Creative Outlets: A Nearly Infinite Variety
So far, I’ve centered my creative discussion on limited outlets and mediums for growing confidence. I’ve done several posts on storytelling, poetry and visual arts. I’ve focused on the gaining of supplies for pursuits in these specific endeavors. The thing is, and I’ve mentioned this before, writing and visual art are the two forms of creativity that I’m most comfortable with. They are the obvious starting point for me, and they work well as an introduction to creativity and creative confidence for those who feel disconnected from creativity in general, as there are many ways to approach both art and writing. However, there are so many ways in which creativity can manifest and so many forms of creativity to explore. This exploration will help you find the outlets that best work for you, that bring you the most joy and give you the most confidence.
Let’s take a look at some other ways that your creative confidence may prefer to be nurtured. I found this image while reading Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud, and it really got me thinking about the nearly endless variety of ways to be creative and express oneself.
If you haven’t been inspired yet to try anything creative, perhaps you might consider trying one of these options:
web or graphic design
fashion design
knitting
sewing
scrapbooking
drama
architecture
hand lettering
movie making
sculpture
photography
cooking/food design
engineering/inventing
ceramics
gardening/floral arrangement
dance
This is obviously not an exhaustive list. I could go on. If there’s something you think might intrigue you, but you wonder if it’s creative enough, it is! Give it a try.
Most tasks require some level of creativity or creative thought to complete. Sometimes, it’s simply harder to see than others. Engaging in creative exercise, even if unrelated to your own field of study or interest, can still grow your creative brain and improve the work that you are already doing. Everything is interconnected.
Personally, I would love to dabble in many of these creative outlets. I know the exploration would improve my other creative work. I probably will try a bunch of new things, and blog about it along the way, hoping to inspire others to give something new a try. However, I can’t possibly try, nor can I appreciate every option that exists for creative expression. If I’m not spending time and blog posts talking about a specific medium or outlet, don’t let that stop you from giving it a try. If you don’t feel creative, if you can’t get your confidence flowing, it may be because you haven’t found the right avenue yet. Keep up with creative exercise. It’s having an impact, even if you can’t see it. But don’t limit yourself. Don’t be afraid to try something intimidating. You never know what might spark that creativity just waiting to burst free.
Last summer, I decided to teach myself to knit. I’m not gonna lie, I wasn’t trying to expand my creative horizons. I was trying to knit a scarf based on Doctor Who, since my entire family was obsessed with the show at the time. I learned two basic stitches and got knitting. I wanted a scarf for the fall. I picked out some yarn with lovely fall colors. Fall 2018. That scarf is only half finished. Knitting, it turned out, was not a newfound passion. But that’s okay. It was time spent creating, exercising my mind, letting my brain grow as much as relax. It was a foray into something new. That is never a waste. And…I’m determined I’ll have that scarf done. Look for it…Fall 2019!
In the coming weeks, I’ll be taking on a few of the creative outlets on the list I made above. I’ll be showing you how to get started with photography, looking at how cooking can be creative, and giving hand lettering a try, just for some self-exploration. Eventually, I’ll cover more topics and more ways to express creativity. If I haven’t gotten to the expression that’s right for you, hopefully I will. But don’t wait for me. Try finding it for yourself.
Here’s a brief video of me talking about trying new things. If you try something new, let me know in the comments.
