You Are Not An Artist

Episode Three: How to Develop Your Creative Process


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We discuss each of these mini-objectives in further detail in the resources below:

Lesson Page

Blog

Video

Checklist

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Developing a Creative Process Objective: You have a reliable process that allows you to transition into a place where you can create regardless of external circumstances.

Developing a creative process might seem like a superfluous thing to do. After all, you've spent all this time mastering your art technique, why do you need a creative process? A creative process is a ritual that helps you begin creating so that you are able to create whether you feel like it or not. A creative process is essential to scaling your business. Without it, you will not have the stamina and endurance it takes to build the art career you desire.

When you are beginning to find your creative process, you have to get familiar with the feeling of being in the flow. What is the flow? Biologically, the flow is moving your brain waves out of beta and into an alpha brainwave state. However, you might recognize it when you lose the sense of time or lose the sense of your problems. When you are doing an activity that gets you into the flow, you are not focused on yourself, your problems, or the life around you. You are hyperfocused on the task in front of you.

As wonderful as this place is to be, the flow, or alpha brainwaves, cannot be forced. You cannot think yourself or make yourself get into the flow. It's a lot like falling asleep. To fall asleep, you have to close your eyes and pretend to sleep. Then, when you least expect it, ploop! You're asleep.

Just like falling asleep, you need to create a ritual that will allow you to fall into the flow. This is a different process for everyone. For some, it's listening to music. Others, it's getting a snack. You might walk around the block, make your favorite drink, or light a candle. It doesn't matter what it is as long as it makes you feel good. We're aiming for warm and fuzzies, here!

Once you have found your ritual, it's time to get some mileage built up! It takes time and consistency to rewire your brain. This is how you create a habit. Your ritual will not work the first time. It won't work the second time. It won't work the 25th time. It takes time and consistency to teach your brain that when you begin your ritual it's time to get into alpha. Your ritual is your trigger for your mind. Eventually, your body will learn to automatically get into flow when you begin your ritual. But, this comes with months and months of being dedicated.

This is where making a commitment is vital and, if you live with others, a team effort. Just as we talked about in lesson one, it is critical that you spend time on your art. Not simply the art itself, but in creating mental stamina for the art business. Spend money on time, not supplies. Work with the people in your house. Agree on set times, in advance, that you will be creating. Your kids will be okay. Your spouse will be okay. Protect your creative time just as you protect your time with your kids, significant other, or friends. It must be non-negotiable. However, it also doesn't need to take over your life. You need friends, your lover, your kids. You need to go watch a movie, binge Netflix, and pet the cat just as much as you need to work on your art. We'll discuss this more in the blog.

It is imperative that you create a system for creation for yourself. This includes working in time for your life around your art. This is also non-negotiable. Without inspiration from your life, your art is nothing but hollow productions. Your life makes your art yours.

Creative Process Objectives:

  1. Find the flow and become familiar with what it feels like.
  2. Create a ritual
  3. Create a habit
  4. Make a commitment
  5. ...more
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    You Are Not An ArtistBy Alejandro Castanon

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