Themes Gleaming Darkly Part 3 - Support
Today I want to write about a pillar of my writing, a cornerstone, a load-bearing beam: the support I receive from friends and family.
I consider myself fortunate to have even one loud voice at my back, but somehow I have more than I could ever imagine. People I have not spoken to in years have parted the distance and liked, shared, commented, and read my work.
With or without the mental illness I wrote about in Part 2, many creative people suffer from Imposter Syndrome, and I am certainly not immune. "So what?" that voice inside me says, "You put some words on paper. It's not that good anyway." Even now, after my work with Ionic Comics and having a book self-published, it is hard for me to call myself "a writer".
But louder than that voice are those that offer their support. And I am so infinitely grateful and humbled by them.
I know that not every creative has such a support network. And I am here to say that if this gives you pause in making whatever art is in you, I will be your support network.
A goal of mine for this year onward is to not only produce my own work, but to support the hell out of anyone, especially artists, who are working on something.
To those struggling with creative blocks or Imposter Syndrome, let me address you directly:
1. Even if your art never sees the light of day (although it should because it's so much more valuable than you give yourself credit for) the act of creating is beautiful and so are you. Make it for yourself and those you love.
2. The only way to hone a skill is to use it. That being said, if it's been a year since you painted or five since you picked up an instrument, don't let that stop you. Your hands and heart will find their way.
3. Yes, there are so many talented people in this world and it's amazing. But that does not discount your abilities. Support those people you admire, learn from them, and create your own masterpieces to go alongside theirs. I guarantee you that they were not born with preternatural skill.
To everyone: thank you as always for taking the time to read my work. I hope it helps, even in the slightest.
I consider myself fortunate to have even one loud voice at my back, but somehow I have more than I could ever imagine. People I have not spoken to in years have parted the distance and liked, shared, commented, and read my work.
With or without the mental illness I wrote about in Part 2, many creative people suffer from Imposter Syndrome, and I am certainly not immune. "So what?" that voice inside me says, "You put some words on paper. It's not that good anyway." Even now, after my work with Ionic Comics and having a book self-published, it is hard for me to call myself "a writer".
But louder than that voice are those that offer their support. And I am so infinitely grateful and humbled by them.
I know that not every creative has such a support network. And I am here to say that if this gives you pause in making whatever art is in you, I will be your support network.
A goal of mine for this year onward is to not only produce my own work, but to support the hell out of anyone, especially artists, who are working on something.
To those struggling with creative blocks or Imposter Syndrome, let me address you directly:
1. Even if your art never sees the light of day (although it should because it's so much more valuable than you give yourself credit for) the act of creating is beautiful and so are you. Make it for yourself and those you love.
2. The only way to hone a skill is to use it. That being said, if it's been a year since you painted or five since you picked up an instrument, don't let that stop you. Your hands and heart will find their way.
3. Yes, there are so many talented people in this world and it's amazing. But that does not discount your abilities. Support those people you admire, learn from them, and create your own masterpieces to go alongside theirs. I guarantee you that they were not born with preternatural skill.
To everyone: thank you as always for taking the time to read my work. I hope it helps, even in the slightest.
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Annie
(new)
Feb 07, 2019 08:45AM
Thanks for the kind and motivational words <3 I've been struggling so hard core this last year with depression and anxiety with my art. One day I'll be able to pick things up again <3
reply
|
flag
Well said! There is enough room in the world for all of our talents. I needed to be reminded of that as well. I’m so proud to see you letting yours shine! Your voice is important and needs to be heard. So shake off that Imposter Syndrome, because all I see is a talented writer that has only the sky as a limit.
Writing Sundries
A collection of my thoughts on writing, including descriptions of my own personal methods and advice for what helps me write.
- Clinton W. Waters's profile
- 52 followers
