How can I embrace my unique creative identity when it feels different from others?

The author's journey shows that it takes time to accept seeing the world in different colors. She learned to embrace her unique perspective, ultimately feeling "right in feeling wrong" by expressing herself authentically through her art.

What does the phrase "paint the world in my own strange colors" signify for an artist?

This phrase represents the act of embracing one's individual and unique artistic vision, rather than conforming to external expectations. It's about finding your distinct voice and expressing your personal interpretation of the world through your art.

How can I deal with the feeling of shame or being "wrong" because of my creativity?

The author initially felt wrong and ashamed when others recognized her difference. Her story suggests that overcoming this involves a long process of self-acceptance, eventually leading to the ability to feel "right in feeling wrong" and embracing your true creative self.

Is it normal for creative individuals to feel misunderstood by family or teachers?

Yes, the author recounts how her family and teachers often expressed confusion or concern about her creative choices, asking "What will become of her?". This suggests that feeling misunderstood is a common experience for those with a unique creative perspective.

The Creative Individual's Journey: Embracing Your Artistic Self

They tell me that I have always been creative. Artist

My family recognized the symptoms from the start. I often heard them wail, “She’s creative!” when they didn’t understand why on earth I made the choices I did. They would cry out, hands on-head in despair, “What will become of her?”

At school, I’d entertain the other kids with song and dance routines during class. “She’s creative,” the teachers would whisper to one another conspiratorially.

After spending a large part of my adult life with the same therapist, I finally asked him what exactly was wrong with me?

He shrugged, “You’re creative.”

It didn’t sound like a nice thing to be. I wanted to be something else, someone else.

For many years my creativity just scared me. Being creative made me see the world in different colors than other people see it. And when others recognized that difference in me, I felt wrong, ashamed.

It took me a long time, but now I paint the world in my own strange colors.

And I feel right in feeling wrong.

Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How can I embrace my unique creative identity when it feels different from others?: The author's journey shows that it takes time to accept seeing the world in different colors. She learned to embrace her unique perspective, ultimately feeling "right in feeling wrong" by expressing herself authentically through her art.
2 What does the phrase "paint the world in my own strange colors" signify for an artist?: This phrase represents the act of embracing one's individual and unique artistic vision, rather than conforming to external expectations. It's about finding your distinct voice and expressing your personal interpretation of the world through your art.
3 How can I deal with the feeling of shame or being "wrong" because of my creativity?: The author initially felt wrong and ashamed when others recognized her difference. Her story suggests that overcoming this involves a long process of self-acceptance, eventually leading to the ability to feel "right in feeling wrong" and embracing your true creative self.
4 Is it normal for creative individuals to feel misunderstood by family or teachers?: Yes, the author recounts how her family and teachers often expressed confusion or concern about her creative choices, asking "What will become of her?". This suggests that feeling misunderstood is a common experience for those with a unique creative perspective.

The Creative Individual's Journey: Embracing Your Artistic Self

See Your Art Career with Fresh Eyes

Frequently Asked Questions