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Deconstructing the Myth of Constant Creativity: A Path to Authentic Artistic Expression

Writer's picture: Lorin GottliebLorin Gottlieb
Man working alone on his computer

As an artist, it’s easy to feel like you’re always expected to be in a perpetual state of creation, effortlessly generating new ideas, images, or words at every turn. There’s a cultural assumption that creativity flows like an unending stream for those blessed with "natural talent." How many times have we heard someone say, “Oh, they’re a writer, it must be easy for them to come up with stories,” or “They’re so creative, painting probably comes naturally”?


While these sentiments may be well-meaning, they actually add pressure that can be paralyzing for artists. The expectation to be endlessly creative—to embody the very essence of “artist”—can stifle the artistic process itself. This is especially true for individuals who have grown up hearing that creativity is an inherent part of their identity. Ironically, those who are frequently praised for their "creative flair" often struggle the most with self-doubt. They may become trapped by an invisible standard, believing that their ideas or work must reach a certain level of innovation or uniqueness in order to be valid.


This burden of expectation can lead to creative block, but not because the artist lacks ideas. In fact, most blocked artists are brimming with potential, often with sketchbooks full of concepts, notes, and unfinished drafts. The real issue lies in a deeper belief that these ideas are not "good enough" or "original enough." They become trapped in a cycle of second-guessing and perfectionism, convinced that unless they produce something groundbreaking, they don’t deserve the title of “artist.”


The Pressure of Originality


The myth of originality is one of the most damaging misconceptions in the creative world. Society often romanticizes the idea of an artist as someone who draws entirely new ideas from thin air, a unique visionary who reinvents the wheel with every stroke of the brush or word on the page. However, this notion is not only unrealistic but fundamentally flawed. Art does not exist in a vacuum, and every creation is shaped by the artist’s experiences, influences, and interpretations. The quest for radical originality can be a barrier that stops artists from engaging with their own stories and perspectives—both of which are inherently valuable.


The obsession with originality can also blind artists to the fact that their voice is already unique. No one else has lived your life or sees the world through your eyes. Your interpretation of familiar themes, subjects, or ideas can be just as powerful as any “original” concept.


Redefining the Creative Process


In working with many artists, I’ve found that the key to overcoming these self-imposed barriers is to help individuals reconnect with their personal story and understand that their point of view, in and of itself, is worth expressing. Creativity is not a competition to see who can come up with the most novel idea. Rather, it’s about finding authenticity in the way you interpret and express the world around you.


Artists often discover their most impactful work when they allow themselves to lean into their experiences and emotional truths, rather than chasing the impossible ideal of perfect originality. When an artist begins to trust that their perspective is enough, they free themselves from the shackles of self-doubt and begin to create with more confidence, flow, and joy.





What if instead of striving for "original" ideas, artists embraced the idea that their voice, no matter how familiar or simple it may feel, is already good enough? This shift in mindset allows for a more sustainable and authentic creative process. By removing the pressure to be perpetually groundbreaking, artists can return to the heart of why they create in the first place: to explore, to express, and to connect with others.


The truth is, every idea has already been thought of in some form. What matters most is how you, as an individual, interpret that idea and bring it to life through your own lens. This is where true creativity lies—not in the pressure to be original, but in the courage to share your unique perspective.


In conclusion, creativity is not a mystical, effortless process, nor is it the domain of only the most talented or “original” among us. It’s a journey that requires vulnerability, patience, and, above all, self-compassion. For those struggling with creative blocks, the first step to reclaiming their voice is understanding that their story is enough, their ideas are enough, and, in the end, *they* are enough. When artists release themselves from the need to meet an impossible standard, they can finally embrace the freedom to create.

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