Skip to content
  • HOME
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
  • HOME
  • custom-logo
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
Creativity

3 Lessons for Creatives

July 12, 2017July 13, 2017 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 36 comments
3 Lessons for Creatives

I used to work with someone who has the same degree from the same university as me. In one of those small world moments, we realized that since we graduated just a few years apart we probably passed each other on campus, but we don’t remember having any classes together. Every once in awhile we’d talk about some of our favorite teachers in our department and one day we were both raving about a writing teacher and as soon as we started to say his name we realized we were raving about the same one.

As we raved about him, the things we talked about most (other than how nice he is, cause he’s the nicest guy and one of these lessons should be “be like him”) are the things he taught us that weren’t even related to the craft of writing, but are life lessons that are beneficial to all. Here are three lessons for creatives.

Three lessons for creatives, from the best writing teacher ever. // dreams-etc.com

1 // Give Yourself Your Title

If you make art, you’re an artist. If you write, you’re a writer. Take ownership of what you do and give yourself that title. What really stood out to me in class is that during our critiques he would talk about “the author.” This caught me off guard at first. I always think of an “author” as someone who’s published, but if you look up the definition of the word author in the dictionary it says: “a person who writes a novel, poem, essay, etc.” and “to write, to be the author of,” among others. When he referred to me as the “author” during my critique, I allowed myself to take on that title. Once I referred to myself as an author, I also realized I could and should take my writing seriously. If I was going to take ownership of that title, I needed to do the work to back it up.

[Tweet “Take ownership of what you do and give yourself that title.”]

2 // Be Able to Take Criticism.

Criticism. It can hurt. You put your heart and soul into your painting or your song or your story or your blog post. And if someone criticizes whatever it is you shared with the world–or that one person who feels like the world–you’ll probably feel it and it usually doesn’t feel good.

But here’s the thing: not everybody is going to like what you put into the world. And that’s okay. We all have different interests and tastes. That’s what makes life interesting! So you need to learn how handle that criticism. You need to learn how to take the (hopefully constructive) criticism you need to hear so that you can grow and let go of the noise. Also remember: if someone shares criticism that’s mean and not constructive, it says more about them than it does about you. Don’t let their ish drag you down.

During our critiques we weren’t allowed to talk. This was so valuable because we weren’t allowed to get defensive. If a comment hit us wrong, we weren’t able to respond, so there were no heated exchanges between the author and the reader. (Particularly important in the day and age of the internet, where it’s so easy for an author to respond to a negative book review or for a blogger or YouTuber to respond to a negative comment or thread on Get Off My Internet. Just take a deep breath and let it go without getting involved in an exchange.) We also didn’t have a chance to defend our story in the face of criticism. Each reader will have an interpretation and their interpretation is valid.

Three lessons for creatives, from the best writing teacher ever. // dreams-etc.com

3 // Always Eat Pizza

Okay, so he never actually said that, but he had a pizza party for my class and my coworker said he also had a pizza party for hers. The takeaway: treat yourself and celebrate the milestones, whether it’s completing the best writing class ever (😭) or having your short story published in the school’s art and literary journal, like a few of my classmates.

[Tweet “Always eat pizza, aka treat yourself and celebrate the milestones, no matter how big or small.”]

What are some creative lessons you’ve learned?

[Tweet “3 Lessons for Creatives (from the best writing teacher ever).”]

Three lessons for creatives, from the best writing teacher ever. // dreams-etc.com

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

Post navigation

June in Photos
Room to Breathe

36 comments

  1. Mia Sutton says:
    July 12, 2017 at 10:03 pm

    I love these lessons! The title and pizza ones are my faves. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Corey Wheeland says:
    July 13, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    I love the idea of giving yourself a title. I have always wanted to be a writer, but now that I have a blog and publish essays on it and in other places, I guess that does make me an author. Which makes me really happy! I’ll do whatever I can to continue living up to that title, too! Thanks for this, and for the suggestion to always eat pizza. Perfect!!

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/3oYpSo&ecyc

      Reply
  3. Eli @ Coach Daddy says:
    July 13, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    I find that consoling myself with pizza also works wonders. Or while in the midst of working. #magical Also, I’ve learned the big difference between connecting with and networking with other writers. When we connect, we think about how we can help them in their journey; in networking, we wonder how they can help us in ours.

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/UBX6mE&ehes

      Reply
  4. Beth Kondrick says:
    July 13, 2017 at 1:54 pm

    All three of these things are such wonderful advice points. I love the idea of giving myself a title. I have obvious ones – wife, mom, etc. But I keep thinking of what a general title for myself could be. And I need to be better at taking criticism. I admit I very easily get offended when i’m handed a critique for something. And YES. ALL THE PIZZA!!!

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/LuJVwj&kixjr

      Reply
  5. Beth_Daily_Dog_Tag says:
    July 13, 2017 at 2:22 pm

    How lucky you were to have such a great professor! I had to share the pizza tweet, celebrating the good things in life is something we need to do more!

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/UG7iBi&vazjg

      Reply
  6. Laura says:
    July 13, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    What an amazing teacher (and not just because of the pizza party… though that’s like 25% of the reason)

    I love the idea of OWNING your title. I never think to introduce myself as a blogger… though that’s what I am and I really should! I’ve earned that title!

    Taking criticism is hard, but it’s a valuable skill if you can master it without getting your feelings hurt. You’ll improve so much better when you can take criticism for the subjective and well meant thing that it is

    xxox
    Laura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/xUyW7x&kivif

      Reply
  7. shootingstarsmag says:
    July 13, 2017 at 7:02 pm

    Love this. And that’s so awesome he had a pizza party for his classes. I took one creative writing course in college and I really didn’t like it because the professor was AWFUL, but I still consider myself a writer because I write. 🙂 I just want to be a PUBLISHED writer someday.

    -lauren
    http://www.shootingstarsmag.net

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/6JsCzY&ofjba

      Reply
  8. Monica Delmonico says:
    July 13, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    Love these tips. I’ve been working on the criticism one. It’s important to realize that the criticism is not directed toward you, and it can be applied positively to improve your work! Anddddd – yes to pizza!

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/SbwfZr&gjpe

      Reply
  9. Erica @ Coming up Roses says:
    July 14, 2017 at 9:18 am

    YAAAAS GIRL, you KNOW that last one is my favorite – always always always eat the pizza. Treat yo’self!

    Coming Up Roses

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/eYo3t7&kybew

      Reply
  10. Yvette Putter says:
    July 14, 2017 at 9:26 am

    I love this – these are all great points. Giving yourself a title is a great reminder that there is value and importance in what it is you are doing and who it is you want to be. We often had the same discussion at University (I studied communications). Pinned this for inspiration/reminder!

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/cuof6T&toky

      Reply
  11. Tabi Jozwick says:
    July 14, 2017 at 10:17 am

    Love the advice on pizza

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/d8EWkY&cosom

      Reply
  12. Deborah Francisco says:
    July 14, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    As a writer, I really resonate with this. It took me a long time to call myself a writer, and even sometimes I still struggle with calling myself an author. But it’s important to make other writer friends and have a community of people who get you!

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/v4UXJC&gosiz

      Reply
  13. Kristen Raney says:
    July 14, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    He sounds like a wonderful teacher! I like the comment about owning it. I’ve always been so hesitant to call myself a blogger or a singer.

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/7NDe2Z&yrjla

      Reply
  14. Super Millennial says:
    July 14, 2017 at 5:46 pm

    Any article telling me to eat pizza I’m in for! And yes, I agree…celebrate wins!

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/1bMwvm&unyzy

      Reply
  15. Gabby @ Gift of Gabby says:
    July 14, 2017 at 5:46 pm

    I absolutely love this. It took me forever to start calling myself a Photographer rather than just saying “I do photography.” When I started blogging I made myself immediately start referring to myself as a blogger. Fake it till ya make it, right?

    Great post!

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/Qes54V&ehav

      Reply
  16. Emely Roman says:
    July 14, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    This is such a sweet and inspirational post. I am in the very beginning stages of my blog and I have so many plans for it. I have an aspiration of becoming an entrepreneur… I say…. but I already am! I am pouring my heart into this, and it’s all I can think of! I also made some revenue! Granted $5, but it’s something. Thanks for such kind words. They were almost just as good as Pizza. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Tabi Jozwick says:
      April 24, 2018 at 5:20 pm

      https://goo.gl/kdVNgs&risyv

      Reply
  17. Joan Reyes Galvan says:
    July 15, 2017 at 12:41 am

    Oh, this is so enlightening! Love the take ownership of what you do and give yourself a title. Have to apply that to myself so I can take writing seriously! Great post!

    Reply
  18. Kuleigh says:
    July 15, 2017 at 6:59 am

    These are great tips but #1 is definitely my favorite. It’s so important to own our work. If we aren’t our biggest fan then who else is going to support us and take us seriously?!

    Reply
  19. Heather Jennings says:
    July 15, 2017 at 8:54 pm

    Love your blog. Very helpful ideas here.

    Reply
  20. Francesca | SevenRoses.net says:
    July 17, 2017 at 2:40 am

    Oh my gosh, I loved these tips! Number 1 is crucial, number 2 is what i’m working on, and number 3…. is just epic 😀 thank you for sharing these tips XOX

    Reply
  21. Finta Prova says:
    July 19, 2017 at 5:48 am

    This Professor sounds amazing! I have to say that he didn’t only offer you these three beautiful lessons but he must have done a great job at teaching how to write, as your post is well written and engaging! I really enjoyed reading it. As to the three lesson, I’m quite familiar with the first two as I used to be a Lecturer myself, but my forte is number 3 lol! Thanks for the good read 🙂

    Reply

Share Your Thoughts! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

Picture it. It’s the day after Thanksgiving. I d Picture it. It’s the day after Thanksgiving. I didn’t go on my weekly dam walk earlier in the week when I was excited about it. On this day I was tired after a long week and my least favorite holiday. My bed was oh so comfortable. I forced myself to roll out of bed and journey to the dam. It was filled with people and I was pokey…taking my time to get there and even journeying down one of the other paths to avoid walking across the dam. (Which isn’t long.) I finally joined the crowd and walked across. And then came back, happy to have made my weekly journey. This is when the top layer of the water started to freeze.
From March: an old mini vlog from a bagpipe rock c From March: an old mini vlog from a bagpipe rock concert, which is mostly me trying the say bagpipe rock. Some word combinations are hard! 😂 There was a sign asking us not to film, which is why there’s no concert footage.
Some of my weekly dam walks have been therapeutic Some of my weekly dam walks have been therapeutic and while the walks haven’t fixed the problems, they’ve help me breathe and connect with the world and relieve stress. 💕
April 2023. We got more snow, but it also melted. April 2023. We got more snow, but it also melted. The dam was almost overflowing. The animals are beginning to emerge. Spring is here!
Happy Independent Bookstore Day! After a coffee st Happy Independent Bookstore Day! After a coffee stop (of course) a friend and I checks out two indie bookstores that we have never been to before. I definitely want to go back to Uncle Hugo’s and Uncle Edgar’s! Did you do anything for #independentbookstoreday

#indiebookstore #indiebookshop
After watching some shopping ASMR videos I had to After watching some shopping ASMR videos I had to try it.

#asmr #groceryshopping #groceryshop  #asmrvideos
I’m a little behind in weekly dam walk reels. Le I’m a little behind in weekly dam walk reels. Let’s go back to the third week in November when there was just a little snow on the ground and the footprints in the snow seemed notable.
Happy Easter! Happy Easter!
March 2023. You felt like a million years, but als March 2023. You felt like a million years, but also ended in the blink of an eye.
See More Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

  • Saying Goodbye to Crystal the Writer
  • The Day the Sorcerers Visited Baby Jesus
  • Thoughts on Hope
  • Christmas Playlist // 2022
  • Life Under Construction

CATEGORIES

  • Adventures (52)
  • Beauty (16)
  • Books (147)
  • Creativity (57)
  • Entertainment (18)
  • Life (224)
  • Uncategorized (539)
  • Wellness (8)

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Follow
  • Book Review Policy
  • BOOKS
  • Contact
  • DISCLOSURES
  • Insta Links
  • Seint Links
  • THE DREAMER
Copyright © 2023 | All Rights Reserved | © 2023. All text and photos belong to Crystal Brutlag, unless otherwise stated. Theme designed by Little Theme Shop: https://littlethemeshop.com

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Dreams, etc. // Minneapolis Lifestyle Blog
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.