Bridging the Gap Between Creative Aspirations and Artistic Realities

Dear Rebels -

Have you ever felt like there's a gap between your creative vision and your actual output? Like you have good taste but can't quite seem to produce work that lives up to it? You're not alone. I know the feeling well.

 

No one tells beginners, and I really wish someone had told me. All of us that do creative work get into it because we have good taste. You're bursting with ideas for stories, songs, paintings, or whatever your medium may be. You can't wait to bring your visions to life, to share them with the world. But then you start creating, and you realize that your work doesn't live up to your expectations. It's like there's a GAP.

Now you're disappointed, frustrated, and maybe even a little bit discouraged.

The Illusive Gap

You're not alone. This is a common experience for creatives of all levels, especially if you find yourself in the first couple of years of making stuff. We have a keen sense of what we want our art to be, it's not great, but it's trying to be good. Like chefs who can taste the perfect meal in our minds, but we can't quite replicate it in the kitchen.

Don't Quit Here!

A lot of people can not get past this GAP. They give up on themselves. They have magical thinking about how one would ever become great at something, thinking you have it or you don't.

Fight the URGE to do this to yourself.

Creativity thrives in the realm of dedication and routine. Most everyone I know who does interesting, creative work has gone through a phase of years where they had really good taste and are forced to face the truth: The GAP. Great idea, too bad you can't execute it.

Embrace The Journey

The phase of disappointment and self-doubt is not an indicator of failure. It is a necessary crucible through which every creative soul must pass. The gap between taste and execution is a testament to one's aspiration for greatness. It showcases a refusal to settle for mediocrity and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.

So, to those who are currently in the throes of this phase, or those who find themselves emerging from its depths, I say this: Know you will fall short. Be able to acknowledge and accept that at first, it might not have that special thing you wanted it to have. Don't give up. Keep creating. Keep learning. Keep growing.

And for those of you like me who want something more actionable, I say: Put yourself on a deadline. Each brushstroke, each keystroke, each note, adds to a body of work that accumulates over time. Take notes like a bodybuilder tracks their gains. This is the easiest way to see your progress over time.

I hope this helps and as always I appreciate you for being here!

xoxoxoxo,

Breanna aka chaosxanarchy