I love the Austin Kleon newsletter because he always links to an artist I have never heard of in a medium I have never really explored. It always leads to somewhere I would have never found on my own. 

This week he linked to this video of artist Ralph Steadman in his studio. I’d never heard of him, but this five minute video made me like him immediately. He’s having fun with his work. He’s enjoying his art. 

At one point he says,

It’s just for the hell of it. For no good reason. It’s for that.

Ralph Steadman

It’s a thought I think gets lost when we think about not only the reasons for creativity, but for why we do anything in this life. 

So often we are motivated by money or the thought of fame. We’re never encouraged to do things “just for the hell of it.” If we’re going to create art, it should be art that changes the world, or that sells, or that sells something else. I think the world would be an entirely different place if we could just sometimes think of what we would do if it was “for no good reason.””

Of course we need shelter, food, and clothing. Of course we need to provide for our needs. But wouldn’t the world be wonderful if we could do that in a way that wasn’t soul crushing? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if advertisers didn’t rule the creative process? If advertising wasn’t as prevalent in every aspect of our lives? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if art was as an acceptable career as being a telemarketer or an accountant? 

I often try to justify my need to write poetry and prose, but I think I’ll accept this lesson from Ralph Steadman and remember that I don’t need a reason, I don’t need a style, and it’s perfectly ok to do what I love “for the hell of it.”

Sometimes I feel like the Internet is full of people trying to sell themselves or build an image. In many ways it seems like creativity has been lost to attention seeking. People will do whatever it takes for the likes, the views, and the follows. But, is putting those things out to the world fulfilling? Are you being true to who you are? Are you really making your mark on the world? Will what you create stand the test of time?

I’ve always held to the belief that you have to be yourself. You have to put an authentic voice forward. I’m sure there are times I’ve been sucked in by the masses, drawn in by popular culture, but for the most part I’m a bit of a rebel against those things. What does all of this have to do with creativity? You have to create things that are true to who you are. You have to create for yourself and trust that the like minded people with appreciate it. You can’t create in a style that isn’t you.

You can’t create to impress, or win awards, or gain followers. Those things will happen if you create authentically for the sake of the process. Then you are truly putting something in the world that wasn’t there before. It’s not about branding or becoming a product. It’s about authenticity. Are you speaking in your own voice, or are you hiding behind someone else’s?

When you’re creating in someone else’s voice, it becomes work to continue to be someone you’re not. Creating should be fun. I have found myself in the last couple of months doubting my poetry style. Thinking that I should try writing shorter pieces or sound bites. Thinking I should try this or that to gain more followers. Then it stopped being fun. Maybe I’m not the best poet in the world, but I do think I have my own style. I need to remember to be true to that. 

We all have something unique to share. Contrary to what modern life tries to tell you – you’re not a brand or a product. You’re not something to be sold. Tap into who you are and create from there. If people connect, maybe you’ll make a little money and achieve a little fame. If not, you’re still successful because you found your voice and a little contentment in creating things true to who you are.