Welcome to an existential dive into the psychology of what truly provides fulfillment in life and the struggle to balance the creative mind with both real and perceived societal expectations.
What Is Creative Identity?
To answer this question we must start with what is identity? The fact of being who or what a person is. That is an essential question. We all gravitate towards areas of interest, things we do that people associate with us. Whether that is sports, science, or something creative such as theatre or music. Initially, as a child, nothing holds us back from being freely creative – no voices of judgment or self-doubt. Unbridled imagination and a creative identity are still ripe with potential. As we age and experience more adversity, we seem to lose that natural creativity we possess. More obstacles and pressures are present.
So, what happens if that connection with the Arts is so strong that one pursues it as a career and it slowly starts to morph into a creative identity? What is that? Representational projects that are formed in the interaction between the creator, multiple audiences, and nuances of creativity informed by societal discourses.
My Creative Identity Formation
My association with and love for the guitar and music started at an early age. I was enthralled by the instrument and the lore that surrounded it. It did not take me long to ask for guitar lessons, and those lessons became a staple activity of mine that developed into a passion and career path.
Songwriting and coming up with original creative ideas are part of who I am. Performing all the time in school and starting a band played a huge part in my adolescent identity. How I dressed, the people I hung out with, the inspirations I had and still have led to a Degree in Music and provided me with the skills to invest in the Arts. Until my early adulthood, I still had a very idealistic perspective on how my creative identity would directly impact my life goals.
StoryBird
Feel free to leaf through a picture book rendition of creative identity development and the factors that can positively – or negatively – change that trajectory. Told through third-person narration in the spirit of a children’s tale, this story illustrates the highs and lows of growing up and defining who you are.
Final-StoryBird-the-creative-imbalance
Gig Image Hotspot
Click to learn about some of my favourite spots to perform growing up in Calgary. These performances are filled with positive experiences of success, fulfillment, and pride. Yet, this artistic lifestyle comes with many real challenges at the intersection of entrepreneurialism and societal expectations.
Old Footage
From the archive: This footage was when my second iteration of a band, The Modern Traditional. Our creative identities have changed over time, and it is fun to look back on these earlier days. We are back writing and recording today as Harbours and Half Steps. The creative foundation in these old videos is still being utilized today in our new remote recording project.
Creative Crossword
Get the creative juices flowing and engage your mind with this challenging puzzle focusing on creativity and identity.
Interactive Video With Research
As the strings are plucked, you will be presented with a new peer-reviewed article or informational video. Click the link to dive deeper into the concepts of creative identity and fulfillment through the eyes of experts.
Identity Word Search
Don’t shut that brain off yet! Just as there are many elements involved in searching for our own creative identity, stay sharp by finding these creatively hidden words below…
Ocean Front Interactive Research
Take a load off at the beach and continue to learn more about artistic identity through peer-reviewed research articles. Across research and information throughout this page, these links provide evidence-based support for what it means to be a contemporary artist today, including the process of development. They highlight difficulties achieving and maintaining this identity path in today’s society, including psychosocial, relational, and economic challenges.
Music and Creativity Today
Performance and the role of music in my life have changed over time. They are not less important, but their role has shifted. I am still connected to the guitar in countless ways just not the way I envisioned when I was a young man entering the performance scene. I have had plenty of times feeling lost and guilty for not reaching some of the lofty creative goals I set as an aspiring artist. The beauty of life and having a creative identity is you can always work on it. It is a never-ending pursuit. That is what really matters. What does it do for the creator? The impact that the Art has on the creator is what provides the most fulfillment. That is what establishes the creative identity. If people are connected to that as well, then that is such a bonus. What I thought my creative fulfillment was in my 20’s is much different today, especially now that I am a father. My son is the best of my creative output. The power and impact of that could never have been projected by my younger self.
Credible Media Source Articles
Some extra context and relevancy if you can’t get enough from a different lens.
Digital Story – The Creative Imbalance
Finally, the digital story embodies all of these elements. Complete with all original music written and recorded throughout the story. Tune in and see if you relate.