# Embrace Your Uniqueness: The Key to Creative Success
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Chapter 1: The Essence of Originality
The genre-blending tunes of Jon Batiste embody a joyful spirit. His vibrant music video for "Freedom" showcases his energetic artistry. Recently, Batiste was honored with five Grammy awards, including the prestigious Best Album of the Year for his record We Are.
A product of Juilliard, Batiste is a multifaceted artist—jazz pianist, vocalist, songwriter, composer, dancer, and the bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. As Billboard.com highlighted, Batiste not only performed and co-produced We Are but also contributed significantly to its creation by playing various instruments, including bass, keyboards, and even the theremin.
PBS.org describes him as a globally recognized musician, educator, and bandleader, known for his immense talent and charismatic presence, earning him the title of ‘crowned prince of jazz.’ While his success can be attributed to talent, relentless effort, and top-notch training, the essence of what sets him apart is his originality.
The Power of Being Unique
Josh S. Rose, a filmmaker and photographer based in Los Angeles, emphasizes the significance of embracing one’s quirks in photography. In an era where everyone has a smartphone and can take pictures, there's a saturation of similar images flooding social media. Rose points out that while technology has made photography accessible, it has also led to a "homogeneity of imagery."
He notes that many photographs are visually appealing, yet they often lack distinction. "In the past, you had a unique quality that set you apart," Rose reflects in an interview on The Gray Matters podcast. His advice to creatives? Identify what makes you unique and lean into that.
Finding Your Unique Voice
How do you discover your distinctive voice? While it’s beneficial to admire and draw inspiration from the work of others, to truly stand out, you must look within. Photographer Cole Thompson echoes this sentiment, stating that the most impactful improvement one can make is to identify and pursue their own vision.
Thompson insists that this vision is the fundamental driving force behind all his images. He argues that it’s not about the camera or the techniques but about creating images that resonate with what you love, independent of external opinions.
To find your vision, Thompson suggests a critical evaluation of your work. He expresses discomfort with the current trend of seeking expert critiques, as they often reflect the critic's personal preferences rather than your unique vision. While mentorship can be helpful, the ultimate challenge is to express your individuality and distinct perspective.
Refining Your Authenticity
In a discussion with Fareed Zakaria, Jon Batiste remarked on the uniqueness inherent in every individual: "You’re the only version that exists." This uniqueness is often overlooked as we try to emulate others whom we admire. However, this pursuit can lead to a loss of our own voices.
The most critical pitfall in creative work is conformity. If your creations mimic those of others, it's essential to delve deeper to unearth what truly excites you. Experimentation is key—ignore the noise of social media, continuously create, and observe the patterns in your previous work to cultivate your authentic voice.
Jon Batiste’s upbringing in a musical family in Louisiana, combined with his education at Juilliard, provided a strong foundation for his career. Yet, it was his commitment to his unique artistic vision that propelled him to Grammy-winning success.
What about you? What unique trait or perspective can you nurture and share with the world? It’s never too late to start showcasing your authentic self.
Before You Go
I’m John P. Weiss, an essayist, photographer, cartoonist, and landscape painter. To stay updated, follow The Saturday Letter here.