Tayana Osuna, arts & culture editor

How does one…create? How do you create? How does one…art? How do you art? How do I… art?…like this apparently.

No but for real, how we create and how we approach different art forms is unique for every one of us. Sure, there can be some overlap, but each of our creative processes are formed by our own particular influences, likings, desires and so forth. Therefore, as much as some may wish I could just write an article to said reader of “how to art,” I cannot. However, what I will do is share with you my own creative process in hopes that I may inspire you if you are feeling rather stuck after a long year of schooling. 

The big question: where do I find inspiration? Sometimes, I like to look at the world and borrow a piece of it to hopefully create something amazing — and that’s always fun. However, most of the time I feel compelled to reflect on the pieces I find within myself. Which sounds so cheesy, but it’s true. I think a lot of artists do this because there’s often something inside of us that is just dying to get out. 

Now maybe that’s not very helpful. I can hear some of you saying, “well what if there’s nothing ‘dying to get out’ at the moment, TaYaNa?!” At that point, I like to take a step away from my work. For me, I’m primarily a writer, and when I’m tucked away in my room staring at my notebooks all day it sometimes just shuts my brain off. It’s like I’ve forgotten the entire English language due to the fact that I’ve been basically drowning myself within my art that I end up lost and forgetting where I started. 

I know it might seem strange, to step away from your work to help your work — but do we ever really step away from our work? Not really. However, when we completely submerge ourselves into our work it can blind us from seeing that of which can spark creativity. 

It’s easier said than done, to say “oh just don’t overthink it.” But trust me when I say that once you allow yourself to acknowledge your insecurities and anxieties regarding your work, that is when you’ll start to move through them. There is an inevitable fear amongst many artists; that what we create won’t be “good enough” and we’ll have wasted our time. 

Listen — art is not a waste of time, nor of energy. Even “bad” art has its own charm to it, its own lessons. Hell, there are plenty of times when my writing is not up to par, but I still get something out of it — a realization, a single good line or even just a laugh. Don’t ever forget that it’s okay to create art just for arts sake. I know we get lost in the piles of assignments and ever terrorizing deadlines, but never forget your passion! Your passion will guide you, I can promise you that.