You’re not “bad” at art or creativity, you have a mindset problem

Whenever I teach a watercolor class or teach at Wine and Design, a significant number of participants like to declare to me and to the whole class that they are most definitely not artists.  

It’s flabbergasting to me how often students in one of my classes tell me they don’t like what they painted, yet I see a style or a personality that is so beautiful. In big group classes, I like to walk around the class and exclaim to students that I love what they’re painting and point out something I like. Students often reply back, “They pay you to say that.”  

I have theories about this.  

First, let’s acknowledge that making art, creating, it’s vulnerable.  Then, combine it with strong cultural narratives where work is quickly judged as good or bad and constantly compared and ranked throughout our lives.  So when we want to begin something new, like try watercolor or painting, we’re worried about where we will be ranked. We think if we aren’t instantly good at it then it must not be for us.  

That’s not how this works.  

Then add the hogwash narrative about creativity—that you have it or don’t have it. Of course, new students want to hedge by telling me and everyone else who can hear that they aren’t good at this so that they won’t be judged or ridiculed for what they make.

But let’s put that aside; let’s say that’s not the issue.  Let’s address just how much the act of creating feels vulnerable.  When you make something and put it into the world oftentimes you’re putting what’s inside of you outside of you with no armour.  Nothing to protect yourself with.  It doesn’t feel great.  It can leave you feeling naked and exposed.  

And if you think I’m immune to feelings or thoughts like this, think again.  I’m just further along on this journey.  I still work at this EVERY DAY.  

I believe that creativity is not something you are good at or bad at.  Creativity is a way of getting to know yourself, a way of communicating with your wisest and highest self.  Creativity will help you get in touch with your intuition.  And it can be more than that.  For me, creativity is about listening, it’s often more than a conversation with myself it’s a form of prayer.  

I don’t create for praise from others, to try to make something look perfect, or to serve an audience. I create writing and painting as a way of expressing myself, knowing myself, and having a conversation with the divine, the great creator.  

Creativity and art are not just for those who call themselves artists, creators, makers, or artisans.  Creative is your natural state of being, it’s grace. 

If you want to start painting, knitting, writing, or taking up carpentry even, I implore you to let yourself be a beginner.  Remove the words good or bad from your vocabulary.  

Find a way to embrace the process.  Remember that the person teaching you probably has hundreds or thousands of hours of experience more than you.  They aren’t “better” than you they are significantly further along their own creative journey.  If you are comparing yourself to them you’re always going to be disappointed and discouraged.  But if you find a way to embrace the process and listen to what you hear and feel while you create, you will strengthen your intuition, you will grow, and you might even experience a flow state.  

If you compare yourself from the get-go to the teacher or those around you, then you’re going to feel nothing but inferior, and this is a mindset issue.  If you do it in a class on creativity you are probably doing it in many other areas of your life.  

Here are my tips for beginners:

1. Don’t compare your work:
   Don’t compare your work to anyone else, not the instructor, not other students.  This is your journey, not theirs, and everyone goes at their own pace.  No need to rush. 

2. Be careful with your words:
   Like the book The Four Agreements says, your words cast spells. And your soul hears everything you say.  

3. Notice what comes up for you when you’re creating: 
   Does it feel positive and encouraging, or is it disparaging?  If it’s disparaging, it’s mindset work, and it’s probably something coming up in a lot of other areas of your life

4. Be Kind to Yourself:
   The world is not always a kind place, but why can’t you be kind to yourself?  Can you be a soft place for your own soul to land?  

5. Embrace the process:
   Create for the love of process.  Process over outcome always.  This builds resilience and will keep you creating.  

This doesn't relate just to art and creativity. It's everything. Where do you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to others or to those 5 years further along on their journey? What would happen if you just embraced the process and where you were on your own journey?