438 - Something that's a Quick Fix to Overcome a Creative Rut + More with Meera Lee Patel
Jan 24, 2024
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Meera Lee Patel, illustrator on Instagram, and the host discuss the fixed mindset of being a "natural" creatively and the superpower of not being a natural. They talk about their different thinking processes as writers and artists and the challenges of balancing writing and illustration. They explore the journey of leaving a day job to pursue a passion for children's literature and the importance of words and pictures. They also discuss secret projects, self-expression, personal growth, and the significance of self-love and its relationship to creativity.
Approaching creative work from a different perspective can help overcome creative ruts.
Not being a 'natural' in a creative field can be a superpower that leads to growth and unique perspectives.
Embracing one's unique creative voice and finding joy in the creative process is essential for artistic fulfillment.
Deep dives
The Power of Flipping the Script
Mira Lee Patel and Andy J. Pizza discuss the power of approaching creative work from a different perspective. Mira shares her experience of starting a project without relying on words, a departure from her usual approach as a writer. They emphasize the importance of challenging self-limiting beliefs and allowing oneself to be curious and open to new possibilities. Mira also highlights the significance of self-love and self-acceptance in the creative process, encouraging artists to be kind and gentle with themselves.
Embracing the Creative Journey
Mira Lee Patel and Andy J. Pizza discuss the various challenges and doubts that often arise during the creative journey. They delve into the concept of natural talent and the mindset of being a 'natural' in a creative field. Mira shares her experiences of questioning her own abilities as an illustrator, writer, and storyteller. They explore the idea that not being a 'natural' can actually be a superpower, allowing for growth, learning, and the development of unique perspectives and approaches to creativity.
The Intersection of Writing and Illustration
Mira Lee Patel and Andy J. Pizza discuss the intersection of writing and illustration in Mira's creative process. Mira shares her journey of discovering her love for both forms of expression and her initial struggle to balance the two. They discuss the challenges of learning to process thoughts and ideas through drawings as well as words. Mira emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique creative voice and perspective, rather than comparing oneself to others. They also discuss the significance of finding joy and surprise in the creative process.
Building Self-Confidence Through Self-Love
Mira Lee Patel and Andy J. Pizza delve into the importance of self-love and self-confidence in the creative journey. They discuss how self-love can be a powerful tool in combating self-doubt, self-criticism, and fear of failure. Mira shares prompts from her journaling practice that encourage identifying doubtful thoughts and countering them with supportive and encouraging thoughts. They emphasize the value of nurturing oneself with kindness, grace, and acceptance, allowing for personal growth and creative exploration.
Exploring Pivotal Transitions and Emotions
Mira Lee Patel discusses her book of short essays, 'I Choose Me: A Journal of Becoming.' She shares her intention behind the book, which focuses on pivotal moments and transitions in life that often provoke intense emotions. Mira reflects on the theme of loss and grief, particularly through her personal experiences. They discuss the importance of embracing a wide range of emotions and recognizing the value in each of them. Mira expresses gratitude for the opportunity to experience and express the depth of human emotions in her work.
Be mindful the next time you create something and come at it from the opposite end.
SUPPORT THE SHOW
You can support Creative Pep Talk and my creative practice on Patreon (patreon.com/creativepeptalk) or Substack (andyjpizza.substack.com). Either membership provides you access to our monthly Creative Pep Rally Zoom calls, tentatively planned for the last Monday of each month!