When I tell people about my intention for a next act career as an artist, their questions are usually, “What kind of artist?” or “What kind of art do you make?” And then I stumble over an answer. Jeeesh. I finally have the courage to say out loud to friends and strangers that “I’m an artist” and now I have give details? This is hard.

About a year ago, I wrote about multipotentiality—a word to describe having many interests and creative pursuits. I still identify with that very much. It’s why I usually respond, “I don’t know yet” or, “It depends” to questions that attempt to put a single label on me and my art-making. I like to make a lot of different kinds of art and crafts. I am not a specialist, I’m a multipotentialite.

In contrast though, I’ve noticed my tendency to pre-judge artistic and creative forms and methods, deciding what I will and won’t do creatively without much information. I’ve limited myself with random declarations like…I’m an artist but I don’t paint. When I draw, I use markers, not pencils. I only use muted colors in my patterns. I only make abstract rug designs. Soap making isn’t safe. I don’t cook. I don’t write poetry. Paper making is too messy. Paper quilling is too detailed. Paper collage art is for chumps. (Just kidding. I really like collage art and artists).

The point I’m trying to make here is that being creative requires being open to trying new things. Saying “no” based on assumptions, stubbornness, or a misguided notion that you need to specialize does not help you grow as an artist, or as a human for that matter. Even if you have committed to specializing in a particular type of art, there are only benefits to playing around with other art forms, methods, practices, and perspectives. I use the words, “playing around” very literally here. Creativity is play. It’s about having fun and experimenting and learning. You don’t have to worry about being good. If, through your creative play, you find something that calls to you, then you can put in the work to be better at the thing that started as play. And a multipotentialite is born.

My former neighbor’s son is an artist. He paints with acrylics. When I was talking with him about art many years ago, he made it very clear that people who use computers to make art are not artists. He stated that digital art is not art at all. He was a real artist, and I was not, so I took his opinion to heart. I thought of him when I first learned about surface pattern design this year. It requires the digitization of art. Sometimes beautiful patterns are wholly digital creations. Had I clung to the narrow opinion that digital art is not art, I would have missed out on a lot of art-making joy, challenges, and opportunities. I’m so glad I tried a new artform and a new perspective.

To wrap up, here are my tips for growing creative courage by trying new things:

• Practice saying, “yes.” Or “maybe.” You don’t have to commit to trying every kind of art or creative practice you’re exposed to, but stop saying, “no” without considering the possibilities this new thing could offer. Be curious. Ask questions. Think about “what if…”

• Learn from other artists. Engage in creative play by trying to do what they do or by combining one or more of their techniques with your own.

• Reward yourself with art supplies. If you need extra motivation to leave your creative comfort zone, think of the fun of shopping for new and different art supplies or books. Who doesn’t love a trip to the craft store or a delivery from the Amazon truck? Supplies that you buy but don’t intend to use more than once can be donated or you can set up an art supply exchange with your creative friends.

Now, go try something new. Let me know if you need a suggestion or ten.