What does it take to be an artist?
Have you ever wondered that?
First, let me say this: we are all creative.
Yes, that means YOU!
Our souls were made to create.
For some of us, that means combining flavors to make a delicious meal for the people we love. For others, that means arranging the decor of a room to make it feel warm and welcoming. And for some of us, that means painting, writing, making music, drawing… the list of creative activities is long.
So before you disqualify yourself from the title artist, let me remind you—you already ARE one!
As author Elizabeth Gilbert writes in Big Magic, “If you’re alive, you’re a creative person.”
No matter how you express your creativity, there are 3 important qualities that every artist should have.
Curiosity.
Our creativity risks remaining stagnant when we live our days without curiosity. An open mind that’s engaged and observant is one that will soak in new ideas and be ready to make magic when it’s time to create.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning,” said Albert Einstein. “Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality.”
Let curiosity drive your awe and your artistry!
Bravery.
For many of us, fear keeps us locked into one place, unwilling to try new things. But being an artist requires the bravery to try something new, whether it’s attempting a new technique or sharing your creativity with others.
Fear asks… what if you mess up?
Fear nags… you won’t be any good at that.
Fear warns… no one will like what you make, so why try?
But an artist knows that fear does not always tell the truth!
Being an artist requires the bravery to try, even when fear tries to tell us otherwise.
Mindfulness.
Practicing mindfulness requires being present right where you are. It’s the act of grounding yourself in the moment you find yourself in, not being distracted by future tasks or past memories.
When you are mindful of the present, you are more attuned with your surroundings—the light spilling through the bedroom window, the rich smell of coffee wafting up from your mug, the mockingbird singing from the tree branch outside.
Being mindful of your present moment allows you to fully experience it with all senses—an important quality for any artist to have.
What do you think? Do you agree with my list of qualities every artist should have? Is there another quality that you would add? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
To creative days ahead,
Elaine
Experience Curiosity, Bravery, and Mindfulness right here! You have an invitation to try out one of my easy online classes.
Painting Without Paint is a favorite of mine. So relaxing.