What does it mean to have core values for your art?
Discovering your core values can help if you are feeling lost, disconnected from your art or just not sure which step to take next. The right values can guide your art and your art business if you have one.
On the surface, you create a list of words that reflect your intentions, desires or purpose. These values will hold meaning for you and can direct your art practice.
For example, a value of "learning" can lead to a different experience to someone with a value of "relaxation".
What you choose might depend on your motivation for creating your art. Do you sell your work? Are you making gentle intentions or ambitious plans? They might change over time too.
Discover your core creative values
Grab a place to make notes. You can use my list below of Examples of Core Creative Values to get started but there are lots of similar "life core values" lists on the internet.
Then:
Note down any words from the list that immediately catch your attention. If any other words come to mind while you do this, add them to your list.
Work quickly and trust your first responses.
Your list might be long, that's ok!
[Get the list as a PDF to print out in the free Extras here at Buy Me A Coffee.]
Narrow down your list of creative values
Now try to narrow this down to three to five core creative values. Take your time. Here are some tips to help.
Cross out words that belong to other people’s expectations or what you think they "should" be.
Keep words that feel personal and meaningful.
Highlight words that get to the heart of what you want to create.
Compare similar words and choose the best fit. For example, I might add "learning" and "knowledge" to my list but one is about process, the other is about result.
Cross out words that feel tight or restrictive.
Choose words that reflect how you want to feel in your art.
Take your time choosing this list, these are the values that should get to the root of what you do and why.
For some people, one word is enough.
What do I do now?
Display your words!
Find a way to keep them in mind. Here are some suggestions that I've tried but do what works for you, your art and your space.
Write them on the front of your sketchbook or journal
Add them to a pin board or wall
Write them on Post It notes or record cards to keep in your work space
Display them on your laptop or phone
Paint them on a canvas or board
When you have your words, you might want to make notes in a journal about your choices. Date your entry and maybe set a date to reflect on them.
How to use these values
Start small and see how you can apply one of your words to your next artwork or even to a social media post. Keep it simple to start.
If you want to think bigger, try these questions.
Does your idea for a painting or series fit with your values?
Does an exhibition or opportunity match your core ideals?
Are your values reflected on your social media or on your website?
Does your creative process reflect your values?
What about your work space?
Reflecting on your values
Once you've put them into practice for a while, it's time to check back in.
Did you remember your values after you did the exercise?
Were you reminded of them frequently?
Did they feel meaningful and clear?
Were you making decisions based on them or creating art that reflected them?
Did you share them with anyone?
I really recommend taking some time to look back on them to see if they are actually a good fit. The right words should feel supportive and helpful, not a rule or chore.
Remember you can change them any time.
Tips for choosing and using your artist core values
Choose values that feel good for you, not what you think should be the “right” ones.
Read them often.
Let them guide you.
Don't be imprisoned by them, they should feel encouraging, not difficult.
Change them when you need to.
Share your ideas with a trusted art friend for accountability and support.
Examples of Core Creative Values
Abundance
Adventure
Ambition
Authenticity
Balance
Beauty
Bold
Brave
Compassion
Challenge
Colourful
Comfort
Community
Competency
Confidence
Conformity
Contribution
Courage
Creativity
Curiosity
Determination
Excellence
Faith
Fame
Friendship
Fun
Gratitude
Growth
Happiness
History
Honesty
Humour
Influence
Inner Harmony
Justice
Kindness
Knowledge
Leadership
Learning
Legacy
Love
Meaningful Work
Openness
Optimism
Patience
Peace
Pleasure
Popularity
Rebellion
Recognition
Reputation
Respect
Responsibility
Safety
Scale
Security
Self-Respect
Service
Spaciousness
Spirituality
Stability
Success
Status
Tradition
Trustworthiness
Wealth
Wisdom
Read the full article at Kore Sage Art.