When you have unique and different life experiences, that can open your creative world in so many ways. Recently I heard an interview by Steve Jobs on how to think differently, and I thought it was really interesting, because he talked about how creativity blossoms when you have interesting experiences you can draw upon. Then you make connections and synthesize something new.

Sometimes, I think we don't dive into those kinds of adventurous life experiences as much. And in some ways, we don't really have to because life is much more convenient. We can read reviews and spoilers on movies before we watch the full thing, we can order our food without leaving the house, and so on.

But in this carefully organized and convenient life, we sometimes miss out on spontaneous adventures and experiences we could have. And often, those unexpected moments are the very things that can jump-start our creativity.

I find when I go out of my comfort zone and try something new, even if it doesn't completely work out, there's still something I can learn from it. And making time in my life for different experiences often gives me brand new ideas!

Two Different Lenses for the Journey

When people think of artists and creativity, we often assume almost every artist is trying to “make it big” in some way. People tend to connect making money and having big sales with being a success as an artist.

But that’s not the only path artists can take. If you feel you struggle with trying to monetize everything, and you wonder why you can’t just jump onto the business bandwagon, you’re not alone in feeling that way. And what I’ve realized is that artists have so many other journeys they can go on, and so many other ways to be.

The way I see it, there are two different lenses I’ve noticed an artist can choose for their journey (not the only lenses, obviously, but these are very common ones). The first lens is the view that your art has to have some kind of financial value for you. You see success in putting content behind paywalls or subscriptions, making exclusive merch, or building private membership-only communities.

Why You Can’t Please Everyone with Your Creative Path

One big realization I’ve had lately is something quite powerful. The truth is, you can’t please everyone, and you don’t always have to be liked to succeed in life and in your art.

I was thinking about this because I was reflecting on how I was as a kid, and the kind of inner confidence I had back then. Even though I had a shy side, kind of like I do today, I was also very outspoken and had this unshakeable belief in myself and my ideas. I would question the people around me, especially if what they said didn’t ring true to me.

One early memory I have of that was when I was in a park with some other kids, and they had a clique which left me and my sister out. The group was led by a bossy leader who had all the kids following her orders. But that just made me more determined to make my own path instead, and I decided I didn’t have to follow that group. I didn’t bend to the pressure.