Ever wondered about the dichotomy of artists' lives and their magnificent art pieces? Could personal turmoil be a necessary ingredient for artistic greatness, or is it an outdated myth? How can you embrace uncertainty and adapt your beliefs to foster creativity? Is it possible that your messy desk could be the breeding ground for your next creative masterpiece?

Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad

Whenever Austin Kleon, the author, hears about "the creative journey," he rolls his eyes. It sounds too grandiose. His journey is the ten-foot walk from his house to the garage studio, facing a blank page every day, feeling more like Sisyphus than Odysseus.

Remember Phil Connors in Groundhog Day? He relived February 2nd repeatedly, trapped in Punxsutawney. His question to the drunks at the bowling alley, “What would you do if you were stuck in one place, and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?” applies to all of us. Our answer is our art.

The creative life isn't linear but cyclical, like Phil's endless loop. After each project, we return to a new starting point. There's no "arrival" in the creative world—only daily practice. Successful artists know this; they have routines to shield them from the chaos of life.

A routine, rather than restricting freedom, grants it by helping us make the most of our limited time and talent. Each day’s routine shapes our lives, as Annie Dillard said, "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."

Lists can also bring order from chaos. They help clear mental space, prioritize tasks, and keep anxiety at bay. Whether it’s a to-do list, a list of ideas, or a list of what not to do, lists are tools for organizing our creative lives.

Not every day turns out as planned. Some days we just get through. As Emerson advised, "Finish every day and be done with it." Forgive yourself, list your accomplishments, and plan for tomorrow. Each day is a blank page; only time will reveal its worth.

Can Connors' Groundhog Day Teach Us the Secret to Creative Success?

Creativity thrives on a delicate balance between connection and disconnection. In a world flooded with constant notifications and news, finding time and space to retreat and focus deeply on your work is essential. Joseph Campbell's idea of a "bliss station," a dedicated time or place free from external distractions, can be a sanctuary for creative incubation. Whether it's a specific room or a quiet hour, this sacred retreat allows you to explore and develop your creativity.

Tim Kreider captures this duality perfectly: immersing yourself in the world to find inspiration, then withdrawing from it to create. Silence and solitude are crucial, especially in our hyper-connected age. Thomas Merton emphasized the need to clear mental clutter to think clearly, while Gertrude Stein noted the loss of common sense amidst constant information.

A practical tip is to avoid starting your day with the news. Director Francis Ford Coppola works best early in the morning when he’s undisturbed, and Henry David Thoreau found his attention too valuable to waste on newspapers. Instead, begin your day with activities that nurture your inner balance—whether it’s heading to your bliss station, exercising, or simply enjoying a quiet breakfast.

Artist Nina Katchadourian transforms mundane airplane rides into creative adventures using her smartphone. Her project, Seat Assignment, shows how creativity can flourish even in restrictive environments. This idea can be applied on the ground by using airplane mode to disconnect and focus on your work.

Learning to say "no" is vital to protect your creative time. Writer Oliver Sacks used a "NO!" sign to guard his writing hours, while Le Corbusier maintained distinct identities for his painting and architecture work. The concept of JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out) encourages embracing the peace that comes from skipping social activities to focus on your art.

Ultimately, creativity requires a balance of engaging with the world for inspiration and withdrawing from it to create. By finding your bliss station, protecting your time, and embracing solitude, you can nurture your creative spirit and produce meaningful work.

Unlocking Creativity: Joseph Campbell's Bliss Station and the Art of Solitude

Dave Hickey once said, “You have to have done something before you can be said to have done something.” This highlights an important truth: many people desire the title without putting in the work. They want to be recognized as an artist, musician, or architect without actually engaging in the process. Instead of fixating on the noun, focus on the verb—the actual work.

Job titles can mislead us, making us believe we need to act in a way that fits the title rather than the work itself. This can limit our creativity and exploration. If you see yourself solely as a painter, what happens when you want to write? If you wait for a title before you start working, you may never begin.

Children exemplify this through play, which Maria Montessori described as "the work of the child." They are deeply invested in the process, not the result. My own son, Jules, at two years old, cared more about the act of drawing than the final product. This sense of play is just as crucial for adults, especially artists.

Great artists maintain a sense of playfulness. Kurt Vonnegut once advised high school students to write a poem, then tear it up. The act of creating was the reward. He often suggested making art and then destroying it as a spiritual exercise.

If you've lost your playfulness, try practicing just for the sake of it. Musicians can jam without recording, writers can type and discard pages, and photographers can delete photos. New tools and materials can bring back the fun. Sometimes, making the worst art you can think of can be incredibly liberating.

Engage with the world like a child—play hide-and-seek, finger paint, or build and knock down block towers. Writer Lawrence Weschler uses his own set of wooden blocks to structure his pieces. Sol LeWitt once advised Eva Hesse to practice being stupid, dumb, and unthinking to allow genuine creation.

Don't get bogged down by titles. Stay light. Play.

Can Playfulness in Art Unlock Your Creativity?

It drives Austin crazy how we often push our friends to monetize their hobbies. A friend knits a beautiful scarf and we say, "You could sell this on Etsy!" Another bakes a delicious cake, and we suggest, "You should start a bakery!" We've turned hobbies into "side hustles," praising talents by suggesting they become professions. 

As jobs become unstable, we see our hobbies as potential income streams. Austin Kleon was fortunate to get paid for what he loves, but turning passion into a livelihood can be risky. It can quickly turn love into hate. It’s important to keep a part of your creative practice off-limits from monetization.

Artists and freelancers need to manage their finances wisely. Keep overhead low for maximum artistic freedom. The equation is simple: "Do what you love" + low overhead = a good life. 

Another challenge? The obsession with online metrics. Website visits, likes, shares—these numbers can corrupt your creative process. An Amazon rank doesn’t tell you if someone loved your book. A viral post doesn’t mean it’s your best work. Ignore the numbers sometimes; focus on the qualitative aspect. Does it make you happy? 

John Green advises, "Don’t make stuff for money or fame. Make gifts for people and work hard on those gifts." Success should be on your terms, not others'. When the market takes over, art can lose its gift element. Combat this by making gifts. 

When feeling disenchanted, make something for someone special. It rekindles your love for your work. Many beloved stories started as gifts for someone specific—Winnie-the-Pooh, Pippi Longstocking, The Hobbit. Making gifts connects us to our gifts.

Quincy Jones and John Green on Keeping Art a Gift, Not a Side Hustle

Bill Cunningham once said, "He who seeks beauty will find it." This philosophy perfectly encapsulates the work of Sister Mary Corita Kent, an art teacher in the 1960s who found divine beauty in everyday advertisements and signs. Inspired by Andy Warhol, she transformed common items into spiritual messages through screen printing. She saw God in the mundane, making ordinary things "uncommon."

This way of seeing beauty in the ordinary is a hallmark of great artists. Harvey Pekar created compelling comics from his life as a file clerk. Emily Dickinson wrote timeless poetry on scraps of paper. Sally Mann captured her children's lives on their farm with stunning photography. These artists didn't need extraordinary circumstances to create extraordinary work—they found magic in their everyday lives.

To truly see the world, we must slow down. Art critic Peter Clothier discovered this through meditation and started "One Hour/One Painting" sessions to help people truly observe art. Drawing is another tool to slow down and see deeply. Cartoonist Chris Ware notes that drawing shifts us from a state of anxiety to one of presence, making us see the world anew.

Your attention is your most valuable asset. By focusing on what you care about, you shape your life. Keeping a diary or sketchbook can help you track what captures your interest and reveal your true passions. Paying attention to your life not only provides material for your art but also helps you fall in love with your life. As John Tarrant said, "Attention is the most basic form of love."

In short, you don't need an extraordinary life to make extraordinary art. By slowing down and paying attention, you can find beauty in the everyday and transform your life into a work of art.

Can Ordinary Moments Spark Extraordinary Art?

Ben Shahn once said, “However glorious the history of art, the history of artists is quite another matter.” It’s a poignant reminder that while art can be magnificent, the lives of artists often tell a different story. 

Consider Andy Rooney's remark about Kurt Cobain: “No one’s art is better than the person who creates it.” This statement doesn’t hold up when you explore the annals of art history, teeming with creators who were less than savory in their personal lives. Jenny Offill calls them “Art Monsters”—those who, despite their flaws, create beauty and meaning.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, reconciling the fact that someone capable of reprehensible behavior can also craft something deeply moving. Yet, it’s a reality we must navigate. We all have our own inner Art Monsters. We’re complex, with our own personal failings. But if art doesn’t offer us a chance to transcend our imperfections, what is its purpose?

Thankfully, our culture is beginning to question the myth that personal turmoil is a necessary ingredient for artistic greatness. The notion that being a flawed human is excused by creating great work is fading. Art Monsters are losing their allure, and rightly so. True art should uplift, not destroy.

Sarah Manguso captures this beautifully: “The purpose of being a serious writer is to keep people from despair.” Art should enhance life. If creating it harms you or others, it’s time to reconsider your path. As Adam Phillips suggests, art isn’t the solution to suffering—it might actually be part of the problem. If your art adds more misery to the world, perhaps it’s time to quit and find a different calling.

Mike Birbiglia advises, “Don’t rule out quitting.” There are many ways to contribute positively to the world. Perhaps your true talent lies in teaching, charity work, or inventing something delightful. The world needs decent human beings more than it needs tortured artists. As Claes Oldenburg put it, “I am for an art that helps old ladies across the street.” Art is for life, not the other way around.

Art Monsters: The Complex Legacy of Creative Giants

Scott Fitzgerald once said, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.” This perfectly captures the essence of changing one’s mind and embracing uncertainty. A former climate change skeptic admitted, “If you’ve never changed your mind about something, pinch yourself; you may be dead.” This highlights how important it is to re-evaluate our beliefs and adapt.

In today’s world, changing your mind can be seen as a weakness, especially in politics and on social media, where everyone is expected to be a brand. But real growth and creativity stem from uncertainty. Artists like Donald Barthelme and John Cage thrived on not knowing where their explorations would take them. Screenwriter Charlie Kaufman described his work as sitting at a desk without knowing what to do, embracing the unknown.

Hope, as painter Gerhard Richter and writer Rebecca Solnit put it, is about moving forward despite uncertainty. To create and think freely, you need spaces where you can experiment without judgment. Unfortunately, the internet, with its pressure to maintain a consistent brand, isn’t the best place for this. Instead, find your “bliss station,” whether it’s a studio, a journal, or a circle of trusted friends.

Thinking independently is a social process, as Alan Jacobs explains in "How to Think." We need diverse interactions to challenge and refine our ideas. Hanging out with like-hearted people, those who are open and thoughtful, can help us explore new perspectives.

Reading old books can also provide valuable insights and help you think differently. C.S. Lewis advocated for reading old books to correct contemporary mistakes, and Seneca believed that reading allows us to access the wisdom of all ages. The past is rich with lessons that remain relevant today.

So, if you want to embrace uncertainty and grow, seek out diverse interactions, find safe spaces to think, and delve into the past. It’s through these practices that we can continue to evolve and create in meaningful ways.

Can Embracing Uncertainty Spark Your Creativity?

Ellen Ullman once said, “The disorder of the desk, the floor; the yellow Post-it notes everywhere; the whiteboards covered with scrawl: all this is the outward manifestation of the messiness of human thought.” 

In a world obsessed with tidiness, thanks to shows like Hoarders and Marie Kondo’s bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, there’s a strong push to declutter. However, for artists, a messy studio can be a wellspring of creativity. My studio, filled with books, newspapers, and cut-up scraps, is a testament to this. Creativity thrives on connections, which often happen when things are out of place.

While tidiness might boost efficiency, it doesn’t necessarily spark creativity. In fact, the most creative moments often come from a bit of chaos. As Anthony Bourdain noted in Kitchen Confidential, readiness is key. Chefs practice mise en place, ensuring everything is set before they start cooking. Similarly, cartoonist Kevin Huizenga believes a studio doesn't need to look organized to be functional. John T. Unger aptly puts it: “Keep your tools organized and your materials messy.”

Tidying up can be productive procrastination. It’s not about achieving perfect order but about rediscovering forgotten gems. Austin Kleon often stumble upon unfinished poems or drawings while tidying, which reignites his creativity. Tidying becomes a form of exploration, leading to new ideas.

Naps, too, are underrated tools for creativity. Neuroscientists explain that sleep clears out brain toxins. Artists like Salvador Dalí and Philip Roth had unique napping techniques to harness this creative power. My favorite? The “caffeine nap”: drink coffee, nap for fifteen minutes, and then get back to work.

The greatest tidying happens outside the studio. Writer David Sedaris, for example, spends hours picking up trash, turning discarded debris into essays. Artists often transform chaos into beauty, finding art in the ugly and repulsive.

Instead of slogans like “MAKE YOUR MARK” or “MOVE FAST AND BREAK THINGS,” perhaps we need ones that encourage mending and repairing. “FIRST, DO NO HARM” or “LEAVE THINGS BETTER THAN YOU FOUND THEM” could be a start. Art should help tidy the world, showing beauty in unexpected places.

Embrace the Chaos: Unleashing Creativity with Marie Kondo, and Anthony Bourdain

Almost every morning, Austin Kleon and his wife load their two sons into a red double stroller and take a three-mile walk around their neighborhood. Come rain or shine, it’s their daily ritual. They talk, make plans, rant about politics, and chat with neighbors. This walk is where ideas are born and books are edited. 

Walking is truly a magic cure for clear thinking. Diogenes the Cynic said it best two millennia ago: “It is solved by walking.” Many famous artists, poets, and scientists, from Wallace Stevens to Friedrich Nietzsche, took strolls to fuel their creativity. Charles Dickens even wrote about his twenty-mile marathons around London, saying he’d explode without them. Thoreau spent four hours a day walking in the woods, claiming it made his thoughts flow.

Walking is not just good for creativity but also for physical, spiritual, and mental health. Director Ingmar Bergman told his daughter, “The demons hate fresh air.” Indeed, walking helps battle inner and outer demons alike, providing a break from the screens that numb our senses and distort our reality.

James Baldwin emphasized the importance of sensory experiences, warning that losing touch with them makes us distrust our own reactions. When glued to our screens, the world seems unreal and terrible. But stepping outside, walking, and engaging with our surroundings can change that perspective, bringing us back to our senses and restoring our vision of the world.

So, get outside every day. Walk alone or with a friend, a loved one, or a dog. Take a litter-picking walk like David Sedaris or simply explore your neighborhood. Keep a notebook or camera handy to capture thoughts and images. Embrace the fresh air and see the possibilities around you.

Can Walking Unlock Your Creativity?

After thirty years as a nun in Los Angeles, Corita Kent moved to Boston to live quietly and focus on her art. Her new apartment had a big bay window with a maple tree outside, which she loved to observe as it changed with the seasons. This tree became her great teacher, symbolizing the cyclical nature of creativity. “The beauty it produced in spring was only because of what it went through during the winter,” said her former student Mickey Myers.

The tree's transformation mirrored Kent’s own life and creative process. She saw her creativity as having seasons, each with its purpose. In the winter, the tree seemed dead, but it was undergoing a deep process leading to a vibrant spring. Kent's reflections were echoed by George Carlin, who criticized society's obsession with constant progress, emphasizing the importance of reflection and learning from mistakes.

Drawing inspiration from nature, Kent and other artists like Henry David Thoreau and Rainer Maria Rilke taught us to live in tune with natural cycles. Observing the seasons can help us understand our own rhythms and be patient during the off-seasons. Great things often happen quietly and require time to develop.

Our culture tends to celebrate early successes, but true inspiration can be found in those who persist and flourish later in life. Bill Cunningham, Joan Rivers, and Pablo Casals are examples of people who continued their passions well into old age. The wisdom of these individuals shows that lasting success often comes from patience and dedication.

Leonard Woolf's planting of irises during the rise of Hitler serves as a metaphor for planting seeds of hope amid despair. Gardening, like art, requires patience and attention, offering a unique perspective on time.

In times of overwhelming life, focus on filling your days with meaningful activities. Keep working, playing, drawing, listening, and dreaming. Keep doing your verbs, whatever they may be. Keep going.

Corita Kent and the Seasons of Creativity: Lessons from Nature and Icons

Laurie Anderson once said, "Make the most beautiful thing you can. Try to do that every day." This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of the creative journey. Our daily routines, much like Phil Connors in Groundhog Day, may feel repetitive, but they are the foundation of our art.

Creativity is cyclical, not linear. It's about facing the blank page, day after day, with routines that shield us from life's chaos. Annie Dillard reminds us that "How we spend our days is how we spend our lives." Lists, routines, and forgiveness for unproductive days are tools to navigate this journey.

In a world of constant notifications, finding solitude is essential. Joseph Campbell's "bliss station"—a distraction-free retreat—helps foster creativity. Tim Kreider suggests immersing in the world for inspiration, then withdrawing to create, emphasizing the balance between connection and solitude.

Protecting creative time is crucial. Oliver Sacks used a "NO!" sign to guard his hours, while the concept of JOMO (Joy Of Missing Out) encourages skipping social activities to focus on art. Creativity thrives on engaging with the world for inspiration and withdrawing to create.

Don't let titles limit you. Focus on the verb—the act of creating. Children exemplify this through play, deeply invested in the process, not the result. Great artists like Kurt Vonnegut maintained a sense of playfulness, suggesting making art for the joy of it.

Avoid monetizing every hobby. Turning passion into a livelihood can be risky. John Green advises making gifts for people and working hard on those gifts. Focus on qualitative aspects—does it make you happy?

Artists like Sister Mary Corita Kent and Harvey Pekar found beauty in the mundane, transforming everyday life into extraordinary art. By slowing down and paying attention, we can find beauty in the everyday.

Art should uplift, not destroy. The notion that personal turmoil is necessary for artistic greatness is fading. True art enhances life. If creating it harms you or others, reconsider your path. The world needs decent human beings more than tortured artists.

Embrace uncertainty and change your mind. Real growth and creativity stem from uncertainty. Spaces free from judgment are essential for creative exploration. Seek diverse interactions and read old books for valuable insights.

Messiness can spark creativity. A bit of chaos leads to connections and new ideas. Tidying up can be productive procrastination, leading to rediscovered gems. Naps, too, are underrated tools for creativity.

Walking fuels creativity and clears the mind. Many famous artists and thinkers took strolls to inspire their work. Engaging with the world through walking helps restore perspective and vision.

Corita Kent's observation of a maple tree taught her about the cyclical nature of creativity. Embrace your own rhythms and be patient during off-seasons. Great things often happen quietly and require time to develop.

In times of overwhelming life, focus on meaningful activities. Keep working, playing, drawing, listening, and dreaming. Keep doing your verbs, whatever they may be. Keep going.

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