Embracing Your Creative Flow—Introverts and Extroverts Alike
Finding Balance: My Personal Journey of Hiding
Ten years ago, I had this friend who embodied the essence of extroversion. She was a whirlwind of energy, constantly buzzing with ideas and enthusiasm. "Let's create this and this and this!" she'd exclaim, pulling me along in her wake. While her boundless creativity was infectious, and I so desperately wanted to be just like her, I often found myself feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by her relentless pace.
At that time, I struggled to find my own rhythm and security in who I was, both in my personal creative pursuits and in my role as an artist / middle school art teacher. The pressure to keep up with my extroverted friend left me feeling drained. I found inspiring my students with the same passion and energy increasingly challenging, nonetheless creating for myself.
It wasn't until I learned to embrace and honor my introverted tendencies that I found a balance that worked for me. By carving out moments of solitude and reflection amidst the chaos, I discovered a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. Now, let me be honest: I was a homeschooling mom, traveling the country in an RV, teaching art when I could in person and online. I didn’t have much time to carve out! Much less the energy or drive. But eventually, like three years ago, I realized who I was and how to embrace who I am. In doing so, I was able to reconnect with my own creative voice and just be a better human all around. Allow me to give you some facts and talk about Introverts and Extroverts in the art world!
Let’s break down Introverts and Extroverts:
First, you need to Understand Your Creative Style
Introverts:
Introverts often draw energy from solitude and quiet reflection. They might find their best ideas emerge during moments of introspection or while engaging in solo activities. Famous introverted artists include Vincent van Gogh and Emily Dickinson, whose works are deeply personal and introspective.
Extroverts:
Extroverts thrive in social environments and gain energy from interactions with others. They might feel most inspired in collaborative settings or when bouncing ideas off others. Celebrated extroverted creatives include Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, known for their dynamic and sociable personas.
Yes, you can be a bit of both; find your happy place of balance and recognize which way you lean more.
Tips for Introverts to Make Art Every Day
- Create a Dedicated Space: Designate a quiet, personal space where you can retreat and focus solely on your art.
- Set a Routine: Establish a regular time each day for your creative work. Early mornings or late evenings can offer the solitude you need.
- Journal Your Thoughts: Use journaling as a tool to capture ideas and inspirations that you can explore in your art. You can just jot ideas down in a sketchbook.
- Limit Distractions: Turn off notifications and create a relaxing environment. Do not scroll social media or YouTube! If you must limit yourself to just the lesson you are learning from, stay focused!
Tips for Extroverts to Make Art Every Day
- Join a Creative Group: Engage with local or online art communities to share your progress and gain new insights. You can join my free group here!
- Collaborate with Others: Partner with fellow creatives on projects to keep your energy and inspiration levels high. You can find these at your local church, library, or art gallery.
- Set Up a Social Studio: Create a lively, stimulating workspace with elements that energize you, like vibrant colors or music. It’s good to change your creative surroundings every once in a while.
- Showcase Your Work: Regularly share your creations on social media or public spaces to receive feedback and encouragement. Tag the inspiration artist, use hashtags, and share where your inspiration comes from. Trust me, we love to see who and how we influence others and the beautiful art you create!
Balancing Social and Solo Time
Regardless of where you fall on the introversion-extroversion spectrum, balancing social and solo time can enhance your creativity:
- For Introverts: Schedule regular meetups with other artists to exchange ideas and stay inspired without overwhelming your need for solitude.
- For Extroverts: Incorporate quiet time into your routine to reflect and refine your ideas before sharing them with others.
- The above are both so important - Don’t neglect this step!
Staying Consistent with Your Art Practice
- Set Realistic Goals: Aim for consistency rather than perfection. Even small, daily efforts can lead to significant progress over time.
- Use Prompts and Challenges: Participate in art challenges or use prompts to kickstart your creativity on days when inspiration is low. Check out my YouTube Channel for lots of short videos in my Art Snacks Playlist.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your daily achievements to maintain motivation and a positive mindset.
So remember, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, making art every day is achievable by understanding and leveraging your natural tendencies. Embrace your unique creative process, and remember that every step you take brings you closer to your artistic goals.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or are the creative type who either likes things written down or has many projects happening at once, I have a solution for you!
Stay creative, and see you soon in another blog post!