Struggles of Artists and Creatives

Seiji Ozawa, the renowned conductor, has spoken eloquently on the essence of art, which to him lies in the artist’s ability to express their true self through knowing who they are as a person, while living in the present moment and experiencing emotions as they are. Ideally, the lives of artists and creatives are built around creative freedom, embracing inspiration, and the flexibility needed to achieve their vision. However, dedication and passion for the arts can also bring about a unique set of struggles intertwined with creative passions and the environment of the artist.

Here are some challenges often encountered:

● Imposter Syndrome: You have difficulty accepting compliments or acknowledging your successes despite putting in hard work and mastering the skills and techniques you need. Even if you are accomplished, you may continue to feel insecure and inferior, which can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

● Perfectionism: Striving for flawlessness and perfection can be a powerful motivator for producing exceptional work. However, the fear of failure or self-doubt can lead to procrastination. You may feel stuck or inadequate, which can cause you to miss out on personal goals or deadlines.

● Comparison and Competition: Due to the competitive nature of this field, artists and creatives are constantly under pressure to stand out and be exceptional. Fear of rejection and inadequacy can be discouraging and debilitating, as you may have difficulty enjoying the work that used to inspire a true passion.

● Creative Blocks: When you experience emotional instability due to fear of rejection, lack of financial support, relationship issues, substance use, anxiety, or depression, it can be difficult to truly express yourself and let the work flow. Your creative output may slow down, making you feel as though you’re losing touch with your own identity and voice. It’s important to address these issues and seek the help you need to understand them.

● Work-Life Imbalance: Art and creative pursuits can often be demanding and blur the line between work and personal life. It can be challenging to bring structure to daily life or prioritize aspects of your life that are meaningful to you, yet reside outside of the domain of “art.” You may have difficulty showing up to your important relationships or maintaining your health and well-being. A work-life imbalance can create problems for both spheres of your life.

How does therapy help?

Therapy provides a space for you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and to enrich your emotional experience. Therapy may delve into your past and help you to reflect on how it continues to shape your relationship with yourself and your world. Who do you imagine yourself to be? What do you want to change about yourself? How do you maintain a work-life balance without feeling like you are losing your creative self-expression? Asking these questions may help you to better understand your beliefs about yourself and to discover the unhelpful ways we all have of coping with difficult situations or problems.

Click here to learn more about therapy, or contact us to schedule a free consultation.