– Tips on finding your own creative niche (or niches) and tapping into your passions. –
For so long I actually convinced myself that I was not a creative person. I did not see my creative side for so long, therefore I did not think it existed. But what I was actually doing was viewing the ways that other people were being creative, tried to fit inside their box of creativity, and ultimately realized that I did not resonate with it. Therefore, my conclusion was that I was not a creative person and will never be.
(Creative examples being: creation through make up, DIY projects, fashion design, film, hair styling, creating music, acting, just to name a few.)
Looking back during this time in my life, I can’t believe how harsh I was on myself! I put so much pressure on myself to fit myself in other people’s creative boxes without even giving myself the chance to branch out and find my own. In retrospect, I am grateful to have went through that harsh moment in life to then come out on the other side and find things that truly inspire me to be my creative self for myself first and to continue to explore my creative side.
I believe that we are all creative creatures here on this Earth, somehow and someway. Whether you have a career that directly involves creation or you simply find the joy in certain hobbies, by embracing our creative niche and allowing our passions to shine bright, we can step into who we really are.
Exploring Your Passions
This is a great place to start tapping into your creative side. When we feel our most passionate and inspired, creativity simply flows out of us. So, questions that I like to ask myself in these moments are: What brings me the most joy? When do I feel my best self? What makes me feel inspired? And this can be anything! Who’s to say that it can’t? One thing that I think many of us get twisted is trying to focus on one thing and extravagantly excel at it. Which, yes I do agree with to some extent, but I also believe that us humans are multifaceted beings. And by putting ourselves in boxes, we are limiting our explorations, our passions, and ultimately our creativity. There are endless options to be explored and uncovered, why not try it out?
Have Some Big-Kid Fun
Another way to explore your creative side is to think back to when you were younger. Was there something that you did that brought you so much joy – simply because? Or something that was so fun for you, and you feel a bit of a void now that it is not in your life?
My personal example would be: writing (surprise!) Growing up I used to journal every single day, just because. I remember seeing a girl do it in a movie when I was younger, and I thought, “hey, I want to try it!” Every time I cracked open my journal to write, it just felt good. Additionally, I used to write song lyrics, short stories, and even cheers/chants for the cheer team I was a part of. In these moments, I was so inspired and did these things simply because I wanted to and that it was fun for me. I never knew that that little girl Jenny was up to something creative, but now as a ‘grown up,’ it all just make sense to me.
Taking an activity that you did when you were younger and translating it into a big-kid-kind-of-fun can be so freeing when it comes to your creative side.
Try New Things
Have you ever come home after a day of going someplace new that really inspired you and you just felt good? Well, I believe that there is so much power behind that feeling and ultimately behind trying new things in general! With saying that, I think it is important to highlight the fact that some of the most beautiful creations have been made by people in a very dark place. And regardless of where you are coming from, these moments allow us to grow, create new ideas and opinions, experiment with our likes and dislikes, and simply explore life.
Ask Your Loved Ones
This one may sound silly if you are the type of person who thinks that you are the only person who knows you like you do. (I’m guilty of this, too!) But if you ask your loved ones where they see you at your creative best, you may be surprised to hear what they say. Their outsider’s perspective may be quite eye opening to a creative side that maybe you have not tapped into yet. Take what others say with a grain of salt, always, but it is definitely a great avenue to go down to then self-reflect on!
Be Compassionate Towards Yourself
Say it with me now! You don’t have to do something to the extreme/be the absolute best at it. Do it simply to do it because it brings you joy (as long as it does not intentionally hurt anyone else, of course.) Take your time and being compassionate towards yourself – you do not have to know all of the answers and nor know exactly what you excel in creatively. (Which btw- your creative niche does not always have to be part of your career! But it sure helps if it does.) The greatest part about finding your passions/creative niche is enjoying journey itself. A non-linear, constantly changing journey. So be kind to yourself and take your time enjoying it all.
Last, I would like to say that you do not have to share your creative size with everyone, it can be something private for yourself and your heart only. But if sharing it with others is a passion of yours and makes you feel inspired, freaking do it.
Tips from Others that Inspire me:
Amy TV – Youtube Channel – Amy is an incredibly motivating woman who wants to help provide tools for you to live the life that you want. (Uh, hell yes.) In this video she really opened my eyes to creativity, taking time to let your creative juices flow, and more. (PS- she has an incredible upcoming podcast with similar messages. If that is up your alley, she also has a podcast called Detail Therapy!
Kayln’s Coffee Talk Podcast – Kalyn’s outlook in life and creativity itself seriously inspires me. In her podcast, she shares her personal experiences and translates them into relatable lessons. I for sure have pulled many lessons from her! In this podcast episode, she gives tips on how to find your magic. Just, yes.
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