Sometimes it’s important to go back to the basics. And while we may talk a lot about creativity and how to get creative, perhaps we don’t discuss often enough what creativity and being creative actually is.
The Oxford Dictionary (www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com) defines “creativity” as “the use of skill and imagination to produce something new or to produce art.” I find this interesting, because I would argue that creativity extends much further than this definition…further than creating a tangible something out of nothing or finishing with something that “qualifies” as art.
Are we not using creativity when putting together our outfit in the morning or when planning an exciting outing or activity? Are we not being creative in the way we view the world when we pick out faces in trees or imagine what it would be like to fly? And is creativity not found in the most mundane moments when we tell a joke or problem solve a block in the road?
Perhaps, though, it is just my understanding of the definition that is limiting. After all, to “produce something” is pretty vague and doesn’t necessarily mean that there needs to be something physical created to qualify as a creative pursuit. Maybe what we create is a new aesthetic, a new experience, a new viewpoint, possibility, perspective or energy. I want to challenge people who don’t view themselves as “creative” because they don’t produce “art”. Meanwhile, these same people may be building literal bridges, solving mathematical problems, making scientific discoveries, or finding ways to help other people in countless ways. ALL EXTREMELY CREATIVE THINGS! Creativity is limitless, and I believe, that as humans and monsters, we are inherently all creative— just in different ways! So if you haven’t ever done so, or need a more recent update, give yourself a good pat on the back or a mental congratulations for being a creative being! Because you are.
It’s going to feel like I jumped ship here and swam to another topic, but bear with me because I promise this next part relates. I am personally someone who really loves creating new and original things, especially, as you may know, in the realm of monsters and stories and other whimsical artwork. It brings me such joy to let my imagination (literally) run wild, sometimes without a clue as to where it will lead. To me, this is fun, exciting, fulfilling and intensely pleasing to my visual senses and mental processes. I love this so much that sometimes I forget that creativity can be expressed in other ways. As a result, I end up setting very high expectations for myself to always create “new and incredible things.” But the fact is, while some healthy goals or incentives can be helpful, a pile of unachievable expectations is definitely not. What that pile creates is stress, and stress, as some of you may have realized by this point in your lives, is a creativity BUMMER. It’s usually counterproductive to creativity. So isn’t the idea of just letting yourself have some freedom over what you feel like doing, thinking, trying, creating— well, freeing? What would happen if you just let yourself DO without worrying about the outcome? After all, if you, like me, have decided to expand the definition of “creativity” altogether, it pretty much doesn’t matter what you choose to do… you will be successful in your endeavour to get creative.
With this in mind, considering I have been learning how to draw digitally after years of drawing on paper and hitting the to-be-expected learning curves, I recently decided to focus on replicating other people’s artwork rather than creating original illustrations for a little while! GASP! Now calm down, it’s not like I am claiming to be the original artist nor am I selling this work. It’s practise. It’s fun. It’s (for me) different. And guess what? Turns out it is also both educational AND creative. DOUBLE GASP! There is something about following a step-by-step tutorial or replicating an artwork that a) takes the pressure off of needing to come up with “new and incredible things” and b) allows you to play, flow, experiment and discover in new and creative ways. No more thinking up an idea for two hours before having a subject to paint. You just paint. No more worrying about perfection in each stroke because it doesn’t matter! It’s just you and a creative process, done deal.
Now I know, this is not revolutionary. People do this all the time. It’s even taught in art schools. You replicate other people in many fields other than art too, to learn and to get a feel for something that isn’t yours. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t revolutionary for me or for some others who would benefit from a nudge. Basically, all I’m saying is to get out of your own head and try something that is new and different for you. Do something in a way you normally wouldn’t and just see what happens.
Here are my four different renderings from Jess Bircham’s fox tutorial. The original image did not come from my creative mind, but I suppose the renderings did! So in the end, I created something “new” regardless, didn’t I? And moving on from this experience, I will continue to make other “new and incredible things”— maybe even in new and incredible ways…
If you like the idea of trying an art tutorial, I highly recommend that you check out the amazing Jess Bircham’s digital fox illustration tutorial or search for a tutorial in your chosen medium or subject on YouTube! If you do, make sure to share with the hashtag #copycatcreativity and always continue to… Follow Your Creativity!
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Pssst- what I write in this blog is a reflection of my own ideas and experiences and/or interpretations of any referenced material. The content of this blog is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. I am not an expert or therapist and cannot be held liable for any content provided or how it is used. Please enjoy at your own discretion. I reserve the right to change the content or management of this blog at any time. That said, I hope you enjoy it! © 2022 Kristina Durst aka Kristy Anne Fae All Rights Reserved.
Play. Create. Discover... 