Finding Creative Freedom

In the world of art and creativity, the pursuit of validation can often feel like an unending quest. We seek approval, recognition, and affirmation from others to validate our artistic endeavors. But what if I told you that the key to artistic liberation lies not in external validation, but in self-validation? This idea was beautifully captured in a quote by author Austin Kleon: "Parking is for validation."

There was a time when I believed that my worth as a multidisciplinary artist hinged on the approval of others. I constantly sought validation from friends, family, peers, and even strangers. Their opinions had the power to make or break my creative spirit. The fear of rejection or criticism often paralyzed me, hindering my artistic growth. It was as though I was constantly circling a parking lot, waiting for someone to validate my artistic pursuits.

Then, I stumbled upon Austin Kleon's profound statement: "Parking is for validation." Then it clicked. They forced me to reflect on the absurdity of my incessant search for validation outside myself. Why was I waiting for others to validate my art when I had the power to validate it myself? The realization that parking, or waiting for external validation, was unnecessary became the cornerstone of my creative journey.

Inspired by Kleon's wisdom, I decided to channel my newfound perspective into a poster design. The poster would serve as a daily reminder to myself and hopefully inspire others to break free from the need for external validation. As I worked on this design, I felt a sense of liberation washing over me. I realized that I didn't need anyone's permission or approval to create, experiment, and express myself as a multidisciplinary artist. My art was valid because I believed in it, not because someone else said so.

This poster, a visual representation of my personal transformation, now hangs prominently in my workspace. Whenever doubts about my creative worthiness creep in, I glance at it and remember that I am the sole validator of my art. The journey to self-validation isn't always easy, but it's incredibly rewarding. It has allowed me to explore new artistic avenues, take risks, and truly enjoy the process of creation without the fear of judgment.