Whatever media you create in, however passionate you are about creating, and however much you create, there are times when all of us feel a little jaded, and, dare we say it, bored.
Being creative - and being able to explore that creativity - is a privilege.
With it also comes expectation and sometimes feelings like guilt.
Because you have certain creative talents, you may feel you must be as creative as possible all of the time in those specific areas only, that you're "not allowed" to feel like a change, or a rest, or in need of new stimulation.
You're a creative person.
A big part of that is being curious and experimental, trying new things.
Even if you've found a medium and a style you're happy with and have received acclaim for, does that mean you have to stick to that style for the rest of your creative days? Does it mean that by trying anything else you're being foolish or disloyal in some way? Of course not.
But this is often the mindset we can fall into.
For example, say you're a painter and for the last year or so you've enjoyed painting a series of oil paintings of cats.
You feel you've really mastered certain techniques, and feel proud of the paintings.
Maybe you've even painted and sold a few commissions for friends and their cats.
So, you've made it, you've found your artistic calling! Now you can live happily ever after painting cats! Right? Well, yes.
And no.
Yes, because obviously it's wonderful that you've explored a medium to the point where you're very satisfied with your art, and other people are enjoying it too.
No, because, as we said just before, you're a creative person, and this involves seeking out new inspiration, techniques, mediums and challenges.
It's perfectly natural to want to continue to feed your creative curiosity.
It's the same hunger that's got you to where you are now.
Whatever forms we create in, all of us have thoughts like "I've always wanted to try...
" and it can be something connected to your main medium or something completely different.
The cat artist for example, may evolve into painting dogs, or lions, or people.
Though they may also have an urge to experiment with pottery, or African drumming, or Tango.
It's OK to try these other creative avenues! In fact, more than that, it's to be positively encouraged.
All forms of creating have underlying similarities.
The more different forms you try, the more enriched and experienced an artist you become.
This doesn't mean go out and try 10 different things tomorrow, then another 10 the next day and so on.
Give yourself time to fully appreciate and absorb the new artistic outlets you explore.
Remember, it's natural to want to explore your creativity, your ways of connecting with yourself, and communicating with the world.
Experiment freely in the knowledge that you're simply adding to your palette of experience and talents, and continuing to evolve along the creative journey that's uniquely yours.