Challenges of Creativity in Cartooning-Mahbobeh Pakdel/FECO IRAN2024

Challenges of Creativity in Cartooning: Exploring Barriers to Creativity and Methods of Overcoming Them by Cartoonists

**Introduction**

Cartoons and caricatures are generally recognized as tools for social and political criticism. Creativity in presenting ideas and concepts can have a profound impact on the audience, prompting them to think and significantly influencing public awareness. Therefore, creativity in cartoons not only has a direct impact on the quality of the work but also affects the messages being conveyed.

This element of creativity enables the artist to find their unique style and voice in cartoons and caricatures. This personalization makes the artwork identifiable and memorable. Creativity is particularly important in two aspects: ideation and execution; creative and unexpected images have the potential to capture the audience's attention amidst a plethora of works and can effectively convey the main message.

To achieve this goal, creativity must be pursued as a continuous process. In this article, we will explore the importance of creativity in cartoons and caricatures, as well as examining the barriers to creativity and ways to overcome these obstacles.

Section One

Barriers to Creativity in Ideation in Caricature: Obsession with Idea Selection

One of the main barriers to creativity in subject selection and ideation in caricature is the cartoonist’s obsession with choosing ideas. Many cartoonists may dismiss any subject that comes to their mind as being a copy of others or pre-judge it before they can even get the idea down on paper. While artists can draw inspiration from the ideas and works of other artists, they have the opportunity to develop those ideas and reinterpret them in their own unique style and manner.

Therefore, the fear of producing something that seems derivative must be set aside, as it is one of the obstacles to creativity and the generation of new ideas by cartoonists.

**Criticism and Judgment**

Criticism and judgment are serious barriers to the success and creativity of cartoonists. In my opinion, an artist or cartoonist should utilize the criticisms and feedback from other artists and friends to nurture their ideas, but they must not allow these critiques to hinder their creative expression or the execution of their concepts. Taking criticisms too seriously and being overly concerned with others' judgments and seeking their approval can lead to feelings of inadequacy in the artist, causing a loss of confidence and diminishing focus on their artistic journey. Ultimately, this may result in the decision to abandon their art.

Therefore, as an artist, listen to the opinions of others, but at the same time, stay focused on your work and follow your own path.

Perfectionism and Pressure to Be Unique

The more an artist strives and pressures themselves to create a unique and special work or to astonish audiences right from the start, the more they limit themselves and ultimately find themselves under mental and psychological strain. This pressure can reach a point where they feel compelled to always generate new ideas, which can result in a paralysis that prevents them from producing any work at all.

In reality, we must accept that all ideas initially arise from existing concepts, and then the artist employs their creativity to alter and refine them gradually. Through persistence and continuity in executing and nurturing ideas, an artist will come to realize that they have created something new and unique that is fundamentally different from the initial concept. Therefore, drawing inspiration from other works should be seen as an essential part of the creative process and the birth of new ideas.

In general, it is advised that artists should not strive for perfection. Instead, they should focus on continuous improvement and effort. Even imperfect works can hold significant value and meaning.

Thought Habits

These negative and limiting thoughts, especially before starting any new work, can diminish motivation and induce a fear of beginning. This situation can hinder us from taking action and result in creativity being blocked and progress stalling. All of this stems from perfectionism, along with overthinking others’ judgments and criticisms. Thus, the artist who truly succeeds is the one whose mind is focused on the present and free from negative thoughts. Such an artist, by concentrating on being present and experiencing life in the moment, can express their creativity in the best way possible and achieve valuable accomplishments.

**Lack of Self-Confidence**

Self-confidence is one of the most important traits for becoming a successful artist, whether as a painter or cartoonist. To achieve success in this field, an individual must first accept themselves as an artist and believe in their abilities.

Many novice artists, and even experienced ones, may experience a lack of self-confidence, which can significantly impact their creativity and self-expression. Therefore, to create a healthy creative space, self-confidence and acceptance as an artist are essential.

With self-confidence, the artist can share their ideas, take risks, and make progress along their creative journey. Self-confidence not only helps an individual present their work with greater magnificence but also positively influences their thinking and creative process.

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**Section Two: Methods to Overcome Barriers to Creativity**

Barriers to creativity can be particularly challenging for artists; however, by implementing appropriate strategies, these obstacles can be overcome.

**Personal Challenges**

Setting daily goals can be very effective. You may decide to create a small drawing or design every day, or dedicate each week to a specific topic. This practice helps to consistently exercise your creativity.

By having structured goals, artists can create a routine that encourages the flow of ideas and reduces the pressure to produce "perfect" work. Engaging in these everyday creative practices can foster a habit of exploration, allowing the artist to break through creative blocks and build their confidence over time.

In addition, seeking accountability from fellow artists or joining creative communities can provide motivation and support, encouraging individuals to pursue their artistic endeavors with greater enthusiasm and determination.

**Introducing New Environments**

Participating in artistic activities and events, such as exhibitions and workshops, can be incredibly inspiring. These new environments can shape fresh ideas in your mind and also provide opportunities to meet other artists and engage in discussions.

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**Exploring Different Activities**

Engaging in new artistic endeavors, such as painting with different techniques, photography, or even visual arts, can help break habits and foster new creativity. This diversity allows you to appreciate art from various perspectives and encourages innovation in your work.

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**Creating Positive Pressure**

By organizing an exhibition, for instance, you can challenge yourself to create new works by a specific deadline. This pressure can act as a motivator, compelling you to produce new pieces and push your creative boundaries.

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**Focusing on the Process, Not Just the Outcome**

Sometimes, an excessive emphasis on the final result can limit creativity. Try to concentrate on enjoying the creative process and the experiences that come with it, finding joy in the journey rather than just in the finished product.

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**Writing Down Ideas**

Keeping a notebook to jot down ideas, thoughts, and inspirations can be immensely helpful. Whenever you feel a lack of inspiration, referring back to this notebook can provide you with a source of motivation and a way to ignite your creativity again.

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By introducing new environments and experiences into your artistic practice, you can cultivate a rich source of inspiration and continuously nurture your creativity. Embrace the journey of exploration and allow yourself to grow as an artist through varied experiences and new ideas.

**Meditation and Proper Rest**

Sometimes, your mind needs a break to recharge and approach work with fresh energy. Activities like meditation or spending time in nature can significantly help in restoring your mental strength and inspiring creativity. Disconnecting from routine and allowing your mind to relax provides an opportunity for new ideas and insights to emerge.

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**Book Recommendation: "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon**

This book outlines various ways artists can overcome barriers to creativity. The principles discussed can be summarized as follows:

**Steal, but Don’t Copy**

Drawing inspiration from others is essential, but it’s important to transform and personalize those ideas. This practice helps you create unique works that reflect your voice and style. By reinterpreting and reshaping existing concepts, you not only honor the original source but also establish your own artistic identity.

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Incorporating meditation, rest, and the wisdom gleaned from resources like Kleon’s book into your creative routine can provide a valuable framework for overcoming challenges and nurturing your artistic journey. Embrace inspiration, allow for downtime, and always strive to create in your own distinctive way.

**Nothing is New**

Many ideas are influenced by previous concepts. Recognizing this reality can relieve the pressure of originality and encourage you to create new ideas rather than fear repetition. Understanding that creativity often builds upon what has come before can liberate you from the constraints of perfectionism.

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**Experiment and Fail**

Failures are a part of the learning process. It's essential to experiment and learn from your mistakes to continue growing your creativity. Embracing failure as a stepping stone toward improvement allows you to explore new avenues without the fear of making mistakes.

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**Be Yourself**

Honesty in art is crucial. Strive to find and express your unique voice in your work. Authenticity resonates with audiences and sets your art apart from that of others. Embracing your individuality can lead to more meaningful and impactful creations.

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**Look Around You**

Draw inspiration from your surroundings. The everyday things you observe can ignite new ideas and insights. Whether it’s nature, architecture, or interactions with others, remaining open to the world around you can fuel your creativity.

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**Establish Creative Habits**

Developing daily creative habits, such as painting or writing regularly, can help you stay consistently engaged in your creative process. Routine fosters discipline and opens new pathways for inspiration.

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**Collaborate with Others**

Working and connecting with other artists and creative individuals can create opportunities for new ideas and fresh inspirations. Collaboration often leads to unexpected outcomes and enhances your creative capacity.

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**Study and Analyze Others' Works**

Pay attention to the works of other artists and learn from them. Observing their mistakes and experiences can provide significant insights into your creative journey. Analyzing diverse artistic styles can enrich your own approach and broaden your understanding of art.

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Incorporating these principles into your creative practice can help you navigate challenges, cultivate originality, and foster a fulfilling artistic journey. Embrace the process, stay curious, and never hesitate to find inspiration from the world and people around you.

**Set Aside Perfectionism**

Instead of striving for perfection, focus on your process and personal growth. Approach your artistic journey with confidence and courage, and don't be afraid to present your work to the world. This mindset allows for a more genuine exploration of creativity, where learning and evolving become the primary goals rather than an unattainable ideal.

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These principles help artists overcome creative barriers, draw from the inspirations and experiences of others, and effectively discover new ideas. The author uses simple language and concrete examples to demonstrate that creativity is a natural and accessible process. Individuals can carve their own unique paths by taking inspiration from others while remaining true to themselves.

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By releasing the need for perfection, you can embrace the beauty of imperfection, allowing greater freedom to explore and express your creativity. Remember that the evolution of your artistic voice is as important as the final product and that every piece you create is a step in your unique artistic journey.

The third part

Personal experiences and successful examples

Agim Sulaj Interview with him

32 years ago I left Albania, and came to live in Italy I have been through several moments of difficulty, but I have never removed my pencil and brushes I worked in the morning with painting and in the afternoon with cartoons, for competitions The themes of my works were concentrated on immigration The travel suitcase has become an important figurative medium for giving and communicating with the environment and the new world where I have chosen to live The first prizes started immediately

I begin to exhibit in fine arts galleries in Bologna, Milan, Rimini etc. then to Paris, Belgium, Spain, England etc

For young people I think they need to evaluate their passion and put it in the foreground Follow the call that comes from the heart and the mind There comes a time when everything becomes easier My ideas are simply ready I just do execution In pencil, oil colors or acrylic fortunately I painted this in different techniques and I had no problems creating my works

Best regards

Agim

www.agimsulaj.com/

Crihana Florian

Interview with Kriyana Florian

Kriyana Florian is another renowned artist who works in the field of caricature and shares her experiences in this area:

She was born on April 7 in Galata, Romania, and graduated from the Marine Architecture Institute. She began her career as a professional caricaturist in 1990, right after she left her job as an engineer to pursue her passion for caricature and painting.

1: What challenges or obstacles have you faced during your career as a caricaturist or artist?

The hardest part was remaining an independent artist. I didn’t want to have a daily work schedule or take orders from anyone. This is the most difficult thing in art, in general, and that’s why I see “artists” as those who can dedicate their entire day to themselves. To maintain a stable job, you have to commit all your time to creation, which means you have to stay unpaid as an artist. That was the hardest part, and although there should be some creative contracts, these contracts will remain coordinated with the artist. This was the experience I went through, and that’s why I was very productive.

2: How have these obstacles affected your creative process?

Indeed, I’ve often had to suspend my personal creativity to restore my financial balance. My family needed my contribution to the budget. Rebalancing finances led to an urgent appeal for commercially successful works for the public. Sometimes it felt overly commercial...

3: What techniques or methods do you use for brainstorming and creating creative cartoons?

It’s a completely complex process. Part of it will remain unknown because that’s what I want. I’m always looking for ideas that start at 4:30 in the morning when I’m alone with my thoughts—without family, without computer, without phone, without television. It has always been effective; it yields results. I use a notebook for words and little drawings. Ideas can come quickly but can fade from memory after a few hours.

4: Are you interested in sharing your personal experiences with brainstorming?

I believe that everyone’s technique creates originality. That’s why I keep the details of my technique to myself.

5: What advice do you have for young artists facing creative challenges?

Young people should remember that the field of caricature is one of simple ideas. A caricature is not the result of deep study. Once an idea is discovered, study stops. There's no need to continue. That’s why similarities appear among different creators. This is why recognition is low—on the level of a cultural house for popular and amateur creativity or amateur creator associations. No one can be celebrated for caricature from academies or research institutions. Should we think of a Nobel prize?... That would be naive. That’s why I think caricature should be temporary. It’s not a solid foundation for a professional career in life.

www.floriandorucrihana.com

Bernard Bouton

Bernard Bouton, a French caricaturist, is an active figure in the field of caricature. His ideas are presented to the audience in a very fluid and simple manner, and this simplicity is also evident in the execution of his works.

Bernard sometimes depicts his ideas using a few simple collages, and this clarity in both ideation and execution distinguishes him. He also shares his experiences, which can serve as a source of inspiration for emerging caricaturists and enthusiasts of this art form. His experiences highlight the importance of simplicity and the power of creative ideas in caricature.

1: What challenges or obstacles have you experienced during your work as a caricaturist or artist? I had two jobs for several years: I was a physics teacher and a caricaturist, so I had very little time for drawing! There was a small advantage to this: when I worked as a teacher, I didn’t stress about finding ideas for cartoons. And when I was drawing, it distracted me from teaching.

2: Is there a specific experience you can point to and describe how you overcame it? A major problem was that I had a lot of work as a teacher. Sometimes a newspaper would ask me for a cartoon for the next morning! So I had to come up with ideas very quickly. Experience has shown me that often the first idea is the best. If I had more time, I would try to come up with more complex ideas that might not be as good. Eventually, the problem would resolve itself.

3: What advice do you have for young artists facing creative challenges? Great masters have created hundreds of great cartoons, but there are still hundreds of new things in terms of ideas and styles to explore!