My Creative Journey Since Childhood
Creativity is something of value to me, and having suitable outlets to express myself and process life experiences is important for my health and functioning.
Unbeknownst to my younger self, art and creative expression were major protective factors against difficult mental health challenges. I wrote countless words about my de-stigmatising mental health conversations and experiences, encouragement and also rage writing. This stemmed from the desire to create a community and advocate for others in similar situations to me.
However, the creative journey began during primary school, where I engaged in drawing lessons at my local library. It bewilders me how I learnt how to draw anime characters and images with fine details, with many elements. I still retain those skills to this day and the basic foundations of drawing.
In high school, aside from the mental health content, I’d make photo edits of the band I was obsessed with at the time - Cimorelli.
There was also a group project as part of media studies where we were tasked with creating a music video for a select song. My group created a lyric video, having printed words to paste on A2 paper. These are joyous memories to recall.
In 2018, during third-year university, I started a blog website and YouTube channel, prompted by my therapist’s suggestion.
It started as mental health advocacy platforms, only to transform into platforms for documentation of my growth journey and creative experimentation.
I'd also explored photography of nature (my favourite is sunrise/sunset photos) and landscapes during these years.
In 2020, when COVID-19 lockdowns hit the world, and I was on my gender journey, I withdrew from video creation to start podcasting with a friend, as well as delve into music production. I didn't understand the technicalities of things; instead, I just created things over and over.
Over the past few years, I've also:
Designed an escape room (FYI, I'm an escape room enthusiast).
Written short horror stories.
Learnt drumming and a bit of guitar.
Recorded and posted song covers online.
Created memes (both photos and video edits).
Wrote and produced my own original songs.
Created independent short films
Performed in a queer theatre show (in front of a live audience).
Acted as an extra on an independent short film.
The Bottom Line
Throughout my life, I've explored various creative outlets and stuck with the mode most suited to the version of me at that point in time. I don't embark on 10 million projects simultaneously, or attempt to cram every possible creative outlet into my weeks. That is ill-advised and does align with the intention of having creative outlets.
It's been about picking and choosing; what do I take on board now and what do I park for a later time when I circle back around for a different outlet?
The benefit of having an array of diverse outlets is that I can change to whatever I'm itching to capture my creative energy and ideas with. I don't just have a plan A, B and C, but rather, plan A-Z. This knowledge of outlets is founded on years of experimentation and identifying creative outlets I connect with and enjoy. I also acknowledge that there may be a time I outgrow a particular creative outlet, and embark on new ones, and that's okay too.
Digital Consumption & Creation
With constant technological advances and the digital world enmeshing itself with human life, access to the internet and social media is easier than ever. I believe there is an imbalance with the consumption of content and genuine creative expression, as there is an inclination to misuse devices for the fixation on social media and content consumption.
Following trends and creating content for the sake of views and monetary gain, particularly if it is disingenuous to the creator, is problematic for learning authentic expression in my POV.
It can lead to a disconnect with who we are as an alternate version of ourselves is presented online, and we fail to connect with that image or created content. There is an element in superficiality in all of this.
Outside of films, TV shows and podcasts with fictional characters and stories, I enjoy watching creators who convey human stories with depth, emotions, vulnerability and genuinity.
Content where I can connect with the creator on a deeper level, and which provides food for thought. This includes stories of human survival in precarious situations, lived experiences navigating identity and life, and humanity.
I hope this blog has inspired you, or provided some ideas of where to get started if you're feeling stuck.