Abandon Being "Gifted"

For Artists Who Feel Less Than Exceptional

Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash

I used to have that artistic gift, but I lost it! What do I do now?

Do you practice?

No, but artists with “the gift” are simply exceptional. Everyone else is an imposter.

I don’t think you even believe that bullshit.

It’s true! Some people are artists, and some people are normal, boring—being artistic is something you’re born with. I had “it” once, but I’ve lost my mojo. Now I’ll be mediocre forever.

Dramatic much?

FOR-EV-ER!

Here’s a theory—what if everyone is an artist?

Nope. No way.

If you define art based on specific categories, marketable mediums—visual art, dance, music, sculpture, etc—I mean, there are general categories, but as you start to get deeper into those categories, they begin to expand almost infinitely. 

No, we can’t say everything is art. Reel it back. Reel it back.

Even if we were to reel it back—you’re a writer…

I guess so.

You do ten other things, but let’s start with writing. A basketball player wouldn’t be expected to play a championship game without practicing for hours. Why do you, an artist, expect to create a masterpiece in one sitting? 

Because that’s what we do. We’re inspired by the cosmos. We’re struck by lightening bursts of inspiration. We don’t practice. Plus, I like the challenge. I like stressing myself out.

Are you done with the self harm?

Your artistic craft (whatever the genre) is a muscle you need to stretch and strengthen. No artist is an island. No artist produces wonderful work without practice. That’s how you win. And the beautiful part is

you’re really only competing with yourself.

Prompt (If You Choose to Accept it)

Write about the limiting beliefs that hold you back from art-making. Name them. Where do they come from? Next, write a eulogy for each one.