Monday musings
I stumbled upon a creative Q&A site where this question was asked: Do you ever look at other peoples work and wish you had done it?
Um, yes. And one of the answers to this question hit home with me because I often have what the author referred to as “creative envy” with both design and photography. I often feel as though I have a really great idea, but the execution just doesn’t work. And sometimes it seems I’m fully capable of great execution, but the idea just never gets fully resolved. So when someone really nails both and it seems to be effortless (which it’s not), it causes quite a stirring of jealousy in me.
But like the author says, this feeling can only serve to improve who I am as a creative. I should appreciate, learn from and utilize what works in order to keep growing my own talent. I can only learn through studying and in the creative world, studying just happens to be appreciating beautiful pieces of art. Not a bad deal. Likewise, I can only grow by doing – practice, practice, practice. Creativity is not simply innate or something that comes naturally, it also takes hard work, time and effort.
So rather than feeling regret or envy, I’ve been learning that I need to follow these steps for both personal and professional success:
1) Admire beautiful work
2) Appreciate incredible talent
3) Recognize my potential
4) Practice the craft
5) Keep pursuing greatness
It’s become my five-step process.
- Laura