I want to do something creative, but I'm just not talented enough?

Question

Lately I've been feeling like I really need to do something reflecting my emotions and stuff, but everytime I try, I get upset.

I wrote for a while, then one day I realized it was no good despite what everyone said and I quit what I had been working on for months. I've been trying to write things since, but I get upset and for some reason I just can't go on. I have plenty of ideas, they just never get carried out.

I tried to draw, I can't draw, even when it's scribbles it's ugly and not good enough so I quit.

I tried painting, playing clarinet, sax, piano, guitar, just talking to people, but nothing ever helps. I talked to a friend and he said I sounded obsessive compulsive about it, so that got me thinking about perfectionism. Am I just a perfectionist? Untalented? Touched in the head? Or don't I understand?

Sometimes I can compare it to sexual frustration. You've got all of this stuff you just want to get out of you so you can feel better, but you can't orgasm and it's getting worse.

I left out an important part. I know it's silly because perfect is what you think it is, and since it's from your mind it's whatever you want it to be, but I can't even get what I have in my head. It makes me feel mental.

Answer 1

I actually can really relate to you. I have all these really creative things going on in my head but when I try to get them out in writings or painting or anything it just comes out like crap. Nothing at all like what I had in mind. I have found what helps me the most is just to vent. Write a blog, scribble whatever and don't worry if its good or not because the more you do it the easier it becomes and it helps to release some of that stored up energy. Its really important though that you don't quit doing it. Another thing try going outside and admiring the nature around you, it really helps me to express my art better and it also has a calming effect. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

At the beginning of doing something creative, like painting or music, nobody does great right away, it takes time to perfect the art and master what you are doing. The thing is, you have to love what you are doing and enjoy it, so you can keep doing it and being persistant.
I think woody allen said it, remember that the worst finished book you write is better than a 100 good ones you never finished.

Answer 3

You shouldn't try to force a creative talent. Things like writing, music and painting take lots of time to get good at, even if you have a natural inclination. You should start doing something that seems fun to you, that can feel rewarding even at the beginner's level but that you can get very good at as time goes by. There are lots of artistic things you can do that are like that. Anyway, you should also ask yourself if your search is for a way to express yourself, or do you just want to be able do do something well? There's a big difference. You don't have to be perfect at something to use it creatively.

Answer 4

Creativity comes in many forms. So you cannot write or paint to satisfy other's opinions. Maybe you should be look at your own opinion first. Relax and let come what may.

You don't sound obsessive about things, just frustrated. Go to a local Parks and Recreation Department or Community College and take a class.

And if you have a lot of free time on yours hands, volunteer. Creativity comes in many forms and you just have no found yours.

Answer 5

You are creative enough to try new things, in the past they called it Renaissance Man. Not everyone can be a great artist but you can be a great art appreciator. Keep at it, you'll stumble into something you're really good at. I went to art school and found I had no talent for illustration. They put me to work in the print shop, and there I learned the business which supported me the rest of my life. Try everything! Good Luck!

Answer 6

You write well. You should try it again. Whatever creative thing you try does not have to be perfect or even good. All it has to do is allow you to express yourself and give you satisfaction. You may be a perfectionist. You are not untalented. Everyone has at least one talent; you just need to try different things until you find yours.

Answer 7

Are you under pressure to prove you are creative? Pressurized brain is busy reacting to hormones -- not really a great time to think out of box or create.

Talents have to be coupled with practice and training in order to bring success. It takes time too. Don't push yourself too hard. Pick one area that you really enjoy and invest your energy on it. You will see the result.

Answer 8

If you take that attitude, you're defeated already. Remember anything man can conceive he can do, but you're looking for immediate gratification.

A woman I knew used to sell her paintings for about $10,000.00 each. I was surprised when she asked me to tape a TV artist show. She explained, I never stop learning.

I could not have given away my first paintings. I still attend classes etc. She was 60 now deceased.

Don't give up so easy, but fine tune your gifts and allow experts to help.

Answer 9

Don't forget practice makes perfect...

You have to be impatient in your talents... nothing comes easy!

Answer 10

it sounds as if you haven't found your avenue yet. try other things. everything you mentioned are conventional, think of something non-conventional.