Whatever you’re doing, do it as an artist. In your real live human creativity is where you’ll find your great value.”
~ R. Marston
I came across this quote on @iamdiddy’s timeline some time ago. Like, hate or love this guy, you have to admit he’s insanely obsessed with marketing and maintaining his brand. Some may not consider him an “artist” because he doesn’t “write his own raps,” but he has the makings of an artist and knows how to channel that in others.
The quote remained with me.
I reflected on it when I attended a special showing of Salvador Dali: The Late Years at the High Museum in Atlanta. I would gaze up at his pieces wondering how in the world does a person create this? To start at one dot and keep going until you have this breathtaking image that requires you to step back. And many of the pieces encompassed images from other pieces–his art was like a never-ending story.
PIN IT! Being silly with my signature Dali mustache. 2 a.m. + 20 degrees and the line wrapped around the museum a few times!
I thought, “He had to be insane!”
At first I felt that maybe I agreed with it so much because I am an “artist.” (SN: Artist sounds and feels so pretentious to me, thus the quotations!).
The more and more I thought about it, I recognized that the characteristics of a true artist are applicable in any setting, industry, position or dream. We all are (and should be) artists.
Think about it.
Artists take a blank canvas and start something. They believe wholeheartedly in something that doesn’t even exist yet. Even more they commit to each line, shade, and stroke not necessarily knowing where it will take them. They dedicate themselves to the vision even though there isn’t a guaranteed return on investment of creativity, work and sleep.
Sounds insane right? I bet if you ask any artist–or really any driven person–what it’s like to be without their craft, they will probably claim insanity!
Something special happens when you tap into your creativity and approach life like an artist. Consider being an “artist” at your j-o-b, in your family, among friends and most importantly in your purpose.
Start. Believe. Commit. Dedicate.