Most, if not all of us are creative in some fashion. This article, however, goes out to those whose creativity is consumed, and in some ways judged by other. Musician, artists, authors, designers, YouTube content creators, and so much more fall under this category. If you do, you have probably encountered the following conversation several times. "Oh wow, you are a(n) [insert here]? That must be so much fun!" We nod and smile and say, "Why yes, I'm so happy doing what I love." Like most conversations we seem to have these days, it is just better to scratch the surface, rather than dig deeper and actually answer the question, especially if the answer is not bright and shiny.
If creators didn't give the bright and shiny answer it might sound different. We might talk about how the article we wrote was deleted and re-written four times because, despite efforts to pinpoint exactly why it doesn't feel right. Or how you've spent an entire week trying to finish a song, but you still can't hit the last few notes of your solo well enough to satisfy your own standards. Or despite the fact that you've spent all day on a painting, you step back and think to yourself, "That's awful." Then you put down your tool of choice and go about your day with a metaphorical rain cloud over your head.
If creators were to give these answers, words of encouragement would surely follow from our straw man conversationalist. "I'm sure it's great!" "Just stick with it!" 'Well it's better than I could do!" Sound familiar? Not exactly helpful. We remain under the rain cloud, trudging along, trying to figure out why we suck after putting in so much work. With the rise of creative outlets, I would almost put money on the fact that most people under 35 create content consumed by others in this fashion. Hell, half of my friends have their own Etsy. So despite all this self-negativity, how can a creator survive? After all, there is so much stuff out there, and it can feel like yelling into the void.
The scary thing is, sometimes, the void yells back. A comment on a YouTube video, an artwork commission, an album purchase. Then it becomes real. Somebody somewhere not only shares an interest but likes the thing you do so much that they took time out of their day to let you know that. That might be one of the best feelings in the world, with hitting the last few notes in a solo coming in at a close second.
My point is this. Creators, keep creating. You can never tell when or from where support will come, but no one ever can. Whether it's a hobby that you put on Facebook for friends to see or your profession and livelihood, even your worst days might be the best thing anyone has ever encountered. The rest of you, support these people. Whether it's through a comment, or by buying something, or even just a text or message saying "Hey, that was great stuff." Or "Hey, you might want to think about..." as criticism. As long as whatever you say is genuine, it will be helpful. Trust me, we already think it sucks.
