I got the worst creative coaching advice
"Creativity is such an act of masterb*tion on it's own. You need to connect with your audience."
You read that right. This was the advice I received from a coach recently.
(For context: my question specifically was about writer's block and working on two different genres of writing projects.)
And while I wholeheartedly agree that coaching can be integral to the growth process for all professionals (yes, even coaches have coaches and I'm no different), this is possibly the worst advice I have ever heard regarding the creative process.
If you're creating for the purpose of a transaction, such as:
🤝 taking part in community
💼 networking
💰 exchanging your creation for money
🫶 social change
then, yes by all means, don your marketing hat and we'll cheers to all the creative ways you can connect with your audience in order to bridge the gap between what you make and who it's for.
But this is a huge problem for creatives. Because when we create ONLY for the other, we get lost in the performance over the craft.
The state of flow does not exist simply for the purpose of self-gratification. (Let's face it, if it did, there would be countless products to artificially engineer this for productivity.) Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's research on flow encompasses "the positive acts of the human experience--joy, creativity, the process of total involvement with life". Your experience is just that--YOURS. And while ownership of this is a radical response to a world so taken by hustle culture, it certainly gives "saying no to make room for yes" a whole new meaning.
Just as so many great writers have said, "write what you know," the act of creation is the synthesis of everything you are and doing so fearlessly. It takes a lot of courage to fiercely curate a life worth living and one that inspires you.
The relationship you have to your innermost self is crucial to the creative process because it is an act of self expression. So, trusting your inner voice (including when to disregard irrelevant or downright unhelpful advice) is a crucial part of the creative process. And having a good coach that knows how to listen and help you tune into this voice doesn't hurt either. 😉
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If you're new here, I'm Caitlan, your Creativity Coach and Artist Advocate. Let's talk about how we can build the confidence in your inner artist to create what means the most to you.
Interested in finding your creativity type? Try this quiz: CaitlanTrewhella.com/creative-resources
Creative coaching often emphasizes the importance of connecting with your audience, but this approach can sometimes hinder the creative process rather than help it. When creatives focus solely on fulfilling other people’s expectations or marketing their work, they risk losing the authentic essence of their craft. This disconnect can lead to feelings of frustration, burnout, or writer’s block, especially if you’re juggling multiple projects or genres. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's research on flow highlights that true creativity comes from a deeply personal and joyful engagement with your work—an experience that’s entirely your own. It's not just about pleasing an external audience but about immersing yourself fully in the process and finding intrinsic satisfaction. This concept challenges the popular idea that creativity should always be transactional or performative. For writers and artists struggling with creative blocks, it’s essential to cultivate a strong relationship with your inner voice. This means learning to trust your instincts and sometimes ignoring generic or ill-fitting advice—even from coaches. Genuine creativity arises when you synthesize your personal experiences, knowledge, and emotions fearlessly into your work. While community, networking, and monetization are valid reasons to share your creations, they shouldn’t overshadow the importance of crafting for yourself. Embracing this mindset can help you preserve your creative energy and produce work that truly resonates, both with you and, eventually, with others. If you're exploring your creative identity or seeking ways to overcome blocks, consider approaches that honor your individuality rather than conforming to external pressures. Taking quizzes or assessments to discover your creativity type can be helpful tools to better understand your unique process and how to nurture it effectively. A coach who listens and helps you tune into your inner self without imposing a one-size-fits-all solution can be a valuable ally in this journey. Remember, creativity is not just an act of connection—it’s also an act of self-expression and self-care. Learning to balance these aspects will lead to more fulfilling, sustainable creative work.