100 Day Creative Challenge Day 47: Creative Community
I belong to what I term My Creative Community. I’ve formed friendships with people of all different ages, from all around the world who have become my community.
Creativity feeds creativity. Sort of like that idea of iron sharpening iron. We all need to belong, to feel a part of something bigger than ourselves and our own work. Most creative pursuits are solitary and may only connect at writing groups, book launches, courses, retreats or in social activities. The rest of the time we work in our own space, in our own heads.
It’s not good to be in your own head for too long. We are wired for connection. If we aren’t connected our mental health can suffer. We need others.
That’s why it’s good to belong to a creative community. They don’t need to be working in the same creative space you are. I have talented friends who:
- Paint
- Take photographs
- Act
- Model
- Write
- Run cafes
- Parent creatively
- Create websites
- Sew
- Knit
- Crochet
- Do interior design
- Play and write music
- Sing
- Dance
- Cook
- Write poetry
- Decorate and design cakes
- Plan, and create, great events
- Have amazing graphic design skills
- Make movies
- Make jewellery
- Are makeup artists
- Are radio announcers
- Are public speakers
- Design gardens
- Style hair
- Are sound and lighting designers
- Design buildings
Out of this amazing set of people there’s a synergy that sees us share ideas, inspire each other, support each other and never, ever, compete against each other. When you’re a part of a creative community there are people who you can call when you need some information, some help or advice, or someone to collaborate with. This is true community.
A lot of these people are younger than me and I love that we can be friends and learn from one another.
How did I form this creative community? One friend at a time. I sort of collect people everywhere I go: church, writing retreats, parties, the gym — anywhere really. I just find I have a conversation with someone and there’s a connection that happens during conversation. Then, the conversation continues either in cafés or via email or social media or Skype. If we’re lucky sometimes the people live in the same city or country, but often they are spread around the world. One of my plans is to buy a round-the-world ticket and visit my friends. India, UK, USA, Italy, Canada, Cambodia, Singapore, China, New Zealand here I come!
When I ask for help with my creativity, I get it.
