Art Lab - Finding Your Way Creatively: 4 Crucial Skills

May 09 2023 31 mins 3

Because creative work doesn't have a one-size-fits-most approach, let’s explore four skills that will help you find and follow your own path.

While most jobs and hobbies have a clear sense of structure and predictable outcomes, creative work is essentially a series of decisions that lead to endless outcomes. That thought alone is enough to stop some artists in their tracks, but there are a few practical ways to navigate those fork-in-the-road moments with more ease and confidence.

1. Neutral Observation

Similar to the cognitive defusion technique that we discussed in episode 2, it can be helpful to observe your choices and their outcomes from a birds-eye view. This practice gives you space to examine and catalog your internalized beliefs and blindspots. Once you become aware of the thoughts that hold you back, it’s much easier to address them head-on.

2. Curiosity

Tuning into your curiosity compass is a great way to gain clarity around your decisions. Even if it doesn’t seem to immediately connect to your creative work, what are things in your daily life that inspire you or invite you down the rabbit hole? Make a list of those things and try to find the common thread.

3. Humility

Humility isn’t about downplaying your talent, but rather having an openness to making mistakes and creating things that might seem ‘basic’ or below your skill level. It’s amazing what can happen when you don’t take yourself so seriously and approach things with a more playful mindset.

4. Experimentation

Behind every successful piece of art is a trail of crumpled drafts – there’s just no way around it. I recommend using the Process Enjoyment Tests (PETs) we discussed in episode 3 to find where you’re getting stuck in the cycle of reflection and action. Use that as a clue for where you should get started.

Resources mentioned:

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform.