Art Blog #142: Creative Freedom: What It Means And How To Achieve It

What is creative freedom to you?

Most definitions of creative freedom out there are twirling around the freedom of expressing yourself without feeling a burden of judgement. What is meant by creative freedom? Let´s not mix it up with the right for expression. We are assuming the freedom of expression as this belongs to the preconditions of living in a free country. This shall not be taken for granted. But creative freedom is something else than freedom of expression. And it is this nuance I would like to discuss in this art blog article.

How Much Freedom Do you Need?

Let us reduce the discussed term to the word freedom. What is considered creativity is perhaps even more colossal topic to discuss than the "creative freedom" which already narrows down the subject. So let´s talk freedom. Does it relate to country or a relationship? Yes, but it get´s even more rudimentary. It´s about space. At least to me. Here a little anecdote:

Once upon a time, I decided I was going to be a marine biologist. I pictured myself swimming with dolphins, exploring coral reefs, and discovering some never-before-seen species. Fast forward to my actual life: the closest I’ve come to aquatic adventures is cleaning out my goldfish’s tank while arguing with customer service about my internet bill. Funny how life works, right?

That’s the thing about time: it’s sneaky. You’re 20-something, full of hope and questionable fashion choices, thinking you have all the time in the world. Then bam! You’re 40, staring at a mirror, wondering when those fine lines appeared and how in the world you became the person who finds deep joy in categorizing spice jars. Time doesn’t just fly; it warp-speeds past, and if you’re not careful, it leaves you clutching a midlife with both hands.

So yeah, better be ready to figure out how to reconcile your creative freedom—assuming you even remember what that is. For me, creative freedom isn’t about grandeur or unattainable goals. It’s about space: physical, mental, and financial. And as a self-proclaimed space enthusiast, let me tell you, it’s no easy feat to carve out a cosmos for your creativity when real life is cramping your style ha-ha.

So what is creative freedom then?

We established the fact that freedom is somewhat associated with space and time. Now the term "creativity" comes to play. This is where some people will close the tab and slide quiet quickly once the subject doesn´t relate 100% to their field of creativity and that´s fine. But in my art blog I consider creativity something that applies to many more fields of human curiosity and activity then most people are used to assigning it to. Is being an civil astronomer necessarily an art? Probably not. Did it take the utmost imaginitive minds to dismantle ancient ways of looking at our world and the entire Universe? Yes. Does it take a creative genius to find out how to fly to Jupiter? Defnitely. But my blog is not about Space, it´s about creativity so hang onm we´re getting further with our exploration of what "creative freedom" is.

So let´s break it down with some real-life example to get closer to what we are trying to grasp. How much creative freedom does one really need? A tube of a standard oil paint costs somewhere around 10€. You paint just black? Yeah, nice trick. You paint full color? Better have a sponsor. Are you an astrophotographer dreaming of capturing the stars with a $10,000 telescope? Or are you a painter envisioning sweeping large canvases in a sun-drenched loft that’ll cost you two grand a month in rent? Maybe you’re like me, needing your metaphorical (and literal) space while trying to stay afloat in a world that keeps raising the price of groceries.

What does full creative freedom mean? The reality is, creative freedom often comes with a price tag. You start weighing the costs on one side of the scale—supplies, tools, a studio, time—and putting your dwindling savings on the other. The scales tip, and suddenly your dreams of “just quitting it all to pursue art full-time” feel less like a whimsical adventure and more like a financial freefall. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real.

As we found out with an example of painting just monochromatic, there are ways of getting your way thru even if the cards are set against you!

The Balancing Act and the "time money equation"

As for myself? I’ve realized I’ll always need my space. Not just in the literal sense—though a well-organized studio wouldn’t hurt—but in the headspace sense, too. Creativity thrives when it has room to breathe, to stretch out and this is, I believe, a process that takes time. It is simply quiet tricky to come home from your corporate job, turn the switch and start taking your "creative freedom". Peace of mind is crucial and it needs space as well. And time. As I said there is no let´s forget all the nine to five job stress and let´s get things started as I come home from my exhausting daily commute.

And yes, it thrives when you can afford to make it happen ha-ha. So here I am, searching for ways to reconcile my creative ideas with my capacity to execute them. It’s not always what I thought it would be, but it’s my journey.

Breaking Free

If you’re reading this and wondering, What are my most crucial conditions for creative freedom?, I’ll ask you: what’s holding you back? Is it "creative block"? Lack of resources? Time? All of the above? I mean no pressure, but it´s just important to find out which one of those are most relevant and then try to make your way around it.

For me, the answer has always been the "money vs time" equation. I need enough capacity to manage the chaos of daily life, enough space to explore new ideas, and enough funds to make those ideas a reality. But what’s enough? That’s a moving target. Having more possibilities won´t make your more creative, actually history proves it is exactly other way around.

Some days, it feels like I’m getting closer. I carve out a couple of hours to write or sketch, or I take a an endless browsing inspiration journey until it starts to feel like there are so many things one could start right away. That always feels very refreshing!

Other days, it feels like the weight of responsibilities is too much. I’m stuck in the hamster wheel of work and bills and social obligations, staring longingly at my sketchbook like it’s a portal to another universe. Don´t hang your head and read the blog article #74 about Perseverance and Consistency.

The Cost of Freedom

We’ve all been there, weighing the costs of freedom. Maybe it’s deciding between that new camera lens and paying off a credit card. Or maybe it’s giving up an evening of Netflix to work on a project you’re not even sure will pan out. The truth is, every creative endeavor comes with trade-offs. But the bigger truth? It’s worth it. Every single time.

Because when you’re in the zone—when the world fades away, and it’s just you and your art, your vision, your creation—nothing else matters. Not the cost, not the time, not the sacrifices. Those moments are what make it all worth it.

The True Cost of Creative Freedom: Balancing Dreams and Reality

How much freedom do you really need to create? Explore the challenges of funding your creative pursuits, carving out space, and navigating the complexities of life while staying true to your passion. Don't let time slip away! Learn how to prioritize your creative aspirations, weigh the costs of freedom, and redefine your artistic journey before life's responsibilities take over.

What’s Your Freedom?

So, what are your most crucial conditions for breaking free? Do you need a telescope, a loft, or just a quiet corner with decent lighting? Maybe you need someone to believe in you, or maybe you just need to believe in yourself. Whatever it is, find it. Fight for it. Because time doesn’t wait for anyone, and creative freedom isn’t just going to fall into your lap.

As for me, I’m going to keep searching. I’ll carve out my space, stretch my capacity, and save up for the things that matter most to me. Because when it comes down to it, creative freedom isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. And I’m not about to let life’s twists and turns stop me from reaching for the stars—literally and figuratively.

Peter von Hauerland