Kmonaefierce When Being a Creative Costs
What is a “creative”? What do they do? What do they say? And where do they go? Maybe the better question is no question at all because honestly there’s no direct answer. Being a “creative” is complex. It starts from within, it’s a mixture of thoughts, ideas, dreams, words, passion, and vision. The hard part about all of this is actually getting it out, in a particular way– and making it make cents.
From my experience, being creative and working in the arts/fashion industries doesn’t always pay the bills in the beginning. Moreover, doing anything else besides creating is dreadful and never truly works out– not for long anyway. We all need to talk about “When Being a Creative Costs” and be candid about it. It is hard, it costs, however it pays off when you persevere.
Now, let’s take all the above and add in “being black” to the equation.
Do I drop the mic now, or later?
Protecting Your Creative Being
As a black creative, your mind is constantly filtering through life’s challenges and new ideas– at the very same time your mind needs room for breaks. I’ve found myself not acknowledging breaks or rest because opportunities always felt so scarce. Even now looking back, I’ve operated in my gifts for survival more than simply pleasure.
Always searching for the next big break can get overwhelming and push you over your authentic edge. We’ve seen it time and time again with black artists that we all know very well. Without getting too deep into that, know that being full of gifts and talents doesn’t exclude you from being corrupted.
Protecting your creative being looks like:
- Taking frequent breaks
- Saying no to things that don’t align
- Staying true to yourself
- Monitoring your circle
- Watching what you consume (tv, social media, music etc.)
Above all, you are a being that was created, and the one that created everything even took a day to rest. He also makes it very clear to protect your mind and your space(s).
Critic and Competition
The saying “you’re your biggest critic” and “you’re your only competition” is true. Naturally you are all of that when it comes to your work. The thing is, it can cripple you. You know how sometimes you have this idea, and you sit on it, because you think the negative thoughts you feel others may have about it? Yeah, I know, because I do it all the time– even with this blog. At some point in our journey we adopt these thoughts, and we use them on ourselves before anyone else has the chance to. Today, I encourage you to think of every negative thing any person (including yourself) has said about you/your work, and leave it here. Do not take it with you any further in your journey.
The Balancing Act
The word balance literally means “an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady”. Now, here’s where things get tricky because balance looks different for everyone. There’s the side of being a creative where you just do that thing you do, whatever that may be. Then, there’s the side where you have to be business minded if you depend on your gift to bring in a monetary return. The two go together, and most times black creators struggle with the latter. The lesson in this is to make yourself just as much available to learn about the business of your craft as you do your craft.
My Truth
I used to feel so cursed for being who I am as a creator. There were multiple times where I thought about just listening to the voices that suggested I be a lawyer or a doctor– not that there’s anything wrong with that. To me, that was easier because I could at least follow the instructions and check off the list of requirements. For whatever reason I struggle, even to this day, making a connection with my gifts and the means to provide a living. Ultimately I had to realize that sometimes this lifestyle won’t immediately make sense, and that’s okay.
Faith had become my secret weapon. I may go even further and say as a black creative you have to have faith in something greater than you. Even in your weakest moments, there has to be something in you that says “you got this”, “everything is going to be okay”, and “keep going, it will all pay off”. I hold on to this quote to remind me whenever doubt trickles in:
“When you believe in your dream and your vision, then it begins to attract its own resources. No one was born to be a failure.” – Myles Munroe