Coming Out
After years of labeling myself as a portrait photographer, I finally decided to break free from the constraints of that title and embrace the multifaceted creator within me. I even made a little video to celebrate my ‘coming out’.
It was as if I had confined my creativity within the frame of a photograph, limiting my potential to explore other mediums freely.
For far too long, I had confined myself to the narrow definition of a portrait photographer. I definitely cherished capturing the essence of individuals through photography and helping them deal with camera-shyness and seeing the beauty within, was gratifying. Nonetheless, I felt a need to openly share how I express myself through various forms of art. It was as if I had confined my creativity within the frame of a photograph, limiting my potential to explore other mediums freely.
How is this for You?
Can you relate? I would love to hear from you. Which creative mediums do you love and what are or have been your struggles? Share it below!
Let’s Stop Obeying Limiting Voices
In the world of marketing, but also in general, many believe that you have to carve out a specific, narrow niche and become an expert in that one thing to succeed. While this strategy can definitely work, it’s not the only way. It is my firm belief that instead of just focusing on one area, folks with a generalist mindset actually connect different ideas and bring new perspectives to the table. Being able to blend diverse concepts and pull from a wide range of knowledge can be just as valuable as being a total pro in one field. Embracing a more general approach doesn’t just give you more freedom and adaptability; it also opens the door to innovative ideas and creating unique value in the market.
So let’s ditch the idea that only experts can make it. You can unleash your multi-creative inner beast to make an impact in all sorts of areas.
You can unleash your multi-creative inner beast to make an impact in all sorts of areas.
Trying to find the essence of an apple
I now embrace the multifaceted creator within me.
Boundless Creativity
No more feeling bound by labels and expectations. Today, I openly dabble in painting, shaping clay, photographing life, animating stories, and I am discovering the possibilities of tools like Procreate and Procreate Dreams. The mindful quality of embroidery, the boundless possibilities of mixed media, and the art of collage have all found a place in my creative repertoire again.
As a cherry on this cake, I create online classes on Skillshare, where all this comes together and where I share how you can benefit from what I have learned.
Unlabel Yourselves
To those who may feel confined by the labels they’ve assigned themselves, I invite you to break free from the constraints of those titles and embrace the full spectrum of your creative potential. The world is vast, and so is our capacity to imagine, create, and innovate. Let’s embrace the freedom to redefine your creative identity and let your artistry flourish across all the mediums you like.
Learn with me
My classes are on the platform Skillshare, which has a subscription model. If you are new to Skillshare, you may try it out for a month. Not only can you then take all of my classes, that all have a photography component to them, but you can also learn anything else. From analog to digital painting, cooking and film editing, UX and meditation.
It works a bit like Spotify does for music. The teacher gets paid per minute watched and I get a percentage of your first payment if you decide to stay.
I invite you to follow the link, sign up and simply try it out.
Join me in class!
Can you relate? I would love to hear from you. Which creative mediums do you love and what are or have been your struggles? Share it below!
Hi Lucy,
I loved reading your newsletter that I just received and your invitation was welcoming. Hahaha, your coming-out video was fantastic! I’m so stoked to have discovered you, especially since I’ve been navigating the challenges of being a multi-passionate creative. Currently (;)), my mediums include charcoal drawing, oil painting, and woodworking. It feels overwhelming at times, yet fulfilling. Using these various modes of expression feels integral to my life and even my mental health. However, I sometimes find it difficult to stick with one medium without feeling the urge to switch to another, which can be quite unsettling.
I’m intrigued by your course and think it could be very beneficial for someone like me. However, the idea of joining a platform causes me some hesitation. Is there an alternative method for participating in your course?
Thank you so much, Rosa
Hi Rosa, thank you so much for responding to my post. Much appreciated! I can tell you too are on this journey with some beautiful mediums currently (ha!). It’s very recognisable what you write about feeling unsettled sometimes. My class may help you with that and I recently published a post on the positive effects of discomfort.
I understand your reluctance to sign up for a membership, but I can assure you that you can easily unsubscribe if you don’t want to stay. You will only start paying after the free month is over. The class is currently only available on Skillshare, so I suggest putting a notification in your calendar and giving it a go because I have a feeling you will enjoy checking out some other classes as well. If this still doesn’t feel right, this is a link that will give restricted access to my class. Don’t wait too long, as there is a limited number of spots available via the link. Let me know if you have any questions! – Lucy
Hello Lucy, I love to cook, ferment (is that creativity?), work in the garden, and make drawings and tiny paintings of what I do in my journal. When I can find the time, I make animations. Thanks for your work! Antje
Hi Antje, your creative practice sounds well integrated. Having a visual journal of the things you do seems like a beautiful way to connect everything. I have yet to find the time (bad excuse) and make the commitment to do this myself.
Fermentation may not be a traditional form of creativity, but I still think it is. It requires several decisions during the process. Thank you for dropping by and let me know if you have any questions.
– Lucy
> written words (poems; short stories)
> spoken words (poems; conversartions; coaching calls)
> music (compositions in different styles; improvisations on keyboard and other instruments; published sometimes on soundcloud or on my youtube channel for instance: https://youtu.be/kK_P67v9FrU?si=5g5U1Osm-BCGyMnB )
> singing (mainly improvisations)
> food + drinks (meals; bread; hummus; kombucha; etc.)
> gardening (trees; plants; vegetables; creating space)
> all kind of mixed media (e.g. the life transformation program Getting Past Loneliness, that is mainly written word + video)
So I totally agree: let the creative juices flow where they want to and how… To me, creating (sometimes including publishing / finding an audience) is a way of being myself, while at the same time inspiring or amusing others, earning a living, feeling fulfilment, connecting to others, and so on…
From what I have seen from your work, Lucy, you are a great educator on how to unleash creative juices! Cheers.
Hi Ton, many thanks for your inspiring response. I love the abundance of your creative expression and the beauty of how it benefits you and others. When I read your list, it’s almost as if I read about my own life, except for the music and singing. It’s the only medium I don’t dabble in. Your life transformation plan sounds very wholesome and I hope that you will touch many people with your wisdom. If you have a question for me, let me know!
– Lucy
Thank you so very much for this fun little video and your newsletter leading me here. As someone with ADHD I recognise I am not alone in this. I look forward to checking out your courses!
Hi Janice, I’m grateful that you shared your message here. Until recently, I hadn’t realized that people with ADHD recognize this in all or most of the areas of their life. I hope you will find something in my classes that you find helpful (and fun).
– Lucy