5 Ways to Boost Creative Resilience in Artistry

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 5 min read

Every artist knows the rollercoaster ride that is the creative journey. Peaks of inspiration are often followed by valleys of self-doubt. Yet, it's in navigating these setbacks and challenges that we build our creative resilience, a skill as vital to artistry as the brush is to a painter. This blog will guide you through five ways to boost your creative resilience, helping you to not just survive—but thrive—in your artistic journey.

1. Embrace Failure

Failure is not a detour from success, but a vital part of the journey itself. Embracing failure allows us to grow, learn and refine our craft. And in the world of art, it's through these mishaps and mistakes that creative resilience is built.

Accept Setbacks as Normal

First off, let's debunk the myth that setbacks are a sign of weakness or incompetence. They're not. They're a normal part of every artist's journey. Every brush stroke that doesn't quite capture what you imagined, every note that doesn't resonate, every line that doesn’t rhyme—they're all part of the process. So, when you face a setback, remember that it's not a wall, but a stepping stone on your path to creative resilience.

Learn from Mistakes

Secondly, don't just accept your mistakes—learn from them. When a piece doesn't turn out as you'd hoped, don't discard it immediately. Instead, take a moment to reflect: What went wrong? What could you do differently next time? By doing this, you'll turn each setback into a lesson, which is a key aspect of creative resilience: navigating challenges and learning on the go.

View Failure as Feedback

Finally, reframe how you view failure. Instead of seeing it as a dead-end, view it as feedback. Each "failure" is simply information—information about what works, what doesn't, and what you might try next. It's like a GPS for your artistic journey, guiding you towards your destination. So, the next time you hit a bump in the road, remember: it's not a setback, but a setup for a comeback. That's the essence of creative resilience.

2. Cultivate Patience

Magic doesn’t happen overnight. Every masterpiece takes time, and so does building creative resilience. Patience isn't just about waiting—it's about staying committed to your artistry, even when the results aren't immediate.

Practice Delayed Gratification

Our society often promotes instant gratification: the 'I want it now' mindset. But art doesn't work that way. It requires patience and perseverance. So, start practicing delayed gratification. Invest time and effort into your work without expecting immediate results. Trust the process, and remember that the best things in life—including the journey of creative resilience—often take time.

Set Realistic Expectations

While it's great to aim high, it's crucial to also set realistic expectations. Not every piece you create will be a masterpiece, and that's okay! Setting realistic expectations can help you avoid unnecessary disappointment and maintain your creative resilience. Remember, it's about progress, not perfection.

Allow Time for Creativity

Lastly, it's important to give creativity its due time. Creativity can't be rushed or forced—it flows best when given space to breathe. So, allow yourself time to explore, experiment, and express freely. When you give creativity the time it deserves, you'll find it easier to navigate any challenges that come your way, reinforcing your creative resilience.

3. Nurture Creative Environment

Just like a plant needs the right soil to grow, your creativity needs the right environment to flourish. A nurturing environment can greatly enhance your creative resilience, providing the support you need to navigate those challenging artistic setbacks.

Optimize Physical Space

Start with the basics: your physical space. A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind, so keep your creative space clean and organized. You might find inspiration in a brightly lit room, or prefer a calming, dimly lit space. Experiment and find what works best for you. Remember, your workspace is your creative sanctuary—treat it that way.

Encourage Open Discussions

Next, foster an environment where open discussions are encouraged. Whether you're bouncing ideas off a friend, seeking feedback from a mentor, or engaging in a lively debate at a local art club meeting, open discussions can inspire new ideas and boost your creative resilience. So, don't hold back—speak up, share, and engage in dialogues about art.

Promote Diverse Perspectives

Last but not least, embrace diversity. Different perspectives can broaden your artistic horizon and fuel your creativity. Engage with artists from different backgrounds, explore art from around the world, and always be open to new ideas. Remember, diversity isn't just about understanding others—it's about enriching your own creative journey and resilience.

4. Foster Positive Attitude

Navigating the ups and downs of your artistic journey requires more than just talent and skill. It requires a positive attitude. Having an optimistic outlook can bolster your creative resilience, helping you to see not just the challenges, but the opportunities they present.

Practice Gratitude

Start by practicing gratitude. It's easy to focus on what's going wrong, especially when faced with setbacks. But if you can shift your focus to what's going right, it can bring a new perspective. Maybe you're grateful for the ability to express yourself artistically, or for the support of your peers. Whatever it may be, taking a moment each day to acknowledge these positive aspects can do wonders for your creative resilience.

Maintain Optimal Stress Levels

Next, let's talk about stress. A little bit of stress can be a good thing—it can push you to meet deadlines and strive for excellence. But too much stress can hinder your creativity. So, learn to manage your stress levels. This could be through exercise, meditation, or simply taking some time out to relax. Remember, a calm mind is a creative mind.

Emphasize Positivity over Negativity

Finally, always choose positivity over negativity. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. When you encounter criticism, take it as an opportunity to learn and improve, rather than a setback. Keeping a positive attitude not only helps you to navigate challenges in your artistic journey, but also builds your creative resilience, leading to long-term success in your craft.

5. Adopt Flexible Thinking

One of the most significant ways to boost creative resilience in your artistry is by adopting flexible thinking. As you navigate setbacks and challenges in your artistic journey, remember: there is more than one path to success. Let's explore how to foster this adaptable mindset.

Challenge Assumptions

First, make it a habit to challenge assumptions. Whether it's about the limits of your art form, the expectations of your audience, or even your own capabilities, question them. This doesn't mean you have to discard every assumption, but by questioning them, you open up possibilities for creative solutions that you might not have considered before.

Explore Alternative Solutions

Next, always explore alternative solutions. When you hit a roadblock in your creative process, don't just stick to what you know. Look for different approaches or techniques. You might be surprised at how a fresh perspective can help you overcome challenges and strengthen your creative resilience.

Encourage Risk-Taking

Finally, don't shy away from taking risks. Trying something new might seem daunting, but remember, every great piece of art was once something new and unknown. Whether it's experimenting with a new style, exploring a different theme, or using a technique you've never tried before, taking risks can lead to unexpected discoveries and breakthroughs in your artistic journey.

If you're looking to further develop your creative resilience, don't miss the workshop 'Staying Resilient Through Rejection' by Carlos Neto. This workshop offers valuable insights and strategies on how to stay resilient and navigate through the challenges and rejections that come with being an artist.