“how can I explore my creative side & find my niche?”

{photo courtesy of norlib.}

dear apricot,

I am 21 years old and basically have made nothing of myself. I have this creative bone in my body itching to be scratched but I cannot find the right medium to express my creativity. I’d say I have the most passion for fashion & style, but I need your help. What are some ways I can explore my creative side and find my niche?

— Breanne.

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Breanne,

While it’s more than common to experience that “stuck” feeling when it comes to creative releases & finding your passion, it’s never fun to deal with. (I’ve definitely been there!) But take comfort in knowing that this will pass! You just need something to stroke your inner genius, & get those creative juices flowing.

You say you have most passion in fashion & style. There are so many directions you can go with this, so ask yourself some questions: What part of fashion & style do I like? Do I like the clothing? Do I like the fashion spreads in magazines? Do I like shopping for others & giving them style tips? Do I get inspired by reading fashion articles? Really examine your interests in fashion, & try to pinpoint the specific areas you like. Once you determine that — even if you have just a slight clue about where you want to go — take it, & run with it.

Immerse yourself in anything & everything that draws you in about personal style. Maybe create a fashion book (much like the beauty book I created). Clip out your favorite articles & spreads from magazines & put them in a composition notebook, solely dedicated to your love for fashion & style. Looking through this little book that you created will spark some inspired feelings inside of you. This is just one idea out of thousands you can do to give those creative muscles a good stretching. For me, creating that beauty book inspired me & kept my passion for makeup & beauty alive, even as of today.

Outside of fashion, try doing some new things to see if you enjoy them. Find a new hobby! Have you ever wanted to take a photography class, just because it seemed like fun? Try it! Do you ever pass by a dance studio & think, “I’d love to try modern dance someday”? Do it! Don’t hold yourself back from doing something, just because it seems like only a thought. If you show even the slightest interest in something, give it a whirl! When something peaks your interest, your creative instincts are tingling, so don’t ignore them. & if you don’t like a new hobby that you’ve tried, you don’t ever have to try it again.

& if you suddenly lose interest in fashion, or whatever else you’re experimenting with, that’s quite alright! It’s so important that you test all of the creative waters to find your strongest niche. Regardless, continue to try interesting, new things.

Another thing you could do is have a heart to heart with a close friend or loved one. Ask them what they see you being “when you grow up”, hypothetically speaking. Ask them why they chose that specific profession or position for you. Often times, others see things in us that we aren’t brave enough — or are too modest — to see for ourselves. Talking to someone you trust & respect about what talents & abilities they see in you will give you a new perspective. & perhaps they can encourage you to take certain risks so that you can find out more about your passion for style or anything else you enjoy.

Need something a bit more concrete to point you in the right direction? Try these books.

• The Creative Habit, by Twyla Tharp
• The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron
• The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield

Don’t rush the process of finding your niche, & don’t take it too seriously. The journey to finding it is supposed to be fun, natural, & enlightening.

— apricot.

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