put it together, I realized there was something else I needed in place first, which I’m still waiting on approval. It’s coming soon!
For this week’s letter, it’s basically part two from last week’s newsletter after expanded discussions I had last week about creativity, but this one’s focus is a little different. I may even have a part three to this. I guess we’ll all find out next week if I do!
Dear Lovely Creative Person,
There seems to be a disconnect between the words “creator” and “creative being.”
Creator has taken on this image of someone on YouTube or TikTok or Instagram or <insert social media du jour> cranking out content.
The grind of following or creating trends for a voracious audience whose attention span lasts 15 seconds and if you don’t constantly show up in their feed, you’re forgotten.
But being a social media creator versus being a creative being (someone who creates something) are two very separate things.
Yes, it’s always nice to make money from one’s art and creativity. Of course that feels like an ultimate goal for many who’ve grown up seeing YouTubers et al becoming influencers and some even becoming millionaires.
It looks so glamourous and fabulous.
It seems like everything you do needs to be monetized somehow.
But if it’s to the detriment of your creative soul, then no, it’s not the answer.
Yes, making a living is important. In late-stage capitalism, making money is seemingly the most important thing we should be striving towards.
And yes, it feels indulgent to work towards creative goals if you’re struggling to pay rent and what you’re doing isn’t making any money.
But there’s also a soul currency that’s just as important as cash.
And when I saw one of the most creatively interesting people I know get completely turned off of ever doing his own projects, it broke something in me. I was ready to Godzilla rampage down the street for him. Why isn’t whatever his vision for being creative enough? Why can’t he be able to create and not feel guilty that it’s not necessarily going to make him anything other than happy and fulfilled?
So what I want to say to him, and to anyone reading this: you don't need to monetize your art if you don't want to.
You can create just for the sake of creating.
Even if it’s just a little doodle. Or a poem. Or a photo you edit for yourself.
You don’t have to post it anywhere.
You don’t have to monetize every little thing you do if you don’t want to.
You can just be creative to express yourself.
We are inherently creative beings. We want to create things. That’s why things exist. Not just things like art. But those gadgets in your hand were created by someone. Creativity can come out in a billion different ways.
Unfortunately, it seems our language has failed us here. When my coworker insisted he wasn’t creative, and I came back that he truly was. But he was thinking about being a content creator making things to gain profit and I meant he’s a creative being.
And that’s what I want for everyone: to embrace their creative being. Give ‘em a big ol’ hug and all the love they deserve. As I wrote before, embrace your inner three year old because that kid knew all about being creative.
The thing is, I also struggle with this concept as I write and do want it to be my career. But I’ve also had to adopt a driven yet low pressure attitude towards it otherwise it’d become a grind, which is the last thing I want it to be. And it took me many years to get to this point.
So when I’m saying the things I’m saying, like no, really, you’re a creative and you shouldn’t forget it, it’s not because I want you to be a poor artist. I just want you to make sure you haven’t forgotten that creativity is a vital part of being.
Much love and sprinkles of creative fairy dust,
t :)
Inspiration Of The Week
This past week, I saw memes galore about Andre 3000 playing the flute and feeling inauthentic about rapping at age 48.
Let the man flute if he wants to!
He’s already given us some great music.
Let him follow his muse.
You can read about his new direction in Rolling Stone here.
And dance with me to Hey Ya which could use some flute accompaniment:
What inspired you this week?
Creative Prompt For The Week
This section is a weekly prompt to nudge you to do something creative this weekend. Sometimes we want to do something but just don't know what to create so we need a starting point. I'm going to help the creatively challenged by providing a word, phrase, or some other starting point where you can focus and create something. If you'd like to share it with me, please do, but there's no pressure. I'm here to inspire, not judge or tell you how or what to do.
Your prompt for this week, should it inspire you, is:
DARKROOM
I was talking with someone yesterday about photography darkrooms and how much fun they were. I always loved taking pictures, but I especially loved working in the darkroom.
That’s where I learned all about light and shadow and framing if I hadn’t done it correctly in camera.
I miss working in the darkroom. I even miss the chemical smell. Working in complete darkness to transfer the film from the roll to the canister to process. I miss the technical parts along with the creative parts. It was such a fun time working in a darkroom.
Some ideas for darkroom inspiration: turn your bathroom into a darkroom and invite me over to play with developing film and photos (ha!), write an ode to darkrooms, or perhaps you can just sit in a dark room and let images play across your mind.
I hope you have a fabulous week of processing inspiration.
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