Writing is not something you do every once in a while. To be a writer is to be cognizant of how deliberate writing is. After proclaiming myself to be a writer, I have been fostering my creative space. This space is what gives me the ability to write every single day. Fostering a creative space, in my mind and environment, is what allows me to be a more consistent and successful artist.
Creating a Space
Creating a space is two-fold. There’s one in your mind and one in your environment — both of which you need to have a truly creative space. Fostering both of these creative spaces is essential when you’re seeking to constantly create.
The Mind
Writers and other artists give themselves permission to create. This involves allowing your mind to be a little eccentric, and even scary at times. To do this, you must be in a good mental space. Oftentimes, as much as our art provides our souls with relief, it can also feel like an incredible burden.
For me, fostering a creative space in my mind was about giving myself permission. My desire to write had always been there, nagging at me subtly. Instead, I listened to the tiny voices saying “no, you’ll never make a living,” and “you’re just not good enough.” Calling myself a writer was the first step, and then shutting out those voices was the next one.
To stop the voices, I sought out things that calmed my mind. Mostly cups of coffee, and literature written by some of the best. Short stories mostly. They helped to invigorate my desire to write. If they could do it, I could too right?
The Environment
Fostering a creative space is very personal. It means surrounding yourself with things and people that inspire you. For each artist, this process looks wildly different.
My apartment is one of my creative spaces. Christmas lights, year-round, are a must. The walls are filled with art, made by me and many others. There’s a lot of natural light and a balcony for when I need a breather between chapters or work assignments.
My creative space is NOT a perfect Instagram photo. It’s a little messy because creating is a messy process. There are puppy toys everywhere (not for me, for the puppy) and a lot of blankets because I am ALWAYS cold. My creative space is my own though, and that is what gives me a familiar nudge of encouragement when I’m not feeling inspired.
Everyone’s Space is Different
Your creative spaces, in your mind and environment, are your own. Perhaps for a day or two, a stranger could create there, but not for much longer. This is why fostering your own creative space is so important.
My process and your process are different. They are equal though because they help to draw out our chosen art.
What does your creative space look like?