Artists create beautiful masterpieces. Pencils, pens, markers, and even computers become tools for a seemingly never-ending well of creativity and imagination. Writers craft new worlds. Just like the gods of old, they craft characters and scenarios, breathing life into the entire universe from the dust of daily interactions and people. Creators are treasured in this world often for the things they create, but also for their ability to dare and ask "What is missing from the world and how can I add to it?" One might think that being a creator, an artist, or a writer is something that is exclusive. Some believe that they simply cannot be the next Picasso or Charles Dickens. However, that isn't the case. Anyone can pick up a pencil and a piece of paper and create something wonderful and new. From stick figures to short stories anyone can be a creator. For me, that is not the hardest part.
The hardest part is letting your creation go.
When we create a piece of writing or art, we feel an attachment to it. Perhaps it is some sort of parental instinct that flares up inside of all of us. In some form or fashion, our creations are a part of us that we pass along to a new medium; just as a person helps to create a child, a person can help to create a new character, piece of art, or story. These works are part of us, even if we like to believe otherwise. Thus, we are extremely sensitive because when people make remarks about our works, we think they are making comments about us personally.
People say that you are your own biggest critic. While I agree with that statement partly, I think it can be edited. You are your own greatest critic, but that critic gains a stronger voice when the thing we have created is out of our hands. It is the fear of the unknown. We personally know what we were trying to go for or what we were trying to convey with our creative piece, but the other person we present the piece to cannot see inside our heads. It is the fear that they just won't understand, that they just won't get it, and that they will hate your views, your mindset, that makes us so hesitant to share with others. What if they just don't get it?
That shouldn't stop us from creating. Sure, it can be scary to let something go out of your hands. People may not see what you see, but that is a good thing. People may say things that at first, hurts your feelings and makes you feel defensive, but that doesn't mean they are completely wrong. Outside input, honest viewpoints, and criticism help us grow and gives us new ideas. A person who stays in the same spot will never truly see the world and a person who only stays within their own mind will never see how the world reacts to their story. If we are too scared of honest criticisms, we may never grow as creators.
So is it scary? Of course it is.
Can you get your feelings hurt? Of course you can.
Is what you gain greater than what you give up?
Most definitely.