make “shit art”: 5 unsolicited tips on conquering your creativity
All images in this article (unless otherwise linked) are by Annie Spratt
As a photographer who has many times admittedly drawn their value in large part from the metrics presented on social media, I’d found myself recently with a fading sense of direction and lack of confidence in my creative abilities. Looking back through my work I’d made the realization that over the past few years, almost every social media post had been conceptualized as if it were a marketing campaign. Drafting the perfect copy, picking the best hashtags for visibility, keeping my feed consistent and aesthetically pleasing etc. All for that 0.3 second glimpse and a double tap before scrolling on.
Of course, this is a very cynical portrait of an artists in many mediums visible on the internet. But, by letting go of the need to create "perfect" art and instead focusing on the enjoyment of the process, we can free ourselves from the constraints of external validation and rediscover our passion for the process of creating. For those who might not share my derisive opinion of social media, but still struggle with creative block or imposter syndrome, here’s 5 tips for conquering your creativity that you definitely never asked for, but might benefit from:
1. SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX
With social media (for all of its endless opportunities) being arguably the largest conduit for self-deprecation and creative self-criticism, it’s no surprise that taking an extended hiatus from that solitary corner of your phone’s app library can have huge benefits to your mental health. Providing more than just a momentary, simulated serotonin fix from a “broken” algorithm.
Since the birth of social networking, society has been indoctrinated into a lifestyle of perpetuating a consistent upload schedule to maintain their momentum of growth. For many creative professionals, this has also meant endlessly adapting to the ever-changing policies, updates, and fickle algorithm changes. Unfortunately for some (me), this reality means the tighter grip they have on their phones, the more they loosen their grip on what artistic drive they have left. I’ve been in this very position, and the comedown ain’t pretty.
Taking a break from social media is easier said than done, believe me. I’m still deep in the planning phase of my digital cleanse. It can be difficult to break the habit of reaching for your phone and mindlessly scrolling through your feed. However, by setting clear boundaries you can reap the benefits of a much-needed break while still maintaining a healthy online presence.
2. UNLEARN BAD HABITS
As an artist, it's important to constantly challenge yourself in order to evolve your creativity and improve your skills. One way to do this is by unlearning bad habits that may be holding you back. For example, if you always rely on the same compositions or editing techniques, you may find yourself stuck in a rut and unable to come up with fresh ideas. By actively trying to break out of your comfort zone and experiment with new approaches, you can open yourself up to new possibilities and increase your creativity. This might mean using different lighting techniques, taking photos at a specific time of day or simply approaching a subject from a new angle. By unlearning bad habits and embracing new approaches, you can keep your creative process fresh and exciting, and ultimately improve the quality of your work as a photographer.
This, of course, is much easier said that done. After all there’s a reason why it’s called the “comfort zone“. But it’s important to remember that taking a step away from the norm and trying new approaches doesn’t require perfection, but a new perspective. It’s breathing new life into your art. So, make an effort to seek out opportunities to unlearn old habits and try new things. By exploring different techniques and approaches, you can unlock your full creative potential and produce work that truly stands out. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, because that's where the magic happens. Who knows, you might just be surprised at what you can achieve.
3. CHANGE THE SUBJECT
If you’re as fickle as I am, then repetition can be the catalyst to your downfall when it comes to finding inspiration in an already stale creative environment. As comfortable as it may seem, walking the same streets and photographing the same neighbourhood trash can in that “avant garde“ style you so admire may not be doing you any favours. By intentionally seeking out new and unfamiliar subjects, artists can challenge themselves to see their surroundings in a different way and approach their art with a fresh perspective. By introducing new subject matter into your work, you can push yourself to learn and grow as an artist, leading to more meaningful and satisfying creations.
This might mean exploring a new neighbourhood or city, trying out different types of photography, or even experimenting with different camera settings or film stocks. By intentionally seeking out new and unfamiliar subjects, you can push yourself to see your surroundings in a different way and approach your art with a fresh perspective.
But it's not just about finding new subject matter - it's also about how you approach it. Instead of relying on the same techniques and compositions you always use, try to experiment with new angles, lighting or framing. Limit your compositions to only include a particular colour, only photograph people in groups of 3, chase shadows and play with light. By learning about new subjects and exploring new perspectives, you can expand your creative horizons and develop a deeper understanding of the world around you.
Don't be afraid to shake things up and change the subject matter - it just might lead to some unexpected and inspiring results.
4. IGNORE THE CRITIC(S)
You know exactly who I’m talking about!
We are all in the midst of an internet era that is driven by a thirst for quick consumption, flashy transitions and trending tunes. A result of which is a growing feeling of self doubt and neurosis when it comes to our sense of creative self. It's natural to encounter criticism and negative feedback along the way, especially if you're putting yourself out there in a public way. However, it's important not to let those criticisms hold you back or discourage you from pursuing your goals. Remember that not everyone will like or understand what you're doing, and that's okay. Learn to take constructive feedback, but also learn to let go of the negative comments and keep moving forward.
One strategy for dealing with criticism is to try to understand where it's coming from. Is it coming from someone who genuinely wants to help you improve, or is it coming from someone who is simply trying to tear you down? If it's the former, take their feedback into account and use it to improve. If it's the latter, don't waste your time or energy on their negativity. Remember, the most important critic is yourself. Don't let your own self-doubt hold you back. Instead, focus on your strengths and keep working to improve in areas where you may be weaker. With time and practice, you'll develop the skills and confidence you need to achieve your goals.
5. RINSE & REPEAT
Now, this may seem like counterintuitive advice, but hear me out. As a photographer, I've found that the pressure to create perfect images can often stifle creativity and result in uninspired work. Sometimes, the best way to break out of a creative rut is to let go of the need for perfection and just make something, over and over and over again. Whether it's a series of blurry photos or a painting with crooked lines, embracing imperfection can lead to unexpected moments of inspiration and creativity. By giving yourself permission to make sh*t art, you can free yourself from the pressure to always create perfect work and rediscover the joy of the creative process. Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and create something truly unique.
Finding inspiration and staying creative can be a challenging task, especially in the age of social media where external validation often drives artistic pursuits. By taking a step back, unlearning bad habits, seeking out new subject matter, ignoring the critics, and embracing imperfection, artists can break out of creative ruts and rediscover the joy of the creative process. So go ahead, make sh*t art, and see where it takes you.
It seems almost unnecessary to say, but having learned the hard way, this isn’t a “one and done“ piece of advice. You have to work hard at making the shit art, so you appreciate the process when you’re not. It’s so easy to lose sight of why we pick up our camera, pen, brush or whatever it is that inspires us. For me it’s because social media consumed my creative spirit and caused me to lose my confidence. For you it might be something else. But by consistently pushing yourself to try new things and break out of your comfort zone, you can continue to grow and evolve as an artist. You do you, just have fun with it.
