As a professional in any creative endeavor, it is true that you experience moments of sheer brilliance. In these moments, it feels as if you are channelling the heart of the space-time continuum. Nothing can touch you; your transcended existence rivals that of any deity in which you profess a belief (or lack thereof).
These moments are nice.
Unfortunately, these moments do not create a career. The myth that creative brilliance is at the mercy of the gods has been steeping in the waters of creative professionalism for ages. And frankly, the tannins in this proverbial cup of tea have become overpopulated and unpleasant.
Too many of us have perpetuated the image of the troubled artist for it to even seem plausible anymore. It’s time to face facts; it’s time to find a new look. Creativity is not your cool uncle who occasionally checks in before disappearing on the horizon of his next admirable adventure.
Your creative energy should be treated like a light switch. Turn it on. Turn it off. You need the power in this relationship if it’s going to work. This is easier said than done, certainly, but a paradigm shift is in order. Resolve to grab the reins.
If you are unable to exert control over your creativity, the bulk of your professional life will feel like dragging a cement block across a beach. You’d be happier as an accountant. Be honest with yourself. Reluctance to go head-to-head with your creativity in the battle for control is a sure sign that you should not pursue it as a career.
I plead, for anybody who is trying to fashion a career out of their passion:
It is your responsibility, as a creative professional, to not further cultivate the belief that what you do is a) beyond your control or b) somehow taxing on you. Take advantage of the rare moments that you truly can’t control your brilliance, but be mindful of the fact that they don’t last long. Be able to engineer creative brilliance at the flip of a switch.
