Some days are easier than others… But lately I’ve been sitting with a few beliefs I’m trying to strengthen, for myself, in and outside of the creative process.
I’ve recently shared this on our social media, and the conversations that started from there showed me that I’m not the only one who can relate to these thoughts.
1.) “I am enough” / “I am creative”
What I mean by this: “I have a unique point of view. I can make something from nothing. I have what it takes to figure things out as I go.”
It sounds so simple. And yet, so many of us live inside the “I’m just not creative” belief without even questioning it. Or the: “I need x, y, and z before I can begin.”
These thoughts are a bit like a trap, they keep us stuck. They make us forget that we have agency, and that we are capable.
Why do I need reminding of this myself? Phew… that’s probably more a book than a blog post. 😅 But the short version: a mix of upbringing, societal values, personality… Life.
What I do know is that most of us weren’t taught to see ourselves as creative. And I think that’s because so many systems have valued outcomes over exploration, right answers over original thinking, and somewhere along the way decided that creativity belongs to others, to the “talented ones”.
Well, it doesn’t. 😎
2.) “Process over product” / “Leave me alone, perfectionism”
= yup, I like things polished, perfect, flawless. I have high standards for myself and others. I know… 🫣 A bit far from what I teach…
Trust me, I’m working on it.
The progress has been slow (baby steps), but over the past few years I’ve noticed a little change. It’s not that I’ve lowered my standards. It’s more that I’ve slowly accepted that sometimes things go wrong or simply don’t turn out as imagined. And that can be a good thing. I’ve begun to understand that things (and I) will be okay if I make a mistake.
Very much a work in progress. Getting into improv has helped with this one a lot! And I feel genuinely lucky to spend so much of my time around tamariki who model that bold, joyful creative risk-taking every in each session. They’re teaching me too.
3) “Follow the curiosity” / “I don’t need to have it all figured out”
This one is about trust… I don’t need the full plan before I begin. I don’t need to know what the end result will look like. I can start small, stay open, and let the process do its thing.
Well, sounds lovely in theory, right? In practice, sitting in the discomfort of not-knowing is… eeek, so uncomfortable! We’re conditioned to want certainty and outcomes, something to show for our effort, I guess.
But some of the most meaningful ideas, moments, and innovations come from simply following a thread of curiosity, without knowing where it leads. (Another one improv has helped me with!)
Children do this so naturally. They don’t wait until they’re “ready” or “good enough”, they just begin…
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I’m sharing all of this not because I’ve arrived at any of it, but because I thought it might help to know that the person running all this is still figuring it out, too. Guess there’s some truth in the idea that we teach what we most need to practice ourselves. ❤️
If you can relate to any of those thoughts above, I’d love to hear what’s been working for you, you can just send me an email. Will be great to add some more tools to my basket 😊
Oh, before I go, one more thing… the first few spots have already filled for our Adult Art Lab, which is so wonderful!
In case you missed this, here’s the short version: it’s a four-week creative play journey for you… expect a small group, simple materials you already have at home, playful weekly WhatsApp prompts, and an in-person meet-up at the end here in New Plymouth. No experience needed, no Zoom calls to sit through, no pressure to show up perfectly. Just curiosity and a little time for yourself. It runs June 1 – 28.
The investment is $110 and to register simply send me an email 😊
If this feel like an opportunity you’ve been waiting for, just reach out and I’ll send you the details.
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I’m Franzi, an educator and creative play & process art specialist designing open-ended art experiences that nurture creativity, confidence, and wellbeing. For children discovering their creative voice, and adults reconnecting with theirs.
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