Creatives get the short end of the stick when it comes to widely-applicable, useful ways to make our process better.

Why? Because creativity requires different styles of thinking and process than — say — doing your taxes or keyword stuffing an article.

Here’s an often overlooked example that sits at the glowing nucleus of the creative process: self-image.

Self-image and creativity

Self-image can be thought of as the traits that color how we think of ourselves. It’s what you think and feel when you look at yourself in the mirror. It’s the theme of a certain song sung by a certain animated character whose name rhymes with Hoolan.

And as creatives and artists, our chosen projects are especially vulnerable to the forces of self-image.

🎶 Who is this (redacted for copyright) I see, staring straight, back at me 🎶

These traits inject a heavy amount of influence into how we spend our time and creative energy. And — importantly — self-image affects you whether or not you direct your attention to it.

A poor self-image left unchecked can really steer your creative energy in the wrong direction. Off a cliff, even.

And steered-off-cliff energy is a big no from me, ok bud? You deserve better.

A poor self-image can disrupt your creative goals and ambitions. Illustration by Jamey Lyon 👋

So since we’re among friends, here are a few questions to set you in the right direction. When you set out to plan a creative project…

  • Do you dive into the depths of your soul to ask why that project is important to you?
  • Do you consciously name the type of person (creative and otherwise) you are actively becoming by pursuing this goal?
  • Do you actively link that ideal self-image to your creative project and goals?
  • Do you stare into a body of water and sing an impromptu musical number?

That last one is toooootally a joke 😅 But, if you plan your creative projects using the skills we learn in school and the (often uncreative) professional world… these probably aren’t common parts of your early goal-setting process.

Your perspective-shifting climb

Here’s a super-brief, perspective-shifting (as in give it 90 seconds to kick in🍃) activity to get you thinking about how your chosen creative projects tie to your self-image.

For my fellow nerdy scholars (I love you 😍) this is an adaptation of a why-how ladder… hence “climb”.

  1. Think of a creative project or goal you’re currently working on. Big, small. Potato, potáto.
  2. Ask yourself, “Why is this important to me?” Start your reply with “It’s important because…”
  3. Then ask yourself, “How does that importance affect how I see myself?” Start your reply with “It suggests I am someone who…”
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you can’t think of any new answers. For added clarity, write down your answers in two columns as you go.

When you’re done, look at and reflect on your list of answers. Are all of them parts of your self-image that you want to continue giving time and energy to?

If the answer is “no”, then take a moment to reword the problematic answers into something that’s worth your time and energy. Infuse them with honesty, self-compassion, and the affirmation that they are attainable.

Now, look at your list. Do you feel better about what you see?

You’ve just taken the first step towards defining your ideal creative self-image. Nice work ⭐

How to use this in the field

Use this exercise at the very start of a creative project to get the most out of it.

You can also use it if you find yourself having a crisis of confidence at any point in your creative journey.

Remember: Shape your self-image, or your self-image will shape you.