The 5 Stages of Creative Grief

The classic Kübler-Ross 5 stages of grief, in dealing with loss and/or tragedy, converted to the 5 stages of creative grief: 1) Denial: After the first blush of relief, at having finally, after great pain, completed another piece of work, the artist convinces himself or herself that what has been created is good and worthy, and not a massive waste of time and energy: “This may be the best work I’ve done yet.” 2) Anger: But, soon realism sets in; as it becomes clear the artist's work will not generate money to pay the bills; nor will it receive the acclaim required to fill the bottomless pit of insecurity and self-doubt at the artist’s core; resentment and anger grows 3) Bargaining: Sell, Sell, Sell. “If I can just get by, I can create something new, and better.” “Maybe, if this work is pushed hard enough; something will break through; maybe, if the work is marketed right; and if it reaches the right people...Maybe, I'll be given more time and freedom to create...Maybe, I will work again.” 4) Depression: Lock away the paint brushes. Shut down the typewriter/computer. Lay down the camera. Vow to never create another piece of work again. It's over. “I'll never dance again.” 5) Acceptance: “Hell, in the grand scheme of things, none of it really matters anyway.” In the end, the artist creates only for their own sense of mortality. “It’s not as if I can really stop myself; and I have nothing better to do with whatever time I may have left on earth.” Rinse and Repeat