I recently gave a talk to a group of medical students. I spoke about how I’ve been able to combine my interest in art with my career in medicine. During the presentation, I shared some of the work I’ve created over the years. On the surface, it looks like I had painted a ton. Even I thought, ‘hmm, when did I create all this stuff?” However, my students and I may not realize that I’ve created all that artwork over two decades.
One student asked me, “How did you find the time to create art with a career in medicine?”
My answer? There have been busy seasons in my life and quieter seasons in my life. I didn’t create much art during the busy times in my life—that 2nd and 3rd year of medical school or when my three kids were babies. But I did create a lot of art during those quieter times. I created a lot of art when I had every Friday off because of my set all-night shift schedule. I created a lot of art when my kids became older and more self-sufficient. I created a lot of art when I had that itch to put what was on my mind onto canvas. The amount of art I made may have varied over the years, but one thing stayed the same: I always found time to create.
I often tell my students that medicine is one of the most creative fields out there. You have the incredible privilege of meeting people from all walks of life at so many pivotal times in their lives. You have the privilege of directly impacting their health and their future. But with all that input, how do you process it? For me, it’s been through art.
For you, it might be completely different. It may be through writing, poetry, storytelling, or music. I have a friend who kept a journal during her medical training and now taps into those entries in her creative writing. I had an attending during residency who was a singer-songwriter. I’ll never forget the poignant lyrics she sang about her work at a Level 1 Trauma Center during our residency graduation (The Knife and Gun Club). I have a friend who writes poetry to process the immense emotions she experienced as an Obstetrician. These medical creatives combined their creative sides with their medical work and found it helpful and perhaps even cathartic. There’s no one-size-all answer to being more creative; I suggest you explore and see what works for you.
So, as a sucker for those ‘Top 10 lists’ and a New Year’s resolution enthusiast, this month, I’m sharing my 3 quick habits for creative work, just in time for a creative 2025.
1. Obsess about quantity over quality
You may have heard about this story from the book Art & Fear. It goes like this: A photography teacher divides students into groups A and B. The teacher tells the students that their grades for the class will depend on two different criteria. Group A will be graded only on quantity, i.e., the number of photos the student takes. Group B will be graded on quality— the student only needs to submit one photo at the end of the class and get graded on that one image.
So, which group did better? Group A, of course! The students in this group spent time experimenting with composition, technique, and lighting. They learned and improved with every shot. Group B, on the other hand, focused so much on trying to get that perfect shot that they missed out on the process of learning through doing.
Over the years, I’ve accumulated pages and pages of small drawings and paintings. Many of them turned out bad, but by experimenting over and over again, I learned to draw and paint. I experimented with different pencils and pens. I tried out ink, gauche, and oil paints. I tested different brands. It has been the volume from years and years of practice that has really helped me grow as an artist.
The joy is in the climb itself.
2. Keep it analog
I hear this motto again and again—-’get with the times; go digital.’ Yes, I know how digital is a clean medium. It’s efficient. Once you get a tablet, you can store gigabytes of stuff there. But, as someone who still uses a paper calendar and still reads paper books, I am drawn to the analog sketchbook. There is no better feeling than a toothy pencil sliding across a smooth piece of paper. Or a trip to the art store to try a new pencil or paint color. A digital file gets saved somewhere in the deep crevices of your computer. But a sketchbook is something you can proudly display on your bookshelf and pick up and flip through. I also like how the sketchbook is chronological, so you can actually see your progression over the years.
3. Always be creating
The other day, I checked my screen time. OMG! 3 hours I spent mindlessly scrolling on my phone. What a waste of time and energy I could have used to do something more productive. I wonder how many of you have felt the same?
If you want to lead a creative life, it’s important to be intentional. If you make time for it, there is time. Sometimes, when visiting a friend, I intentionally bring a small sketchbook and doodle while we chat. Other times, while watching mindless TV, I whip out my sketchbook and draw. One of the best times to create for me is when traveling—on a plane or sitting in an airport lounge. I always pack a set of pencils and sketchbooks in my carry-on bag. There is always time to be creative; you just need to use your time and be intentional.
I’ll leave you with a final quote. I encourage you to bring out your creative selves to your everyday lives.
There is no better joy than creating something new.
Whether you sing a song and make someone smile.
Whether you write a story and make someone cry.
Whether you tell a joke and make someone laugh.
Whether you paint a picture and make someone think.