Creativity...

Recently I was asked by a friend, and freaking amazing photographer Adam Allen,

"How do you stay so creative?" 

So many emotions and fears ran through me when he asked me if I would meet up with him to be interviewed for his blog! I was seriously so excited and nervous, and even practiced with my mom! Ha!

Unfortunately, the weekend came and I was asked to come into work. I had to cancel with Adam, and wasn't able to answer his question. 

HOWEVER!

More and more people are asking me this same question! It's truly a humbling experience when someone tells me they admire, or are inspired by, my work! I have such an unexpected amount of support that I felt I should answer this question fully and truthfully for all of you that showed an interest! 

So I saved it for my blog. :)

So here goes nothing! 

And, please, bare with me, I may sound like an "artiest."

How do I stay creative?

ONE. I force myself to leave fear out of the equation.

You'd be surprised what the fear of failure can do to your mind. It hinders and limits it. I try to let my mind go...just start at a corner, and go. Doesn't matter if your line isn't straight, or if the circle looks like an oval...the good thing about art is, YOU CAN'T FAIL! 

I open my mind to the possibilities, rather than closing it because of the obstacles.  

TWO. I try to not only find the beauty in the things that inspire me, but also recognize the feeling I get from it. 

 A big problem with today is that a lot of people lack feeling...because of fear.

It's like if I were a dancer, people aren't going to be impacted if I don't have that passion in my movement right? 
And in regards to my art, it is kind of the same concept. 
When I paint it is like slow motion, and I've recently had a moment of clarity when I realized I can "feel color." I found myself stepping back staring at my canvas and having an emotional connection with what was unraveling on it. It's really a hard thing to explain.
If anything just remember, it's okay to feel. 
THREE. I take the good and the bad in stride. 
Initially, it was hard for me to take constructive criticism, I'll admit...BUT! I realized there will ALWAYS be someone that does not agree, but to appreciate those people just as much as someone that praises me. In other words, for me, I let the BAD in with the GOOD to motivate, and kick me in the ass a little. That alone definitely keeps me creative because I'm constantly learning and wanting to get better to, in a sense, prove them wrong. 


If you open your mind, forget fear, and remain willing to learn, staying creative will come easy to you. 
I hope this answers your question Adam, and all of you interested in knowing! I truly believe everyone can draw, paint, and create...it's just a matter of opening your mind and heart to the idea that IT IS POSSIBLE. 


Have a fabulous night!
Danielle