The blank page, an empty canvas, and a lump of clay. Nearly every artist comes to the work in a similar way. Each work of art, each completed novel and every song started this way; in an unfinished form. And every artist worth their salt has danced with the idea that the general public will hate their ideas. And overcoming this stage fright is not easy, but by the end of this article, we’ll show you how to unleash authentic creativity.
Firstly, let’s discuss authenticity. It is real. It is you. It is the real you. Being authentic takes very little effort. And in reality, it’s the only way to be. When making art, if it comes from an authentic place, the music, the novel or the play will resonate with the deeper part of others. We often hear of artists being the next Madonna or the next Stephen King, but no one can be “the next” anything while remaining true to themselves.
Should artists cater to audience expectations or follow their authentic vision? Legendary producer Rick Rubin famously said, “The audience doesn’t know what it wants,” a sentiment that champions the pursuit of genuine creativity over the allure of commercial success. This philosophy is a beacon for artists and creators seeking to break through barriers of creativity, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in art.
Authenticity is the cornerstone of impactful art. When creators pour their genuine emotions, experiences, and perspectives into their work, it resonates more deeply with audiences. This authenticity cannot be manufactured or tailored to perceived audience expectations. It emerges from the heart of the creator, offering a fresh and genuine experience to the audience. And it does this when you unleash authentic creativity.
Historically, the success of art was often measured by its popularity or commercial success, leading many to believe that understanding and catering to audience preferences is key. However, Rubin’s perspective suggests that audiences are often unaware of their own desires until they encounter something truly innovative and original. This implies that artists should focus less on predicting trends and more on their unique artistic expression.
The fear of not conforming to popular trends or audience expectations can stifle creativity. Embracing Rubin’s philosophy encourages creators to explore uncharted territories, uninhibited by the desire to create ‘hits.’ This freedom allows for the emergence of groundbreaking ideas and styles that can redefine genres and artistic expression.
When creators focus on authenticity, their work can inspire and influence others, creating a ripple effect in the creative community. This leads to a richer, more diverse artistic landscape where innovation is celebrated over conformity.
If the artist is worried about making commercially successful art, then they will be catering to an audience that doesn’t really exist. Because the audience doesn’t know what it wants. You, as the artist, must tell the audience. In this way, you create the audience by creating the work of art. The best way to unleash authentic creativity is to recognize the “leashes” of what holds you back.
The fear of failure is what holds many artists back. What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Would that unleash authentic creativity? Imagine the flood of work that would pour forth from you if you knew you could not fail. Just by following that one sentiment, every piece of art one makes can succeed just by being created.
Who is the audience for your art? You. That’s the only audience that matters. If others like it, that’s a bonus. If it becomes commercially successful, that too is a bonus. But if you like your art, it has succeeded. Another layer to consider is that the audience for your work is literally manifesting itself through you. Most of Lady Gaga’s biggest hits were written in the space of a few minutes as the universe pulled the song into her life via the audience that needed it the most.
Rick Rubin‘s insight into the relationship between artists and their audience is a powerful reminder that true creativity thrives in an environment of authenticity and freedom. By prioritizing genuine artistic expression over the pursuit of commercial success, creators can break through barriers, innovate, and truly engage with their audiences. In the end, art that resonates with its creator is more likely to resonate with its audience.
