Overcoming Fear During the Creative Process

Fear is an important factor in the creative process. This may sound contradictory, but some of the greatest artists will all admit to having some level of fear before trying something new is a good thing. Actors, poets, painters, & fashion designers all take big risks to bring their creations to life, & it's truly the uncertainty that tells them where they should go next.

It would be all too easy to stick to simple ways of doing things. With crochet, I could make a continuous stream of gloves, hats, &scarves, but then I would get bored. It's more thrilling to push the limits & see what I can really do. Piece by piece I learned the different styles of garments: sweaters, skirts, pants, & so on, and every time I was scared, but I didn't let that stop me.

Instead, I went towards the fear. In fact, that's how I know what I should do next. If I feel too comfortable, that most likely means that what I'm doing is safe. The projects that are the most fulfilling to me are the ones that are challenging because they feel more earned. I just wasn't built for "easy mode."

I think of it like an actor in a Broadway play about to go out in front of an audience. At first, they're frightened. All those eyes are watching them & they could fail miserably, but one once they get on stage, all of that goes away and they're in the moment. 

That's what designing feels like for me. There's doubt during the beginning stages, being unsure about how it's all going to turn out. By the time I present it, however, I've worked through all that & that I'm entirely ready for the world to see what I've created. I still go through this to this day & just recently with my Dream Duos creations. It was an idea that I had that I was truly nervous about, but, thankfully, it all turned out better than I imagined.

Overall, Take on the fear, & don't let it ever overwhelm you.