THE PRIMER PRINCIPLES
The other day I taught a private art lesson and naturally I spontaneously came up with three rules to being an artist- or rather things to know as a creative or anyone pursuing any endeavor in life. In hindsight, I have decided to dub these three things the beginnings of ‘The Primer Principles’. Principles that I will be focusing on over the next few weeks here at the University. Primer paint is what is used in the process of painting a room a new color. You must paint a layer of white, let it dry, and then paint the desired color. Sure, you could just paint the room whatever color you want, whenever you want. I painted my beige room turquoise blue, the only problem was without primer you could still see the beige in different areas. Some were more obvious, others less so, nonetheless still there. It doesn’t matter how much you fill a room with things, without a primer paint it will not change what is beneath the surface. You can hang up pictures, tapestries, even paint layers- but honestly at that point you’re giving yourself a much harder job than if you had just primed the room in the first place.
Every creative deserves a fresh space to dream, a new beginning to hope. These three rules begin ‘priming’ us to be able to create without having to always fight what is beneath the surface. We do not always have to be afraid. We do not always have to hate our work or doubt our dreams. We do not always have to compare ourselves to other artists. Our joy does not always have to be stolen from us. So, let’s begin priming.
Always try new things.
Try things that you have never done before, try things that are hard for you, try things that you hate doing. Try finger painting, try dancing, try photography. Do something just to do it; Try something just for the sake of trying. Let’s not limit ourselves or our imaginations by only doing what we are confident we can do. Imagination needs friction. It needs to be sparked, and that most often happens when we place ourselves in places to be challenged. Our strengths can only be made stronger by exercising our weaknesses.
Failure is not bad.
I am going to say it again- failure is NOT bad. Rejection happens, doors close, things do not always work out as expected. I think if we can come to terms and shine the light on the shadow of failure, none of us would be as intimidated. Failure means friction- if you keep going. Friction inspires new things, ideas and actions! These primer principles go hand and hand. The only time failure is damaging is when we stop because of it. Failure should encourage us, it means there was movement. It doesn’t have to discourage our dreams. This world is full of a lot of people with a lot of dreams who never do anything to pursue them. If you failed at anything ever? You’re doing something right, attempting to live and dream out loud can never be a bad thing.
Do not compare yourself to others.
Someone once said that comparison is the thief of joy. This is perhaps the most important component of these primer principles. We live in a day and age with alarms, cameras, and plenty of technology to keep thieves out. If you do not want someone walking into your home, you don’t let them- you lock your doors. Comparing yourself to others is like leaving your door wide open at midnight. By all means, admire others work and creativity. Be inspired by it! Only do not allow that admiration to steal your own inspiration for why you are creating. Lock your doors and don’t open them to thieves of joy. Fill your home with inspiration and creatives that reflect what you one day hope to do.
Creatives can be joyful in all that they dream and in everything they are learning. The artist’s struggle between doubt and fear can be ended with a simple coat of primer- beginning with these principles.