Unleashing Your Creativity: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose Through Art
In a world that constantly demands more from us—more grades, more achievements, more "likes"—it’s easy to feel lost or disconnected from what truly drives us. The search for your true self, your purpose, and your creative spark can feel overwhelming, especially during high school and university, where you’re bombarded with external pressures. But here's the thing: creativity isn't just about producing art. It’s about understanding who you are, what excites you, and how you can express that in a way that feels meaningful.
Books like The Creative Act by Rick Rubin, How to Be an Artist by Jerry Saltz, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, Hector Garcia & Frances Mirales' Ikigai, Monsters by Claire Dederer, and Man's Search for Meaning by Dr Viktor Frankl offer different perspectives on creativity, identity, and purpose. These authors show us that creativity is not just a talent—it’s a process of discovering yourself and your unique place in the world.
Creativity as Self-Discovery
Rick Rubin, a legendary music producer, argues in The Creative Act that creativity isn’t something you “do,” but something you experience. It’s less about forcing ideas and more about allowing them to arise from a deeper sense of intuition and connection. In a way, creativity is a tool for self-discovery. Rubin believes that creativity is at its core about being open to the world and to yourself.
“Creativity is not a rare ability. It is not difficult to access. Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It’s our birthright. And it’s for all of us.” — Rick Rubin, The Creative Act
This quote encapsulates Rubin’s belief that creativity is an expression of your true self, rather than just the products you create. When you allow yourself to express what’s deep inside you—whether through music, writing, art, or even the way you think—you’re engaging in a process of revealing who you are. Your true self. Creativity isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s an inherent part of being human. Everyone has access to it, and it’s a natural right to express creatively. Rubin suggests that this is not just a way to make art, but a way to understand your identity. This is powerful for students, who often feel the pressure of fitting into prescribed molds. Creativity is a space where you don't have to fit in; you just have to show up and let things unfold.
Art is for Everyone: Finding Your Voice
In How to Be an Artist, Jerry Saltz emphasises that being an artist doesn’t require any special qualifications. You don’t need a fancy title or degree to create meaningful work. In fact, Saltz argues, everyone is capable of tapping into their inner artist. What you need is the willingness to explore, make mistakes, and keep going. The key to creativity, Saltz says, is to develop the courage to try things and fail without shame. Through this process, you’ll find out not only what you’re good at, but also what matters to you.
“The most important thing is to show up.” — Jerry Saltz, How to Be an Artist
For students who are exploring what path to take in life—whether it’s art, science, business, or something else—creativity is the ultimate guide. It shows you what drives, inspires and excites you, what you care about, and where your passions lie. It’s a process that helps you align your identity with your purpose. By simply showing up and starting—without worrying about perfection—you create space for your authentic voice to emerge.
Breaking Through Creative Blocks: The Role of Rituals and Practices
Creativity, however, isn’t always easy. Sometimes you’ll face writer’s block, a lack of motivation, or deep self-doubt. That’s where The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron comes in. Cameron’s book is all about breaking through these blocks by establishing creative habits. Her most famous practice, “morning pages,” involves writing three longhand pages every morning to clear your mind and make space for creativity.
“Creativity is the natural order of life. Life is energy: pure creative energy.” — Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way
This quote is a reminder that creativity flows naturally within us, and we simply need to tap into it. For students, this daily practice could be a game-changer. By committing to a small but regular habit, like journaling or sketching, you give yourself permission to tap into the creative process without worrying about the outcome. It’s through this act of creation—no matter how imperfect—that you learn to trust your voice. You’ll also start to see that creativity is not about forcing perfection; it’s about exploration and consistency.
Ikigai: Finding Your Purpose
The Japanese concept of ikigai is about finding the intersection between what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Ikigai is a way to frame your purpose. If you can tap into this sweet spot, you’ll feel a deeper sense of meaning and fulfilment in your work.
“ Our ikigai is different for all of us, but one thing we have in common is that we are all searching for meaning.... the essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” — Hector Garcia & Frances Mirales, Ikigai
This is particularly important in high school and university, where you may feel unsure about what you want to do after graduation. Ikigai encourages you to look for the overlap between your passions and your strengths, and consider how those things can contribute to the world. This doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out right away. It’s a journey of discovering what excites you and where you can make a difference. In the creative process, ikigai is about aligning your personal purpose with what you love to do.
Facing the Monsters Within
In Monsters, Claire Dederer examines the idea that creativity often emerges from confronting your own flaws, contradictions, and vulnerabilities. In other words, creativity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being human. Dederer argues that artists, whether consciously or not, often draw from their own internal struggles and imperfections. The “monsters” within us—our fears, doubts, and insecurities—can fuel some of our greatest creative work.
“What makes great art depends on who we are and what we live through.”— Claire Dederer, Monsters
This concept is powerful for any of us who might feel the pressure to always present ourselves in the best possible light. But it’s important to remember that the struggles and challenges you face can contribute to the richness of your creative expression. In fact, some of the most powerful art comes from confronting the darkness within. This is part of embracing your true identity, including the parts of yourself you might not always be proud of.
Creativity, Purpose, and Meaning: Insights from Viktor Frankl
Finally, one of the most profound reflections on purpose and meaning comes from Dr Viktor Frankl’s Man's Search for Meaning, where he argues that finding purpose in life is the key to overcoming suffering and creating a meaningful existence. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, asserts that even in the most extreme and painful circumstances, individuals can find meaning through their actions, relationships, and ultimately their creativity. He writes:
“What is to give light must endure burning.” — Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning
This powerful quote suggests that the process of finding meaning—and the creativity that comes from it—often requires sacrifice and struggle. But, Frankl contends, it’s in this process of grappling with hardship and transformation that we discover our deepest purpose. For any individual, creativity offers a path to discover that purpose. Frankl emphasises that the meaning of life is not something that can be handed to us; it is something we must find for ourselves, often by tapping into our inner resources, which may include creative expression.
Frankl also discusses how creativity can provide individuals with a sense of agency and identity, especially during difficult times:
“Each man is asked to make of himself what he is supposed to become. It is for him to fulfill his destiny by choosing his own way.” — Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning
For students navigating their future, Frankl’s message is clear: you have the power to shape your destiny through the choices you make, including how you engage with your creative passions. Creativity is not just a form of expression; it’s a way of affirming your identity and your unique place in the world.
Embrace the Process
Ultimately, creativity is a journey, not a destination. The search for your identity and purpose doesn’t have to be a rigid, linear path. It’s a fluid process that requires experimentation, self-reflection, and the courage to face your inner world. Whether through the lens of Rick Rubin’s flow of intuition, Jerry Saltz’s belief in everyone’s creative potential, Julia Cameron’s daily practices, the pursuit of ikigai, confronting the monsters inside, or Viktor Frankl’s wisdom about meaning and suffering, you’ll discover that creativity is the key to unlocking your true self.
So, embrace the messiness. Start small. Take risks. And most importantly, give yourself the permission to fail. It’s through the process of creation that you’ll uncover not just your artistic voice—but your true identity and purpose.
Start creating today. Your future self will thank you.
Works Cited:
Cameron, J. (2002) The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. London: Pan Macmillan.
Dederer, C. (2023) Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma. London: Sceptre.
Frankl, V.E. (2004) Man’s Search for Meaning. London: Rider.
García, H. and Miralles, F. (2017) Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. London: Hutchinson.
Rubin, R. (2023) The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Edinburgh: Canongate Books.
Saltz, J. (2020) How to Be an Artist. London: Ilex Press.
www.youtube.com. (n.d.). Rick Rubin Shares a Lifetime of Creative Advice I Daily Routines, Managing Inputs, and Artist Rules. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jM1TanhxTw [Accessed 4 May 2023].