I have known far too many photographers who have gotten caught up into comparing their work with others, feeling discouraged that their work is just not good enough. While it is true that this can serve as a great motivator to learn more, improve technique, and grow in technical skills, discouragement also can sometimes stifle creativity and inspiration. If you make mistakes (and we all do) don’t let that discourage you. Learn from your mistakes and move on! That is a good strategy for life in general.
I am a big believer in all artists pursuing their art simply because they enjoy it. Experiment, explore, and find your unique path in artistic creation. You don’t have to “be like everyone else.” You don’t have to enter photo contests to prove your worth to the world. Art does not have to be a competition. Yes, it IS sufficient if you are happy with the art you are creating. That is enough. Find what YOU enjoy and DO THAT.
Doing what YOU enjoy, expressing your art in YOUR way, celebrates your uniqueness and is the gift you bring to the world.
Happy Picture-Creating, my friends!
Kevin
I thought I’d share a few quotes from various wise people, some thoughts to consider:
- “The position of the artist is humble. He is essentially a channel.” – Piet Mondrian
- “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” – Scott Adams
- “When you can do a common thing in an uncommon way; you will command the attention of the world.” – George Washington Carver
- “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – Sylvia Plath
- “We all get so afraid of vulnerability that we actually stop trying to do things that we are not already good at doing. When we give up being new and awkward, we stop growing and we stop living.” – Brene Brown
- “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Suess
- “The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be.” – Leo Buscaglia
- “It’s better to fail in originality, than succeed in imitation.” – Herman Melville
- “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” – Pablo Picasso
- “You may not be a Picasso or Mozart but you don’t have to be. Just create to create. Create to remind yourself you’re still alive. Make stuff to inspire others to make something too. Create to learn a bit more about yourself.” – Frederick Terral
- “Find something only you can say” – James Dickey
- “I’m not very creative” doesn’t work. There’s no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There are only people who use their creativity and people who don’t. Unused creativity doesn’t just disappear. It lives within us until it’s expressed, neglected to death, or suffocated by resentment and fear.” – Brene Brown
- “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” – Pablo Picasso
- “No person has the right to dictate what other people should perceive, create or produce. Everyone should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.” – Ansel Adams
- “Life is pretty simple: You do some stuff. Most fails. Some works. You do more of what works. If it works big, others quickly copy it. Then you do something else. The trick is the doing something else.” – Tom Peters
- “Go and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here. Make. Good. Art.” – Neil Gaiman
I have a class that might help you if you are feeling stuck, not sure what you might do to find new inspiration or creativity:
Photography: Finding Your Way – Creativity and Inspiration Workshop
Whether you are just starting out in photography or you have years of experience, this class will meet you where you are and help you find new directions to head to discover your unique artistic expression in photography! Fall in love with photography, all over again!
