By Maurice Edwards

This is the number one question that is asked by the many artists who desire to work in the art and entertainment industry. To honestly answer that question the artist must really ask themselves the question; “What really drives me to want to be in the Arts & Entertainment Industry?”

Here are some typical responses.

1. I can get rich
2. I want to get the attention from the audience my parent didn’t give me.
3. It appears to be an easy job.

or

1. It seems to come natural
2. I eat, sleep, dream creativity
3. I find myself having withdrawals if I don’t practice.

Once you have honestly accessed you your real motives it’s time to begin with what I will call “nurturing creativity”.  To really get an understanding of what nurturing creativity means let’s use the analogy of the painter and his blank canvas.  You are a painter and now you have the opportunity to create and experiment with many ideas. Your experiences and feelings being the tools you use on your canvas; your canvas being “Creativity”.

Creative artists during this phase of your development  it’s imperative that you understand that education of some sort, may it be a music school like Julliard, one on one instruction with a qualified teacher, church choirs, or community centers is the basic fundamentals required. Every artist’s journey will be their individual voice.

Here are some tips I would highly recommend as you all begin your development phase.

• Enjoy this phase with sincere openness to what life and people have to offer.
• Surround yourself with as many diverse creative artists as possible and learn to comprehend perspectives.
• Take this time to educate yourself about the history of the arts and entertainment industry.
• Don’t be afraid to experience new arts and entertainment outside of your comfort zones.
• Except all opportunities regardless even if you believe it might not have value. All experiences have value.
• Allow yourself to experience all one’s feelings equally.