Two Ways I Create (Depending on the Day)
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Some days all I feel like is adding a texture, or using different colour grading techniques
One thing I've learned over time is this. Not every creative session looks the same.
Some days, I want to build something from the ground up. Other days, I just want to sit, create, and not overthink it. And both are valid.
There isn't just one way to create
I think sometimes we put pressure on ourselves to create a certain way, to make something complex, to build something from scratch, to prove something, or to avoid judgemental comments from others.
But creativity doesn't always work like that. Some days you have the energy. Some days you don't. And that's ok.
What do we even mean by "creative"?
The word creative can mean a lot of different things. For some, it's painting or drawing. For others, it's photography. For others, it's editing, compositing, or working with AI. And then there are all the variations in between.
Which makes me wonder, why are we sometimes so quick to judge what creativity is or isn't? Is it the tool? The process? The final image? Or is it simply the way someone chooses to express an idea?
Other days I feel like exploring and creating a composite, like a full blown production.
Because when you step back, creativity has never really been one thing. It's always been shaped by the tools available, the time we live in, and the person creating.
So maybe it's less about defining creativity, and more about allowing space for different ways of creating.
The two ways I tend to work
When I sit down to create, I usually fall into one of two approaches.
1. Building a composite from an idea
This is when I'm in the mood to explore an idea or concept. I might create backgrounds using AI, generate elements or a character, bring everything into Photoshop, and build the image piece by piece.
This is where I think more, experiment more, problem solve. It takes more effort, but it's also where I can really bring an idea to life.
2. Starting with an image and refining it
Other times, I don't want to build everything from scratch. I just want to create without the effort.
So I might start with an AI generated image, focus on colour grading, add textures, and maybe bring in one extra element, or not.
This is more about mood, tone, enjoying the process. Less pressure. Still creative.
Both are creative
This is the important part. One approach isn't better than the other. They're just different. One is more about building. One is more about refining. Both come from the same place, your imagination.
It still comes back to the same skills
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No matter which approach I use, the same things apply. Light. Colour. Balance. Knowing when to stop. Those skills don't change. Only the starting point does.
Letting go of the pressure
If there's one thing I'd say, it's this. You don't always have to create something big.
Some days just adjusting colour is enough. Just adding a texture is enough. Just sitting and creating is enough.
It all counts.
Final thought
Creativity doesn't have to be complicated. Some days you build. Some days you refine. Both are part of the process.
