Why Your Creative Identity Shouldn't be a Fixed Thing

Something I occasionally ask myself during creative projects is, "What if the version of me who started this isn't who finishes it?"

Trust me when I say the answer should always be, "Well . . . good."

Questions like this come from our inner saboteur stirring up worry and clutching at preconceived ideas around the creator we are. Society tends to pressure creatives into adopting a specific niche or style and then staying in that metaphorical lane.

But what we create, how we do it, and what we use to convey our message are nearly unlimited in scope and possibility. Being confined by the idea that "I've always done it this way and it's my brand" only serves the purpose of consistency.

That, and a slow death of the soul. Yikes.

Creative identity is supposed to evolve. As we go through life, our perspectives and understanding of the world around us change. Our creative drives, styles and messages change. Our inner creator and voice both change.

And if they don't, then we should look at what's getting in the way of our natural growth.

WHAT CREATIVE EVOLUTION LOOKS LIKE

No, this type of evolution doesn't involve growing extra legs or eyeballs (though if it did, our creative experiences would be wild). The components usually look more like:

• transition to a new creative medium (painter to writer, musician to chef, athlete to philanthropist)

• changes in theme or nuance (light vs dark, lyrical vs raw, love vs war)

• shifts in voice due to personal growth and new influences

• letting go of old identities, personas, or other versions of self-expression.

Consider a butterfly's ability to transform inside what I can only seem to refer to as a tiny organic coffin (trigger warning?), then break out and fly away an entirely different animal.

Look at the mythical phoenix, which reincarnates by self-immolating and rising out of its old body's ashy remains. Twisted.

Think about every character arc in every book you've ever read: how different were they by the end of the story?

Similar to these examples, our creative evolution is a gift often misunderstood until we come face-to-face with the brilliant results. Identity shifts prove growth, not failure, and history is full of evidence to support this.

METAMORPHOSIS: 3 REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES

MADONNA

From her religiously rebellious and taboo-busting eras came albums like Like a Virgin and Erotica, which were followed up with a total identity reinvention with Ray of Light. She has explored techno-pop and electronica. Disco and urban R&B. Most recently, she embraced world and latin music with her heavily influenced album, Madame X.

Madonna took creative evolution so far that she made transformation her signature brand. The outcome? Wild success.

JORDAN PEELE

Previously known for working in the comedy space, Peele’s career shifted dramatically into horror with his popular debut film, Get Out. His humor created the foundation for what became sharp, social horror, a new standard in the genre and a more authentic alignment with Peele’s inner creator. He is the epitome of success despite contrast.

MARGARET ATWOOD

Atwood started in poetry and literary fiction with a focus on Canadian identity, nature, and feminism. But she didn’t remain there. Instead, she shifted into hard-hitting dystopian fiction, most notably with The Handmaid’s Tale, a bold leap into political and prophetic commentary.

Her career further evolved when the novel was made into a popular HBO series of the same name.

CREATIVE IDENTITY SHIFT = DEEPENING

Creativity is a relationship you have with your inner self, not a specific brand or style. When you align with the real you, an evolving identity becomes natural. Embrace it, because every level-up is a win that moves you closer to the next.

As for your past creatives selves? Despite what it may feel like, we don't ever actually lose them. They build on each other so we can continue to develop as creators and step into new phases. These layers are what provide us with depth, contrast and heightened understanding, teaching us valuable things at every stage along the way.

Your creative identity isn't meant to stagnate or stay the same, but evolve with you. The shedding and shifting and pivoting isn't a sign that you've lost your way. You're becoming something new, and that is incredibly powerful.

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What part of your creative identity are you outgrowing?

What's waiting to emerge in your next phase?

Let me know!