Being a creative is both a burden and a blessing. The daily struggles for visibility, the late nights spent finishing incomplete drawings or the countless brainstorming sessions to come up with a perfect storyline. Then, when you submit it, publish it, or show it to someone, you are met with a long string of comments like ‘you should have done better’, ‘This is not so great', ‘sorry, I don't like this', and so on. Then you coil back, wondering what went wrong, asking if this is all worth it and whether you will ever be noticed for a second. Overwhelming, isn't it?
To every creative who has ever stared at a blank page, doubted their voice or wondered if their work matters, this letter is for you.
You're Not Alone
Have you ever been told to ‘keep trying’, or heard ‘you need to fail many times to succeed', or ‘better luck next time'? And sometimes wonder when it gets better? Because trying again and again can feel like a heavy load on your inner self. Let me tell you this: you're not alone. As heartbreaking as these personal struggles may feel, you need to understand that everyone experiences failure. Even some of the world's most successful creative people have experienced multiple failures and rejections at some points in their lives. And I am sure you have heard this jingle play so many times, but let me add to this sea of voices, because you need to hear it so many times to believe it. To know that you are not alone.
Let's talk about J.K. Rowling. Once upon a time, before her seven-volume fantasy novel series,
‘Harry Potter’ became a debut; she was a depressed single mother and divorcee struggling to make ends meet. Little did she know her book was going to change her fortunes for a lifetime. After several rejections from publishers, she finally had her breakthrough, and the Harry Potter Series became a global sensation, selling over 600 million copies, translated into about 84 languages and expanded into a global media franchise including films and video games. Today, she is the first person in the world to become a billionaire through writing. That didn’t happen overnight.
Another notable creative, Vincent Van Gogh, who was one of the greatest painters of the 19th century, died unsuccessful and unappreciated. Despite battling with mental health issues, Van Gogh was unstoppable. He painted thousands of artworks, including ‘The Starry Night’, ‘Potato Eaters', and his own ‘self-portrait'. The sad part was that Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime, ‘The Red Vineyard’. Many people in his situation would have given up, but did he? Absolutely not! He went on, creating more beautiful and exceptional paintings before his demise. Today, an original painting of Vincent Van Gogh could sell for millions of dollars. Not the best example in terms of how tragic his life became at some point, but stay with me.
When you critically examine these two notable individuals, there is one pattern—they did not give up, they forged on despite their failures, relentlessly fighting their way through. Today, their works are changing the narratives of modern creativity.
So dear creative, creativity does not equal immediate recognition. Let that failure fuel your fire, not quench it. That one more 'try' could lead you to become one of the world's greatest creatives.
Create For Yourself First
Do not just create for your audience, create for yourself first. You cannot dislike what you create yet expect your audience to love and accept it. Ask yourself, ‘Am I creating with purpose and joy, or am I creating for external validation?’ When you find fulfilment in your own work, you're more likely to continue regardless of external response. The hard truth isthat chasing validation rather than being your authentic self will only lead to frustration and burnout, making you question your worth. Avoid imitating others' work and focus on your own unique, authentic style. This will not only make your work stand out, but also draw the right audience to you.
Keep Showing Up
I understand there are days when your body fails to lift you out of bed, days when grabbing your tools feels like a chore and days when your mind becomes too blank to come up with any creative ideas. But I want you to pause, breathe and reflect on why you started and how far you have come. You don't want to give up, do you? So keep going and keep showing up even in little ways - it could be a 10-minute creative time or just writing one line a day. Creative steps don't have to be grand. They could be daily, consistent little steps, so make it worthwhile. Progress is not always linear. It comes with so many bumps, so inasmuch as you will stumble, keep going. You will get there!
Rest Is Not Failure
We can all admit, ‘The journey is not for the faint-hearted’. It takes so much strength and resilience to push through. But you can't always be strong; the burnouts, the sleepless nights, the brain drain and the pressure to constantly keep up can have a toll on your overall well-being. That is why rest is important to re-energise and come back stronger. Rest does not always mean sleep. Sometimes, it could mean a week away from your writing book or just a moment of silence to allow your mind to breathe. This does not mean you have failed; it's only a sign that you're human, and humans need rest at times, even after a hard day's work. So, whether you need a creative or emotional rest away from the chaos of the world, go for it. You deserve it!
Your Voice Matters
You are unique. You are special, and your voice matters. Just as the sky is wide enough to contain every star, so is the world spacious enough to contain different voices, including yours. Pay no attention to the noise and distractions; they will only drain you. Speak with confidence through your creativity, even if no one listens. Your voice doesn't have to be loud; it only needs to be powerful enough to make a difference. Use it! I urge you not to compare yourselves but to express with passion and dignity, letting your creativity shine through the world.
So dear creative, I see you even on days you feel no one is watching, and I believe in you and your creativity. Do not give up, not for a second. In doubt, create; in fear, create; in the midst of chaos, create; even in rejection, create - Create in every circumstance. The world may not clap right away, but someone out there is waiting to be transformed by your creativity.
Pick up your pen, brush, lens or mic and do your magic!
Nyetoh Julitta is a graduate of the Tamale Technical University. She is an upcoming Ghanaian writer whose works explore themes of love, hope, healing and the unspoken struggles of everyday life. She believes in making a difference and aspires to impact lives positively through her works.
Cover Photo by Nur Yilmaz