Balancing several creative interests
Creative people tend to have multiple interests, and that's totally normal - it's part of what makes us creative. But often, this blessing can turn into a curse when we feel pulled in so many different directions that we don't know which one to pursue.
For instance, I love writing and making ceramics, and I frequently find that I can't do both without burning out. At least not in the committed way I would like.
So I found myself wondering: what can one do about having multiple creative ambitions and the insatiable desire to do them all at once? Is it preferable to give up on these passions and fully focus on just one?
If you’re asking yourself the same question, well, maybe you are a creative generalist.
(I have a feeling I might be as well)
Wait, what on earth is that?
Creative generalists are people who are most comfortable and most creative when they have lots of different projects and interests on the go at once. Moreover, a real creative generalist will feel restricted by the idea of narrowing down his options to a few specialisms.
However, from time to time, it’s normal for a creative generalist to feel overwhelmed by having too many passions.
Personally, I’ve always felt like my attention moved from one thing to another faster than I could take a breath, and that made me think, for the most significant part of my life, that I lacked clarity and self-knowledge. That I had no real sense of accomplishment. But then l I realized that being a creative generalist is actually a strength and stopped feeling bad about my creative hobbies.
Ok, so I guess I’m a creative generalist.
How is that a strength?
Here’s the thing: in general, people are encouraged to specialize. In a world where everything is specialized and compartmentalized, creative generalists often feel like the odd ones. As a multi-passionate creative myself, I've lived through the agony of a world that wanted me to "find one thing and stick to it."
But like I said: now I’m finding strength and magic in this way of being.
Artworks: Sidney Vollmer and Sabina Fenn
How?
Well, first it's a question of accepting your exceptional creative mind. Some of us are just not made for one hobby, one career our whole lives. And thank god we're all different. Diversity is a good thing.
Furthermore, a big part of being a happy multi-passionate is accepting and loving that your life is not a straight line. Embrace that and be proud of the way you perceive and explore the world. Curiosity is a precious asset. By exploring and experimenting, you will learn more about yourself and what brings you fulfillment than you ever imagined.
But hey, try to stay organized!
Remember Leonardo da Vinci? He was probably the ultimate creative generalist. As a painter, sculptor, architect, scientist, engineer, mathematician, anatomist, botanist, writer, and musician, he approached perfection in several fields – but also left his share of unfinished projects.
And what that means is: pursuing multiple passions is AWESOME and should be encouraged, but it is essential to stay organized and schedule time for each of them - even if as little as half an hour a week. Doing so will satisfy your curiosity while making you feel more committed to your projects.
I know that your brain is constantly birthing ideas and looking for stimulation. Mine’s too. But all these stimuli and relentless quest for new creative endeavors will inevitably bring you to procrastination. (You know I'm right on this!)
Get your head out of the water by prioritizing, planning, and decluttering your brain. Work out what’s important to you.
Bottom line…
This is the moment to embrace and celebrate your creative soul - regardless of how messy and off-course it might feel. Don’t force yourself to be a creative specialist if that’s not who you are.
Just go ahead and allow yourself to jump on the multi-passionate circuit. Explore graphic design, painting, writing, and dancing. Join a class in your spare time. It doesn’t matter if you don’t stay long. Play and do stuff just for the heck of it.
In the midst of all this apparent mess you’ll uncover the areas that you are most passionate about and gradually learn how to prioritize and organize your projects.
Learning to trust and celebrate your identity as a creative is a challenging thing - but one worth doing.
