5 Tips For Encouraging Your Unique Creativity

Creativity is not a skill only certain people contain and others lack. Creativity is something that exists in all of us. Yes, some people access their creativity easier than others. This is only because some were encouraged to do so in their early environment while others weren’t. Don’t let this deter you from connecting with your creative self.

Sadly, our society often has a limited view of what it means to be creative. We see this as a skill only used in arts and literature but it is used just as much in math, science, and other technical fields. Creativity allows us to problem solve, to invent, to remake, to expand. Creativity is not simply knowing how to put paint to canvas.

Surprisingly, I didn’t always think of myself as the creative type. Only with years of practice and encouragement was I able to develop confidence in my artistic voice. Here are 5 tips that I used to inspire my unique creativity!

Try Niche Crafts

It is easy to be overwhelmed when given a blank canvas and told to create something. A good way to take that pressure off and discover what sparks your creativity is to try very specific crafts like needlework, bookmark making, ceramic painting, etc. There are plenty of classes and tutorials to teach the basics of these crafts online. Focusing on a specific craft gets you out of your comfort zone but doesn’t overwhelm you with too much freedom. You can get a group of friends together for a craft night. It will be a night focused on the fun of creating and being with people that make you smile. You can start to see your creative ideas better when everyone is tackling the same project. Each of your finished products will vary showcasing each of yours’ individuality.

Encourage Mistakes

It’s easy to forget, most artists discover their favorite techniques by making mistakes. Stop shaming yourself for them!! They will always make you better. Either by teaching you something new or reminding you of something you forgot. Mistakes also serve as markers for how far you have come. The joy of any task or hobby often comes from how far you have grown, not simply the act of doing it.

Focus on the Experience, Not the end Result

As I mentioned earlier, it really is about the journey as cliche as that may sound. You can’t focus on the end product because that’s not what being creative is about. Being creative is about coming up with new ideas, outlooks, and approaches. This can only be done if you loosen the reigns and let yourself flow through the process of making things. It also allows you to have fun in the beginning even if your end result isn’t at the level you wanted it to be.

Use Randomizing Exercises to Get Ideas Flowing

There are a million in one idea generators, compiled lists, and google searches for you to push yourself to create around. Taking a simple idea like rain and making your interpretation of a sock puppet inspired by rain is truly the definition of being creative. It may not be the most popular or monetizable way of being creative but that is not what this article is about.

It’s Okay to go at it Alone

While being imaginative with friends can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing, it can also cause you to get in your head. The easiest way to kill your creativity is by comparing your work to someone else’s. We are all on our own journey and sometimes the best way to tap into that journey is to create alone. It is easier to cultivate what inspires you when there is less noise from others. Find out what satisfies you before you bring it to the outside world.

I hope this helps you along your creative journey! Everyone has their own unique voice and the world is a better place when it is used.

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Blog by Nicole Asherah. Nicole Asherah is an artist who tries to connect people to intimate moments, feelings, and relationships experienced throughout life through her poetry, paintings, and photography.

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