Being An Artist: Four Helpful Tools

After more than thirty years as a professional designer, artist, and creator, I have come to realize the significance of four fundamental tools that greatly aid in navigating the artistic and creative process. In my view, creativity is an active pursuit—a means of expressing an elusive essence of oneself, an unspoken manifestation for others to interpret. Without being open to pondering the ‘why,’ ‘what,’ and ‘who’ of your being, how can you authentically communicate your artistic vision in a way that is true for you?

Throughout this profound and ongoing journey of a lifetime, there arises a need for anchors, or as I prefer to call them The Four Cs.

The Lady in Red by GENE Jimenez

1. Connect

That is, authentically connecting to your ‘why.’ You may discover, as I have, that your ‘why’ initially appears grandiose and then gradually simplifies over time. While it is likely to evolve, with internal introspection and personal growth, its essence will endure.

An early realization on this path is that connecting with something holds far greater significance than merely desiring it. Connecting involves tapping into an internal essence, whereas wanting is often linked to external desires. You may aspire to create a series of paintings or sculptures, but truly connecting with them involves understanding why you feel compelled to create them. What inner passion propels you towards manifesting your imaginative vision? Your ‘why’ serves as the driving force behind bringing your creative ideas to life.

In reality, achieving your ‘why’ is seldom a solitary endeavor. Art and creativity thrive within a collaborative environment. Nurturing a network of trustworthy individuals to accompany you on your creative expedition becomes essential. More on that later.

Contemplation by GENE Jimenez

2. Commitment

The second cornerstone is COMMITMENT. It’s about doing what you love tirelessly, even before receiving compensation for it. And, truth be told, you may never receive payment for it. That’s okay. As creatives, we often fancy ourselves as unique beings, misunderstood in our creations, yet the reality is quite different. Even original works resonate with others, who see value in them. Therefore, create abundantly! Personally, I’ve rarely completed a job application because I’ve always pursued what I love until it became financially viable. If you have 100 illustrations of girls, aim for 500. If you already have 1000, push for 10,000.

A common question I encounter is, “What if I tire of creating the same thing?” The simple answer is, if you exhaust creating it, it might not truly be your passion. Some individuals find themselves revisiting the initial stage repeatedly. Embrace depth in this journey. There’s no rush; you don’t have to find an instant answer. Experiment for 10 days, switch on the 11th, and reconsider your choice on the 12th. It’s a gradual process. Once you’ve committed to creating that one thing for consecutive iterations without pause and find a deep longing for it, that’s when you’ll truly know what you are committed to.

Dragon by GENE Jimenez

3. Create

Well, you asked for it, and now it’s time to actually put pen to paper, paint to canvas, mud to wheel, etc. It’s time to carve out time to dedicate to your craft. When in doubt, create. Make something. Invent something. Just let your imagination run wild AND bring that wildness into actual creative productions.

I recall a period after 11 years, during which I hadn’t painted a thing. When I eventually started, I struggled to maintain a consistent painting routine for a few months. A friend advised me to paint for 45 days straight, regardless of my inclination. By day 15, I found myself internally scolding my dear friend while I painted. However, by day 30, I entered a state of flow. By day 50, it had become an addiction. And without realizing it, I had painted for 162 consecutive days. Even now, I can’t go a few days without drawing, painting, or engaging in some form of creativity. It has become a fundamental part of who I am.

If you aspire to be a creator, create. Make creating your drug of choice. Turn it into an addiction. Let it become your daily practice, the very air you breathe. Creators create, so whenever in doubt, create something.

The Journey by GENE Jimenez

4. Continue

While the third principle was about creativity, the final foundational pillar I rely on is perseverance. This element is somewhat intricate, as it entails recognizing your current position, reflecting on your past actions, and strategizing for the future. In an ideal scenario, every endeavor would be a success, every creation a masterpiece. However, the reality is that I experience significant failures—more falls than triumphs. My task is to confront these failures, derive lessons from them, and persist in my creative journey.

Some failures become apparent only in hindsight, where I look back and realize certain endeavors didn’t unfold as planned. Other failures hit me hard, causing me to reassess my life’s path. Regardless of the setback’s magnitude, it presents an opportunity for growth, to comprehend my status, and move forward armed with newfound wisdom. Perseverance, ultimately, is about maintaining momentum and sticking to the path I originally committed to.

When I stagnate and remain still, it becomes challenging to purposefully steer myself in the intended direction. Neglecting to acknowledge my current position significantly impacts the trajectory toward my goals.

Koi by GENE Jimenez

Finally, I highly recommend seeking out valid, reputable, and deeply transformative self-development work. Look beyond the surface-level feel-good content and embrace practices that delve into both the light and dark aspects of personal growth. Surround yourself with individuals who challenge you, who are willing to delve deep with you, and who will champion your growth, even when it feels uncomfortable.

On your creative journey, it is essential to find companions who will walk alongside you. You will encounter a tribe of supporters, some of whom may surprise you with their presence or absence. Nevertheless, these individuals who show up to bolster you are precisely the ones you need for your path. Embrace them, value them, and share your creative endeavors with them, for they care enough to provide constructive feedback and love you unconditionally, regardless of your creations.

I hope this guidance proves valuable, and I eagerly anticipate sharing further insights on navigating the artistic and creative path in your life of being an artist.

TAKE ACTION: If you need help finding in-depth transformational workshops, feel free to reach out to me directly at www.artistgene.com.