Michelle Andres Writes ~ Hopelessly deep thinker, frighteningly keen observer, discerning feeler and Jesus-loving, imperfect human storyteller … at your service.

Change is like an Oreo cookie. There’s a crispness to the beginning and end…but the middle is sticky and gooey.  I suspect it’s the same with the creative process.

It doesn’t matter what you create…

There’s that angsty little bit in the middle. It’s sticky and gooey,  but it isn’t all that sweet.

Our creative processes, like the muse that drives us, are uniquely ours. We can mould, form, write, compose, paint, sculpt, but for most of us, there’s that little bit in the middle where our hearts are stricken with fear and we think we’ve effed it up.

It’s a little eerie and quite coincidental that a year ago this month I wrote a post called “The Middle.” In it, I offer tips for dealing with change in one’s life. As someone who has worked extensively with human behaviour, I‘m waaaay more comfortable with managing life transitions than creative ones. In “The Middle” I explored how our takeaways from  life transitions are transferrable to other events in our lives. Now, I’m thinking they may be scalable, too; scalable down to the creative process.

This month, I’ve been exploring our unique creative processes. Given the privilege of speaking with a few artists I deeply respect, I realized the “middle, angsty experience” may not be unique to me or occur because I’m a newer painter. There’s a good chance the “middle” never goes away. (click to Tweet) So, could someone please pass the milk, as I gag down these Oreos, one after the other?

It dawned on me,  as I draft these weekly articles, I hit a middle on the page. Not the geographical middle, a creative middle. The difference is, after many years of writing my middle feels like a natural, controllable part of my process. Truth be known, I may even unconsciously look forward to the cookies. Given the number of times I’ve been in my “writing middle,” I’ve learned to trust that it will all be okay. When I write, I simply save the draft and walk away. I come back and revise a little more. It’s no longer terrifying. My painting middle….not so much. The validation from these other artists that they too know about “the middle,” is PRICELESS!

So, in the spirit of “middles” I’ve slightly modified tips for navigating life’s middle, to tips for navigating our creative middle. I’d love to know how this formula works for you. Here’s how to ease into, and maybe even feel comfortable in, the uncomfortable middle:

1. Walk in your integrity – Of course, you have a concept for your work when you begin…but a little way into the process it can be hard to know exactly what you’re aiming for. Often, you just know what you don’t want. That’s a starting place. Remain aligned with your intention; it will guide you. (click to Tweet)

2. Trust you are where you’re supposed to be – It’s scary to feel lost, but as we work and create, questions arise. It’s tempting to want answers right away, but you might have to be patient. Keep working your way through the piece or the process.

3. Know, as time goes on, more will be revealed – As you step deeper into your journey, trust more will be revealed. Be open to the prospect the piece may not look exactly as you envisioned. Sometimes, it’s even better than you imagined. Have faith. Faith is good.

4. Leverage your skills and knowledge and apply them to the current work – Remember the technical aspect of your craft. That is your foundation. Those skills are transferrable. Figure out how to make the most of them!

5. Ask for help – Most people are happy to provide resources, information and light assistance. However, remember often the answers have to come from you. It’s your artwork. You do the heavy lifting, but critique groups and mentors can be very, very helpful.

6. Take steps to create the future you want – Small steps can lead to larger strides. They make you feel empowered.  Not taking action will not make you a better artist, practicing your art will. (click to Tweet) Keep chipping away and you will see improvement. The more times you come out in one piece on the other side of it, the deeper you will come to know this.

I realize this is an esoteric topic. It’s largely based on my experience…but I’m curious. How many of you experience a “middle” in your creative process? Is it angsty? Did you previously experience and “middle” but found it went away, or are you just choking down the creamy centers more effortlessly than before?

Please, Pass the Milk,

 Michelle Andres is a writer, artist and coach who nudges, nay, shoves, her clients in the direction of their dreams, helping them to overcome non-productive behaviours and enjoy more success in their lives.
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