Are you an artist or musician who wants to take their craft to the next level? One of the key elements that can set you apart from the rest is curiosity. Curiosity is a crucial trait for anyone who wants to excel in the arts, and it can help you to grow, develop your skills, and create work that is truly unique and engaging.
If you are lucky enough to have an innate sense of curiosity, be grateful! This will enrich your life and creativity forever. However, if curiosity isn't quite innate for you, there are some ways you can force it upon yourself.
What can you do?
1. Explore
As a creative, you likely have a desire to explore, learn, and understand. Curiosity is what drives us to ask questions, seek out new experiences, and push the boundaries of what we know and can do. In the arts, this type of curiosity can manifest in several ways from exploring new mediums and techniques, to experimenting with different styles and genres, to seeking out inspiration from a variety of sources. Think of exploration as an attitude adjustment. Challenge yourself to go, see, do, or read things that are out of your ordinary. Become a seeker.
I once had a job at an agency that had 'attitude adjustment day'. It was a different activity every time we did it, but my favorite one was when we were required to go to the local bookstore as a team (in this case it was Barnes & Noble), and pick a book that was completely out of our comfort zone. We spent time learning new things, mingling, and sharing our findings, which cleared our minds, we all learned something new, and we had fun doing it. I ended up with a coffee table book on elephants, and it brings me so much joy to this day.
2. Curate
Think about some of the best designers and artists you know. Chances are they are always curious, constantly seeking out inspiration from the world around them. They may have a camera roll on their phone full of pictures of textures, patterns, colors, interesting signage, nature, or architecture. They have curated a personal inspiration board over the years.
3. Create Fertile Ground
One of the key benefits of curiosity for you as an artist is that it can help create fertile creative ground. By constantly seeking out new ideas and experiences, you can break free from the limitations of your own habits and routines and open yourself up to new possibilities. This can lead to fresh perspectives, unique insights, and innovative approaches to your work.
4. Experiment and Expand
Curiosity can also help you to develop your technical skills. By experimenting with different techniques or materials, you can expand your knowledge and abilities, and become more versatile in your craft. This can be particularly important for artists who work in fields that are constantly evolving, such as digital media, where new tools and technologies are emerging all the time.
5. Find Awe and Wonder
Another important benefit of curiosity for artists is that it can help to keep you engaged and motivated in your work. By maintaining a sense of curiosity and wonder about your craft, you can stay passionate and enthusiastic about what you do, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Brené Brown, an emotions researcher, is famous for saying we all need more awe and wonder in our lives. She's not wrong. This can be particularly important for artists who work independently, as it can be easy to become isolated and discouraged without the stimulation of new ideas and experiences. Go find the things in life that bring you awe and wonder!
6. Balance the Fun
It's important to find the right balance of curiosity and discipline. Too much curiosity can lead to a scattered and unfocused approach to work, and can make it difficult to finish projects or stay on task. But with the right balance, you can reap the many benefits of this quality without getting sidetracked or overwhelmed.
Whether you are just starting out in your creative journey or are a seasoned professional, embracing your curiosity can take you to new heights in your career. So go ahead and explore, experiment, and seek out new experiences – you never know where your curiosity might take you.
Looking for answers?
Don't be shy, let your curiosity fly!