The Confident Creative

The other day I found out that a friend of a friend went out and bought $5000 worth of camera equipment. The idea of a non-photographer having access to better equipment than me had ticked me off. When normal consumers have access to prosumer products, I assume they will abuse and exploit the mediums of good photography and design. My attitude was that common folk weren't entitled to use equipment that people like me have been trained and dedicated to work with. It's like saying any old Joe Shmoe can be a doctor, just because he bought a white coat and stethoscope.

I caught myself internally fuming! ...but in that moment, I realized that I was missing something very important. Confidence.

Confidence....meaning full trust. I feel like it's something you acquire with a combination of experience and humility...something admirable and not arrogant. Confidence has no room for insecurity and cynicism.

So here are a few more thoughts on what confidence means to me...

• Welcomes criticism, without being defensive
• Actively listens to ideas, not waiting to speak
• Encourages and mentors
• Is open-minded, yet maintains integrity
• Is willing to make mistakes and learn from them

Confidence is something I want to continually practice.