We’re on our phones constantly, scrolling fast through Instagram or TikTok. Half of the time, we’re not even aware of how much we’re consistently consuming. Being artists means that we have a gift of being hypersensitive to the world around us. I always say there is value in consuming because much of inspiration comes from consuming other people’s content, whether it be creative or not. I often find myself inspired even by the words someone writes in an Instagram caption, or by a photo that a photographer took, or by watching a movie. But how much is too much? I think there has to be a connection to ourselves, one where we listen to our inner voice to let us know when we’re drained and in need of pushing our creativity forward. One where we know that we need to consume a bit less and start doing a bit more. I encourage you to listen more closely for this voice. I find for me, it’s in those moments of feeling more antsy or anxious. It’s trapped creativity. I seem to be put at ease when I finally do something about it, having a sense of calm. Tune in to listen to your inner voice, it teaches you and it helps you in your art and in everyday life. Try it the next time you find yourself feeling off. Consume less and do more when you feel creatively stuck. It doesn’t have to be perfect and it doesn’t have to be the one you show to the world.
Yours Truly,
CiCi