Here’s 7 simple points to help maximize your unique creativity.
And really make dreams come true.
American artist Hugh MacLeod creates original art cartoons. He recommends ignoring everybody.
To be genuinely creative means following instincts and not worrying about what other people think. Especially when creating unique original art.
But this article applies to all walks of life. Everyone is creative.
However, some people don’t realize it.
Point 1. Often intuitive creativity goes against what everybody else thinks is right.
Like a salmon fish swimming up the stream of rapids, sometimes living the best creative life means spending some time swimming in rough water. Going against the flow of the mainstream current.
But it’s definitely worth the struggle.
‘Lovers’ Simon Brushfield (2012) Acrylic, Oil and charcoal on paper. 210 x 148 mm unframed $400
The famous philosopher Plato also gave some great advice to living the best creative life possible. And it’s stood the test of time.
‘Know thy self’
Again, this can be challenging, but it’s highly recommended to begin a lifelong process of learning. It will help develop a more effective and powerful creative individual.
Point 2. There are most definitely no short cuts.
Many creative people are late bloomers and take a long time for their innovative ideas to develop and flourish.
Winston Churchill failed high school three times, but many years later as British Prime Minister, he led the free world to victory in World War II. He also took up painting fine art very late in life.
Gaining a deeper understanding about our creative selves is great, and it doesn’t matter how long it takes.
But then it’s equally important to understand how other people are motivated and how we fit into the bigger creative picture.
Upon discovering who we really are, the next challenge is to trust ourselves and the decisions we make everyday.
I mean really trust in what’s right. Even if everybody else disagrees.
If we don’t fully believe in ourselves, nobody else will either. – (tweet this quote)
Point 3. Relating well to other people helps us live our best creative life.
When relating to other people it’s important to guard your heart. Andy Warhol was a master at guarding his heart. He manufactured an enigmatic, aloof personality the media and general public couldn’t get near.
Out of the heart flow love, creative ideas and wisdom that is a persons livelihood. Beware of giving away too much wisdom, energy or love without receiving anything back.
This will destroy your creative life and lead to burn out, very quickly.
The original art below captures my love for hands and the important role they play in creating my fine art.
‘Character’ by Simon Brushfield (1999) Oil, Acrylic and ink on paper 210 x 148 mm Unframed $400
If our creativity is growing and we’re successfully moving forward, the people going backwards will most probably be hateful towards us. That’s normal. Take it as a compliment!
Point 4. Accept the fact that not everybody is going to love you.
This may challenge the sensitive creative personality, but some people, even those nearby, could be the enemy.
Beware and avoid the pitfalls of vengeful peers, just like Michelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci, who held an intense dislike for each other.
However, search for people to do your best work together. More and more creative people are collaborating over the internet. Therefore, it’s vitally important to discover like minds in a tribe.
Point 5. It’s guaranteed… other people are needed to achieve a person’s dreams.
Some creative people do their best work in solitude, but that’s rare. Like a jigsaw piece, we are all designed to fit into the shape of other people. There will come a time when other people are needed to collaborate on an important project.
On those occasions it’s wise to learn how to relate well to other people and figure out which shapes of the jigsaw go where?
Understand the limitations and obstacles placed along the path and develop strategies to work around those constraints. All relationships have difficulties, even the loving couple in my original art painting below.
‘Little Dancers’ by Simon Brushfield (2007) Acrylic & Oil on board 80cm x 60cm (Sold: Private Acquisition)
The wise creative person will always find a unique and thoughtful way to do what is right, without harming or stepping over people around or beneath them.
Point 6. Captivate an audience with unique brilliance and forget looking at other people to compete with them.
There is no need to compete when an individual is incredibly unique. When a person does the best they can, competition becomes futile.
So cultivate and heighten sensitivity to the surrounding environment, without fear of what others are doing. An essential element in a uniquely creative character.
Top creative individuals, like Vincent Van Gogh, are often highly sensitive people, who care deeply about what happens around them. Sensitivity is what makes their creative work great.
But protect this vulnerablity with a tough skin, resistant to brutal rejection and cruel criticism that will arrive at some point in the future.
Final Point. Never give up on that special dream for life.
Finally, for me the biggest change in my life happened in the year 2000. Enabling my creative life to take-off like a rocket. It was an unexpected supernatural experience in a series of dreams.
Jesus turned my world upside down and my creativity has grown exponentially ever since.
So, to truly live the best creative life possible, I recommend hanging out with Jesus.