Embracing Creativity

I have never liked it when people call me an artist. The word holds a certain unsaid pressure.

The pressure to produce 'good' art.

The pressure to produce regularly.

The pressure to please your audience.

When someone calls me an artist, all these pressures come tumbling down and I feel the urge to yell.

On some days I can't even draw a straight line.

On some days I stare at my paper put don't touch my pencil to it for weeks.

On some days I can't even draw something that I like, so how can somebody else like it?

So I have started to call myself a creative. The sweet ambiguity of these eight letters have allowed me freedom in my projects. The ability to create art for the sake of creating art and not for someone else's viewing. The possibility to transfer my fears and anxieties onto paper in a way that is only relevant to myself and no one else.

Embracing creative talent over artistic talent gives one independence and deliverance. And the best part? You only have to do little in order to receive so much.

First, make the conscious decision that you want to be in control of your art. Stop listening to those who try to tell you how to dot your i's and cross your t's. Your creative expression is completely up to you.

Second, draw something so that you can say that you have. Creativity is a muscle that needs exercise, use it every day and the results will be immense.

Third, own your title as a creative. Don't let anyone push the pressure of 'artistic' on you. Even if you don't want to correct them, just keep repeating it to yourself.

Repeat after me: I am a creative.