Become Disciplined – Quite the Paradox for a Creative
Discipline and creativity may feel like opposites, but in truth they fuel each other. For any artist, maker, or storyteller, finding structure is not about limiting your spark — it’s about giving it the space to shine.
In today’s world of instant downloads and global reach, organizing yourself (and your art) is no longer optional — it’s essential.
Practical Steps Toward Creative Discipline
1. Organise Yourself
Start with the basics. Keep your files neat, your computer folders clear, and your workspace ready to go. Chaos drains energy, while order gives it back.
2. Group Your Images
Store photos and artwork in relevant collections or series. That way, ideas are always at hand when you’re ready to share or create.
3. Plan Your Creative Releases
Choose a rhythm that fits — weekly, monthly, or seasonally — and stick with it. Consistency builds trust with your audience. If you say something is “coming soon,” make sure it does.
4. Expect Mistakes
What worked yesterday might not work today. That’s not failure, it’s progress. Be ready to adapt, refine, and start again.
5. Keep Going Until it Works
Results rarely appear overnight. Persistence — even through frustration — is part of the journey.
6. Practice Mindfulness
Share quotes, reflections, or small moments. They help you (and others) connect on a deeper level. Humanity shines through honesty.
7. Show Your Soul Online
The web isn’t just a shopfront; it’s a stage for your voice. Let it reflect who you are, spark reactions, and yes — sometimes lead to a cart sale.
8. Use Technology, Don’t Fear It
Tools like YouTube or ChatGPT aren’t “easy buttons.” They still need your vision, words, and ideas. Think of them as extensions of your creativity, not shortcuts.
A Daily Note on Creating
Don’t wait for the perfect project. Create something — anything — every day:
- Pick flowers
- Cook a meal
- Rearrange a room
- Set a table beautifully
- Make a decoration
These small acts matter. They brighten your own day and ripple outward to others.
And please, don’t ever think it’s “too late” to try something creative. It isn’t. The only expectation is the joy it brings you.
“Discipline is not the opposite of creativity — it is the frame that allows colour, memory, and imagination to shine.”
— Nicky Bourke