Agoraphobic Art?... Why We Need to Get Out of Our Creative Comfort Zones

Babies love the womb. It’s warm, cosy and oh so easy. But to grow and develop into a healthy infant and one day adult, that baby must quite literally get out of its comfort zone.

So do we.

I don’t know about you, but I can be a big baby (literally and metaphorically!). I love my comfort zones. Especially when it comes to any artistic endeavour.

I call it agoraphobic art. I love the comfort of it staying locked up on my laptop or magically trapped inside my acoustic guitar. Those creations can never be criticised, laughed at or (heaven forbid) enjoyed!

Have you found yourself in any of these potential comfort zones when it comes to your creative life?

1. Writing but not publishing.

2. Recording but not playing.

3. Painting but not hanging.

4. Filming but not posting.

If we fall prey to these traps, we are quite literally stunting our creative growth. Our creations need to be put out there into the world. For them to grow and take on a life of their own.

If we do let our creations free, the following things could easily happen to us:

1. We will find a community of fellow creators.

2. We will grow as a creator. We will learn.

3. We just might find a new more satisfying career.

4. We may get the recognition that our work deserves.

Yes, the work we put out at first might not be that great. These short atomic essays, for example, aren’t that good if I’m brutally honest with myself. However, by posting them online I have learned. I’ve grown. The social accountability of saying I will post 30 of them in 30 days has given me more creative spark than I’ve ever had. I have a routine. I’m writing every day.

It’s not all rainbows and butterflies. But just like that baby must experience the challenges and discomforts of being a baby. Wind, Nappies, Teething. It’s all part of the journey.

Posting that first tweet or uploading that podcast might bring some discomfort. Yet it might just change your life. Go on. Do it.