7 Steps You Need To Take To Become A More Impactful Creator
How to create work that matters and connects and captures the deeper beauty in the world
I will be the first one to say, art and creation are hard work. It is the painstaking act of bringing forth into the world that which was already there, but in a new form that will somehow change the heart and mind of the one experiencing it.
“The world is but a canvas to our imagination.” — Henry David Thoreau
It’s difficult, it’s ground-breaking, and no one’s ever really sure of how exactly to do it.
In just about every case, what you’re creating, no matter its format has never been done before — or at least it’s a new way of doing something that has never been done before. So how do you make better art?
#1: Don’t be afraid of making bad art
If you know anything about the Enneagram, you know that the Type 1 on that personality system is the “perfectionist”. A Type 1 is plagued by rules, striving for perfection, and doing things the way they’re supposed to be done.
This makes me a really bad artist from time to time.
Not because the art I create is inherently bad, but because I’m always holding back out of fear of doing something wrong — trapped by perfectionistic tendencies and the belief that if I can’t get something just right, it isn’t worth trying at all.
“Perfectionism is a dream killer, because it’s just fear disguised as trying to do your best.” — Mastin Kipp
One of my favorite people in the world is my friend Eden. Recently, we were creating something together that involved taping pieces of a wrapper together to create a cover of a shape on a page.
I was doing it alongside her and appeared fine on the outside, but inwardly I was tensing up and could feel the tension in my body at the act of doing something so abstract and strange.
It went against everything I knew about art, creation, and coloring “inside the lines”.
But I persisted. And while what we made that day wasn’t a masterpiece by any standards, it mattered. It grew me as an artist, albeit in a small way, and allowed me to explore and do something new, even though it made me uncomfortable at first.
Any time I start writing a new scene or a new story, I feel the same way.
When I persist, the art just keeps getting better and I, every once in a while, am able to create something really special.
To become a better artist, don’t be afraid of failure and messing up. It’s like the saying goes, “Done is better than perfect.” You will encounter failure and flaws in your work and will discover that you are an imperfect human who makes mistakes.
Make peace with that — and try again each day. Even if you can’t see it, you’re learning, growing, and well on the way to making better art tomorrow.
#2: Immerse yourself in good art
In order to make better art, consume it yourself. “Garbage in, garbage out” as they say. If you read bad books and watch subpar TV shows, then you won’t really have an idea of what works.
On the flip side, if you read critically acclaimed and widely enjoyed literature, watch the shows over and over again that make your heart sing, and revisit over and over again that which has inspired you in the past, you’ll be well on your way to creating amazing things.
Garbage in, garbage out.
We are the result of what we spend our time around. You, slowly but surely, become your context and your influence. Choose them wisely. Pay attention to what has shaped you, and then choose what you want to form you on purpose.
#3: Recognize the impact great art has made on you
When I think back upon my life, so many of my positive influences were art that I consumed. From good movies I watched to influential YouTube videos I viewed time and time again, to books I read and experiences I participated in:
I’m the person I am today because of the creative influences of many people who I’ve never even met.
“Art is nothing but humanized science.” — Gino Severini
This is a part of picking good art to surround yourself with. It requires you to be reflective of the things that have truly changed your life.
What’s had an impact? What’s spoken to you the most? And how has it done so?
Recognizing the importance and significance of good art in your life will not only help you consume and appreciate more good art, but it will help you to stay motivated.
If you can remember how art has changed your life, maybe you’ll hold on to the glimmer of hope that your art could do the same for someone else.
#4: Have a purpose and advocate for something
Speaking of good art, Kacey Musgraves has a line in one of her songs where she says “Just cause it don’t cost a lot don’t mean it’s cheap.” It’s one of my favorite lines because it says so much about life and the world.
Just because something isn’t expensive or grandiose doesn’t mean it isn’t important.
Your art matters — especially when you’re trying to communicate something that matters or advocate for something, a cause or a person, or a people group. Find the purpose behind your art and it’ll make it all the better.
“Art is my life and my life is art.” — Yoko Ono
I think about the people behind tiny homes, trying to create a masterful design that’s sustainable, eco-friendly, and offers a special lifestyle for those homeowners.
I think about writers who write about social issues in their novels and bring awareness to things, and filmmakers making movies and documentaries about things that matter and we need to know about.
Maybe it isn’t the biggest cause ever that your art is about. But it can still champion for the little guy, and advocate for something that matters — and that purpose, that message, will make your art all the better.
#5: Spend time around creative and imaginative people
I’m reminded of the character Guy from The Croads and the impact he’s able to happen on the main characters of the film. He inspires them to be different, even getting into a sort of Renaissance man competition with the father of the family.
“Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons.” — Al Hirschfeld
When we’re around creative and imaginative people, we can’t help but be a little more creative and bold in our art ourselves. Build yourself a community of caring and confident artists and you might just become a great one yourself.
#6: Whatever you do, don’t stop
Great artists persist in the face of adversity. When you’re walking along the lonely artist’s path, don’t give up.
Don’t listen to the excuses and the voices of fear that your brain will try and come up with to stop you.
Don’t listen to the imposter syndrome, or to the naysayers that have made it into your head.
They’re all liars.
“It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” — Attributed to Confucius
You can do this if you keep going.
There are countless stories I could share here of the artists that kept going. From J.K. Rowling to Bruno Mars, Charlie Chaplin, and Keanu Reeves, there have been so many people who persisted and got incredible results they never could have expected, having such an impact and positive acclaim in the end.
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott
These creators faced personal hardship, creative difficulties, rejection, and more, and yet they persisted and were rewarded in numerous ways for their efforts.
To make good art, you can’t stop until you’ve made good art — and you must believe that if it isn’t good yet, it will be soon.
Sometimes you have to write a really crappy first draft to pave the way for the final draft that will change millions of lives for the better.
#7: Don’t limit yourself to one realm
Just because you create art in one field or genre doesn’t mean you have to stay there.
Experiment. Try new things.
Use your creative skill in various ways and allow it to grow your skills, your knowledge of different techniques and tools, and your influence on the world around you.
It isn’t that hard to branch out.
“The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.” — Paul Strand
Buy some paint from DollarTree, watch a YouTube video, and maybe try some origami. The possibilities are endless.
Sometimes making good art involves getting out of your comfort zone and finding something new — kickstarting your imagination in a different domain.
It’s at least worth a shot. Who knows, you might even make something good in the process.
You are an artist. If you create art, you’re an artist.
And any art takes practice. Don’t give up on the first try — keep going until you’ve made something you’re proud of.
Every step, every stroke, every word is worth it because you’re getting closer and closer to your masterpiece. Don’t give up before you finish. The world needs your art. The world needs you.
You’ve got this.
Best of luck in all of your creating!
Kindly, Katie
