To make it, you have to fall in love with the creative process

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

You will have successes and failures.

This is normal.

It’s a story of give and take.

Of killing your darlings.

Of working despite the lack of tangible results.

Of finding creative fulfillment even in the face of failure.

You may never write a best-selling book, paint world-renowned masterpieces, or direct an award-winning film.

But if you love what you do, it doesn’t matter one bit to your process.

The journey is its own reward.

With time and practice comes improvement.

And with improvement comes creativity, fulfillment, and joy.

So fall in love with the process of being creative.

Find your voice.

Embrace failure.

Share what you have to give until you have nothing left to share. […]

“You will have successes and failures.” I can just hear it now, “But if you love what you do, it doesn’t matter one bit to your process.”

That’s the truth! That’s what I tell all my students. And articles like this are why I am so happy to be a part of this community. To talk about how it’s more important to focus on the process rather than on the product.

This article was just so uplifting to me, because it’s an affirmation that people are doing things out there that are helping other people fall in love with that process. I think it is only through the difficulties of loving what you do that you will eventually find your voice and be able to communicate your ideas more clearly and effectively. It is a really important part of growing as an artist to be able to say, “Yes, I failed at this assignment but I finished it and that’s what matters.”

I don’t think everyone should pursue the arts, or any career for that matter, but if you do then pursue it with passion and pride! Don’t let anyone tell you your happiness is less important because it isn’t measured by the best product.

I hope this article inspires someone out there to fall in love with their creative process! Because I know that it will only do them good.

Even Shakespeare had flops.

Picasso has many obscure works.

Even factory machines will sometimes produce flawed results.

But that’s not what it’s about.

Be prolific, not perfect.

If you come to recognize that the creative process is filled with setbacks and breakthroughs, if you know that greatness is wrought of persistence and consistency, then you can build the habits that will make it natural.

As you fall in love with the creative process.