Creative Block is a weekly newsletter that gives you a glimpse into my life, creativity, design, and music. It's like a little pick-me-up that you get delivered straight to your inbox each week.
I recently received an invitation to an event, which unexpectedly set me on a profound introspective journey. They asked me to specify the title I wanted displayed beneath my name, and this seemingly straightforward request ignited a profound contemplation of my true identity. Who am I at my core? What defines me? Am I predominantly a Designer, Illustrator, Musician or Photographer? For the past three years, I've embraced the label of a "Multidisciplinary artist" because, alongside my skill in design and photograph, I've been playing the keyboard for the past 20 years.
However, as of late, I've observed a growing number of individuals who also embrace the "Multidisciplinary artist" title, effortlessly excelling in various creative domains, including painting, design, drawing, and photography. This observation has sparked doubt within me, making me question whether I'm worthy of this title.
Some people have called an "illustrator", but I don't always perceive myself primarily an artist that can draw. Others have categorized me as a "digital artist," and at times, I worry if I've become pigeonholed by this label. I even find myself contemplating whether I'd still be considered a skilled artist (with the digital skills I have now) if all I had at my disposal were paper and crayons. Would my digital artwork translate well into the physical? Did I take a shortcut to success by embracing digital tools?
These questions have consumed my thoughts recently. Just last night, I turned to my wife, seeking her perspective on whether my skills are versatile enough to tackle larger projects that don't necessarily involve merging photography and design. Her response was reassuring, emphasizing that I've been securing those types projects that require my skillset because I excel in that fusion (Photography and design( and these companies see that.
Nevertheless, deep down, I can't help but wonder if I am truly as good of an artist as others believe me to be.
When major corporations such as Amazon, Apple, Nike, and The Oscars approached me, I habitually questioned, "Why me?" It was a somewhat defeatist attitude. However, a friend of mine pointed out,
"Why not you? You've diligently worked to reach this point. You've cultivated a style deserving of attention and admiration. You've been faithful to with the gift God has given you and you’ve been a good steward of it"
Yet, despite these affirmations, I sometimes find myself doubting whether it's enough. There are moments when I consider learning how to draw, make 3d objects, or paint, as if it would lead to a deeper appreciation of my work or make me more "marketable" to clients. Perhaps I'm overthinking, or perhaps not. I know as an artist it’s important to keep growing, but I have to make sure my WHY is aligned, if not I could lose myself trying to learn new things (This is how I feel right now with learning cinema 4d)
As I grapple with defining my artistic identity, I'm finding comfort in the fluidity of it all.I wish I could wrap up this contemplation with a definitive answer, but I don't have one.
But, just maybe, as long as I'm a student in this creative journey, I can find comfort in the title: Jack of many trades, Master of None.
*Conversation (Comment below)
Do you struggle with defining your own title or identity? If so, how have you navigated this journey of self-discovery? Has your perception of your artistic self evolved over time? I invite you to share your insights and experiences; they may offer valuable guidance to those of us still exploring the nuances of our creative identities.
→Artist to know
Khyati Trehan | An amazing artist. I love how she fuses her love for science, experimentation and visual language together to create work with impactful meaning.
UNWRP | A black woman (Ashley) owned business that specializes in sustainable gift wrapping options (They even make scarves, pillows, blankets etc) I highly suggest you check them out. Oh and i’m working with Ashley to make my own custom scarves and wrapping paper this fall so be on the look out :).
Zerb Mellish | a Humble and amazing artist who’s work really speaks to me. The lighting, the emotion and the composition in his work really steps him apart. He’s also going to be our first instructor at THE TX STUDIO for our first Workshop on Lighting. If you’re in dallas, you can get the tickets here. Workshop will be September 30th / 10am - 2pm
→Quote of the week
First, Temi I can’t thank you enough for your vulnerability and the power you have to express your feelings so vividly and eloquently. Second, I also deal with this. I have constant talks with my mentor about what I call myself. “Multidisciplinary creative/artist” is the word I go to, but my mentor has told me, “You can be good at many things, but what are you the best at” and even with his question, I feel like the answer still boxes me from all of what I can do. He’s an EVP with lots of creative experience and he’s said, he thinks he’s a great photographer, but he’s worked beside some of the best photographers. And so he honors their work, their time, and their experience by not calling himself such. It’s tricky thinking. But definitely things I go back and forth about.
Thank you for writing about your own thought process in dealing with this Temi. I think it’s something a lot of us can relate to. I find that it’s a difficult question to answer largely because as society we’re putting people in simplified boxes. We want a definition and an easy answer to “what do you do?” When really there is so much more than what we do for work that defines us. Certainly as artists, we know that to be true but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier to land on the “thing” we feel is right to define ourselves by. For me I usually lead with “artist and writer” and then see if that sparks enough interest in a conversation to go a little deeper. For a long time I wasn’t sure if I was “allowed” to use either but I think the more I say it, the easier it has become. I also think that changing how we define ourselves is part of our lifetime of navigation. What fits today maybe doesn’t fit tomorrow and that’s very much part of the process. And thank you for the links, it’s so nice to discover new artists!