The Three Lies You're Believing About Creativity - and Why They Aren't Legit!

I get asked questions pretty frequently about art and lettering.  They usually are related to how I paint the way I do, or how I got started, or how I figured out what exact style I liked best and wanted to call my own.  What I don't get questions on a lot is creativity itself... but I know there are lots of questions about it.  Today, I'm sharing three lies you might believe about creativity, and why they aren't legit!

"I'm Just Not Creative"

When I was teaching in-person paint parties, this phrase was the first one I heard as a group of ladies walked into the door to start the evening.  "I'm just not creative," one friend said.  She explained that she didn't know how to do X, Y, and Z, and that she just couldn't figure it out.  Friends, that made my heart SO sad!

Not knowing how to do something artistic (like painting flowers or hand lettering or digitizing artwork) doesn't mean you aren't creative.  It simply means you haven't learned a skill yet.  I am a firm believer that within each of us, there are unique creative points and that it simply takes exploring to find your creative outlet and learning to embrace it! 

Example:  My dad is an administrator in higher education.  He works in managing a university and strategic planning for growth in higher education.  Does that sound creative?  Not so much.  However, on weekends, holidays, and even weeknights after dinner, you can find my dad turning wood with a lathe or restoring antique clocks.  He takes literal blocks of wood and makes them into duck calls and wine stoppers and ink pens.  He takes clocks that don't work at all and brings them back to life.  And guess what?  He knows how to do it because he has taken time to learn and research and study.  And now, he's amazing at it!

"I Can't Do It" 

Growing up, I had a teacher who always said, "The difference in can and can't is just one letter."  She was so right!!!  Oftentimes, we convince ourselves that we can't do something, when in reality, we just haven't tried.  If you've never painted a flower before, how do you know you can't do it?  I rest my case.

Choosing to try before you accept defeat is one of the remarkable traits of an artist.  This year, whether it's painting or lettering or even turning wood like my dad, I encourage you to try.  Give it a chance and I'll bet you'll be surprised at what you find.

"I Don't Have Time" 

Oh, the time card.  Of all the myths, this is the one I think we need to talk the most about.  The truth is, we all have 24 hours in a day.  Sure, my friend Allison who has an 11 year old and 8 year old triplets has a little busier of a day than I do, but in the end, we all have 24 hours each day to use and enjoy.

What if you took three hours each month to pour into doing something that fills your cup?  Even if it's something you haven't done before, imagine how freeing that would feel!  Taking time for yourself to try something new and flex a different muscle than you're used to using is not only fun, but good for you - for real.  

If you're ready to ditch the lies you might believe about creativity and dive into a world of color and fun, I have the perfect solution for you today!  Join our Camelligraphy Paint Party - The Redheaded Camel's signature online course designed especially to celebrate the artist in YOU.  You'll get access to tutorials, live lessons, tips, and tricks to creating hand-painted happiness and have so much fun along the way!  Our first live lesson is on February 5 - don't miss out!  Space is limited, so join the fun today!