Owning your creative process

I’m asked about my creative process quite a bit. Whether being asked about writing songs, some other kind of writing, or creating visual art, I always say the same thing: I don’t have a formula. If an idea hits me, I make a note of it, and then I flesh it out when I find the time. If it’s flowing, I keep with it. If it’s not, I walk away and come back to it. I don’t force it. And I always have several projects going so I don’t feel like I’m totally stuck when something’s not working.

Another key to my creative process: I ask the Lord to guide me, and I dedicate both the process and the finished product to Him for His glory. I find this prevents me from stressing out about it being “good enough” and lets me focus on the joy of creating.

I’ll offer one more glimpse into my creative process: I use life experience to inform my choices. As a midlife creative I’ve lived long enough to know what situations squash my creativity. Being emotionally mindful and protecting my peace as much as possible definitely enhance my creativity.

The bottom line is this: you don’t have to be creative in a certain way. There are endless courses and books out there offering methods for harnessing your creativity, and by all means consider training that you feel connects well with what you want to do. But regardless of your level of training, you are a creative being to your core, and you have it in you to create. You can own your creative process and make it work for your calling.

Reflection Questions

How do you see your creativity being connected to your calling?

How do you describe your own creative process?

Do you ever feel stuck in your creative process? If so, what do you do? If not, how do you avoid it?

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) Each of you should use whatever gift you have…