Negative feedback could be constructive or malicious. Good feedback could be flattery or honest admiration. Being able to differentiate and make this a constructive process for yourself, is dependent on how well you stand your ground as a person. How strong is your confidence, self-awareness, and level of ego?

Being able to listen to criticism good or bad, is a sign that you keep developing as an Artist. But -listening to criticism- and -implying it in your work-, are two different things.

All Artists have been at that place – We polished our Music performance or wrote our new theater Play, or Poem. When our piece is ready we all wonder:

– Can it be better before I present my work?

Questioning can be a very productive process, but also a bottomless pit of stress because the process of `getting better` never stops – a double-edged sword! I choose to see it this way: There is always more depth to reach, and skills can be always better polished, which keeps the process inspiring and fun!

One has to find the golden middle about when `getting better is enough` to go on stage/deliver an Illustration. A deadline usually helps a lot. :)

In the process of development, it helps to get feedback from:

• our trusted mentors ( By the way, great mentors never tell you exactly what to do…)
• renowned Professionals in our field
• friends who are creative too
• random people who do not know your background
• kids! (There is a Greek proverb that says `From kids and eccentrics you will know the truth`)

Not only asking for feedback is important, but being willing to listen as well!

 

A new creation is like our baby, we could get frustrated quickly when listening to especially negative criticism… Good or bad feedback, remember that it is all criticism, and opinions that are relative to the eye of the observer. This will give you a new perspective(s) on your creation. This is incredibly valuable! Beware that you might receive:

• a new perspective
• constructive critisism
• negative criticism

Once you listened carefully you should learn how to cherrypick. This will only make you grow greater as an Artist! But remember, you are always in charge of your Creation, you decide at the end!

 

A new creation is like our baby, we could get frustrated quickly when listening to especially negative criticism… Good or bad feedback, remember that it is all criticism, and opinions that are relative to the eye of the observer. This will give you a new perspective(s) on your creation. This is incredibly valuable! Beware that you might receive:

• a new perspective
• constructive critisism
• negative criticism

Once you listened carefully you should learn how to cherrypick. This will only make you grow greater as an Artist! But remember, you are always in charge of your Creation, you decide at the end!

*Featured Image by Image by interiorlens from pixabay.com

Back with a topic on Creativity!

We are all born creative, but not all embrace it as much. I try to follow where creativity leads me as much as possible. When it is not possible, I will do all I can and wait until it becomes possible!

Creativity belongs to self-development and growth.

If you want to be more creative, there is a serious commitment you need to make with your creativity! Just with life-long relationships that are meaningful to you. You cannot have a `Situationship` with your creativity if you envision tapping back into your creative powers again. The process requires care, attention, patience, and love!

An important highlight on the topic of paying attention to your creativity is to keep listening where `the winds of creativity flow at the moment!`. The direction could change from what it used to be 30, 10, or 2 years ago. This is normal, as you evolve your creativity evolves together with you. Being able to change fronts is an essential part of the process.

The other problematic topic when one engages their creative powers I call `the syndrome of thousand ideas`. Creative people tend to have so many ideas coming right at them, sometimes they feel lost. What helped me, to avoid procrastinating or feeling overwhelmed with many things at a time is the following: I make a list of all ideas. Then I read it carefully, maybe saying it out loud. Then I get alert on the feeling that comes up. Sure thing, each idea has a different feel to it. I go for what feels the most joyful and fun.

Please note: going further with the idea surely involves hard work, and not everything will be joyful and fun all the time… This is normal. But if you feel like things get a bad turn for real, it is never too late to quit one direction, (usually) after your creative project has been completed.

There is always a lesson involved in any creative project involved, successful or not. The best attitude is to realize that wisdom you gained, and go forth to the `next thing` that feels right for you. Regarding all of the above, it becomes apparent that one needs to be brave to find into their creative process. Getting the support of a mentor is very helpful on that note. All acquaintances or friends do not have to agree or understand where you are going with your creativity. That is okay, and it does not matter because your creativity belongs to you.

Happy Spring! :)

*Photo by Jr Korpa

We are all born creative—it is our natural state and a fundamental part of who we are. Below are all the scientific sources I have collected, which provide proof that all humans have the capacity to be creative.

Creativity is not only a gift but also a vital tool for personal growth and well-being. The way we nurture our creativity throughout life plays a key role in how much we enjoy and engage with the world around us.

As we grow older, life’s stresses and responsibilities can suppress our creativity, causing it to fade. The intensity and frequency of challenges, combined with how we process them, can create barriers to our creative expression. However, the good news is that we can always reconnect with our creativity! The key is making a conscious choice to do so.

 

No matter where you are or what you do, there are countless opportunities to infuse creativity into your daily routine. Small, intentional actions can help unlock your creative potential and keep your imagination alive.

Each person has their own path to rediscovering and strengthening their creative abilities. Here are some simple activities to help you reconnect with your creative side: is that we can always reconnect with our creativity! The key is making a conscious choice to do so.

No matter where you are or what you do, there are countless opportunities to infuse creativity into your daily routine. Small, intentional actions can help unlock your creative potential and keep your imagination alive.

Each person has their own path to rediscovering and strengthening their creative abilities. Here are some simple activities to help you reconnect with your creative side:

Creativity is always within you—you just need to say YES to it!

My sources that provide scientific evidence on creativity being an inherent part of the human brain:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):

Neuroscience of Creativity A comprehensive overview of neuroscientific research on creativity, examining genetics, brain structure, and function. Concludes that creativity involves multiple interacting brain networks, making it a universal human trait. mitpress.mit.edu

Creative Connections: Computational Semantic Distance Captures Individual Creativity and Resting-State Functional Connectivity

Used computational methods to analyze how the brain generates novel ideas. Found that creativity relies on interactions between different brain regions, reinforcing the idea that creative potential exists in everyone. direct.mit.edu

Harvard University:

Can Memory Be Related to Creative Cognition? Featured in Harvard Magazine, this article discusses research linking memory processes to creative thinking. The study suggests that the ability to generate new ideas by recombining information in novel ways is a fundamental aspect of human cognition, indicating an inherent capacity for creativity. harvardmagazine.com