The Art of Mindset
Why Artists Need a New Perspective
A couple months ago, an artist and close friend shared the following Albert Einstein quote with me:
“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”
Since then, I’ve been reflecting on how it relates to us as artists. It occurred to me that we often get stuck in familiar creative ruts without even realizing it.
We rely on the same tried and true creative techniques over and over, yet somehow expect breakthrough results each time.
In a way, it’s artistic insanity — repeating the same limited mindsets and processes while hoping for game-changing masterpieces. And that reminds me of another Einstein quote:
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
This made me re-examine my assumptions about where creative inspiration comes from. I also got to thinking more deeply about whether we as artists, have shifted our perspectives and processes enough to account for the technological tools we use daily.
Have we incorporated new digital mindsets into how we create, or do we just keep doing things the same old way?
Are we leveraging technology and data to meaningfully improve our art and connect with audiences?
Or do we avoid integrating it because it feels too unfamiliar?
Einstein’s quote pushed me to confront how much my creative approach needs to evolve in sync with the digital world I operate in on a daily basis.
We can’t keep clinging to only the creative techniques of the past without embracing modern perspectives as well. Our mindset impacts what we produce and how it resonates with those we’re trying to connect with.
Artists have always been masters of imagination and innovation. Yet even the most talented can feel constrained by habitual thinking, unable to tap their full potential. With the shift to digital technology, developing the right mindset is now essential to stay on the creative edge.
However, changing mindsets is hard when long-held beliefs shape how we see things.
This week, we’ll explore how embracing Einstein’s principle of new perspectives can empower artists to thrive in the 21st century. We’ll look at the limitations of legacy mindsets, the power of adaptability, and strategies to guide the shift — with the goal of providing guidance to spark your next creative breakthrough.
Some technical lingo like “data” and “analytics” will come up in this piece. I know, it may seem foreign at first as an artist. But stay with me — it’s essential context for the mindset shift we need today.
Blending some science into the art serves a purpose here. When we fuse perspectives, it opens up some new creative possibilities.
Where Artists Are Now
For centuries, the work of traditional artists — from painters to musicians — has been shaped by established practices. Aspiring creators devoted years mastering time-honored techniques like chiaroscuro, pointillism, and counterpoint.
While these skills remain artistically insightful, strict adherence to legacy methods can also restrict our imagination. The truth is, mastering the techniques of old masters doesn’t necessarily make you an old master today. Their mindsets were suited for their time, not ours.
Of course, foundational skills remain meaningful. But when solely relied upon, they paint creators into a corner.
The digital landscape presents unprecedented opportunities as well as new challenges. Social media platforms allow artists to share their work with vast audiences and build engaged communities globally.
However, thriving in this connected world requires more than talent alone. Audiences have exponentially more options. Breaking through the noise requires tools beyond honed creative skills.
The Need for Evolving Mindsets
To stand out amidst an influx of digital content, artists should embrace both creativity and analytical skills. How do you make sense of endless data to identify winning formulas?
Trailblazing artists have already embraced this mindset shift, providing inspirational models for others.
Pop music sensation Halsey attributes much of her success to being “extremely analytical” and strategic about social media. She studies her fan demographics and carefully calibrates each post for maximum impact.
Fellow musician deadmau5 built his brand not just through music but also by leveraging Reddit Q&As and livestreams. Creativity fused with community engagement.
Amanda Palmer funded an album through Kickstarter by offering personalized experiences to engaged supporters. And this was before the blockchain and NFTs were even in the picture.
Musician Trent Reznor even appointed a Chief Data Officer to the Nine Inch Nails team to inform creative decisions with audience analytics.
Shifted Mindsets in Action
British musician Imogen Heap exemplifies a shift. Once wary of technology, she now embraces its creative potential. She makes multi-layered songs using gesture-controlled gloves, animated notation software, and even AI collaboration.
Visual artist Refik Anadol pivoted from traditional photography to stunning data-based installations, engaging audiences in new ways. Exploring technologies allows Anadol to create previously impossible experiences.
Choreographer Wayne McGregor collaborates with cognitive scientists to analyze movement, inventing groundbreaking dance styles that push the boundaries of human performance.
As you can see, these artists show how opening your mind opens up creative frontiers. The skills needed today are changing. But rather than resist, we can adapt.
Overcoming Resistance on the Journey
Change can spur resistance, when it pushes us past habits. Author Steven Pressfield, in his book The War of Art, calls this resistance — the inner voice that pulls us back.
Change can spur resistance when it pushes us past our habits. Author Steven Pressfield, in his book The War of Art, calls this resistance - the inner voice that pulls us back.
Adopting a growth mindset helps quiet this voice — believing abilities can be developed through effort.
Artists can reframe transitions as opportunities for learning, not threats. Small consistent actions to build skills and experience mount over time, driving transformation. With this mentality, we don’t avoid change — we lean into it.
Standing on the Shoulders of Masters Who Evolved
Even iconic figures like Pablo Picasso recognized the value of analytical thinking for artists. He once said, “Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.”
To create something new, Picasso believed artists must challenge yesterday’s assumptions. By blending artistic styles and geometrical analysis, he shifted mindsets through his revolutionary cubist work.
Leonardo da Vinci exemplified the ideal convergence of creativity and analytics. His designs and scientific illustrations advanced both art and engineering.
By fusing imagination with observation, da Vinci perfected anatomical drawing, explored optics and motion, and envisioned futuristic inventions well ahead of his time.
Each master knew mindsets must evolve to stay on the creative edge, and today’s creators can carry on that legacy of reinvention.
Curiosity Fuels Discovery
Beyond professional success, an adaptive mindset also fuels personal fulfillment. When artists break free of habitual thinking and embrace a growth mentality, they are more empowered to follow curiosity, take risks, and stay engaged in the artistic process itself.
Rather than judge outcomes, they focus on discovery — which often leads to their best work.
With this fresh mindset, creativity becomes inherently rewarding, sparking the passion that drew artists to their craft originally.
Unlocking Your Potential in the Digital Age
The digital world provides a blank canvas to spark our own revolutions. When we stay flexible and open, adopting Einstein’s principle of constantly questioning assumptions, we can blend creative gifts with data, technology, and community insights. This lays the groundwork for art to flourish in unprecedented ways.
Imagine how your mindset shapes your next creation.
Feel afraid at first? Lean into growth.
Create something bold? Analyze the results to guide your next piece.
However you embark on your journey, remember the only real limits are those in our minds. But when we open our minds, the possibilities are limitless.
Putting It All Into Practice
Transitioning mindsets is challenging. But viewing analytics as fuel for creativity — not a threat to it — provides new opportunities. What if we approached innovation itself with an experimental mindset? Like a scientist’s lab, our studios can become spaces to test new ideas.
Ready to evolve your creative mindset? Here are 10 steps to guide the process:
Examine your assumptions about creativity and success
Research classes on marketing, data, and digital media for artists
Run small experiments on social platforms and with marketing
Ask your community for insights to inspire new directions
Find collaborators in complementary disciplines to blend perspectives
Reframe transitions as learning opportunities, not threats
Measure results, but stay flexible and focus on discovery
Revisit your mindset periodically to check for new blindspots
Test new approaches, but stay authentic to your style
Document your mindset shift journey through your art
With a growth mindset, you can unlock the full creative potential of the digital landscape.
What will you create next? Let me know in the comments.
That’s it for this issue of The Intentional Artist.
As always, if this resonated or was of help, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Artfully yours,
Chris
PS… If you’re enjoying The Intentional Artist, will you take a few seconds and forward this edition to a friend? It goes a long way in helping me grow the newsletter (and support more artists).
And if you want to be an even better friend, you can give the gift of The Intentional Artist by clicking the button below. Please let us know if you choose this option so I can send over a bonus as a thank you.
And finally, I’d love your input on how I could make The Intentional Artist even more useful for you! So please leave a comment with:
Ideas you’d like covered in future editions
Your biggest takeaway from this edition
I do read and reply to every single one of them!
Change is hard! And going from knowing what you're doing to being a beginner and learning something new?? GAH!!! That's where I am right now, fighting the resistance to trying something new. Something I know will be a pivot point in my work.
Throughout my artistic journey, there has always been a period where i've resisted changing my style but finally making that change (i've always wondered why i have a big ego and can't accept change so easily and unfortunately haven't figured out the reason). I hope in the future i can be less resistant to change whenever i feel the need to do so.