3 Quotes that inspire me as a visual creative…… from musicians!
Obviously without question I am visual creative. However, my first love, man and boy, has always been music. It gets me excited and gets me emotional. It sets the tone of my day and lyrics and icons of the craft feed my morals and ideals in my creative visual practice more so than have been fed by my peers in the creative industry.
Not to say that I'm not inspired and excited by the wealth of artistic talent and icons out in the world. It’s just because music speaks to me more than visual art has ever done and it’s no wonder that inspiration from music and musicians has had a strong influence.
Below are three quotes that form and have inspired a lot of what I am about as a creative.
One: Kurt Cobain
“I want to do something different, really different and if that alienates people that’s too bad”
Speaking in 1993 I think it was, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana was teasing the idea of taking his music in a new direction. Of course the following year he passed away and the world never got to hear that new thing.
For me, I feel like I understand the need and urge to grow as a creative person. Be confident enough to evolve and do my thing regardless of what people think. I never want to alienate people though but I don’t necessarily want to feel like I can’t do something because someone might not like it. The core of what I am is an artist and to play, experiment and try new things is what being an artist is about.
Two: David Bowie
“If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.”
This quote forms the basis for me in my practice to get out of my comfort zone and keep things exciting. Within my own self initiated work that is evident when I try new things and allow time for myself to play. In my commission work 9 times out of 10 I always feel out of my comfort zone. Maybe it’s imposter syndrome, I don't know. Whatever the case I am confident in my abilities of illustration and animation but client’s needs are so different and with every job comes new things to interpret and bring to life and learn.
I accept I’m out of my depth at times but something in me rises to the surface and gets things done. That for me is exciting and part of the buzz of this job. And when one job is done and the next commission comes along, I go a little bit further out than before and the journey continues again, on and on!
Three: Jimi Hendrix
“I wouldn't say that I'm the greatest guitarist ever. I'd probably say that I'm the greatest guitarist sitting in this chair.”
Having humility is very key for me with this quote and in my life as a creative. I just want to evolve and grow in the right way and keep improving my own best over time. That said, the notion of humility can be thought of as downplaying one's ability. I don’t think that’s what Mr Hendrix meant and it’s definitely not what I feel. Whilst I am modest, I am however, in the work I do and in the chair I'm sitting very confident and pleased in my own ability as a creative. What I try to do in life and work is not compare myself to others and to not think I’m better than the next. I'm good at what I do, you’re good at what you do, no one is better than anyone else and we raise everyone up to be great.
That last one was a bit of a ramble but hopefully you get my point and hopefully you’ve found these quotes and explanations interesting! Thank you for reading and enjoy the rest of your week :)
Pete