Finding Your “Why” and Why It Matters

Finding Your “Why” and Why It Matters: A Journey Through Graffiti, Skateboarding, and Street Photography

Today, we're diving into something fundamental for anyone involved in any kind of creative work—finding your why. It's the essence behind what you do, and it shapes how you create. I'll start by sharing a bit of my backstory to set the stage, but trust me, there's a point to all of this that I think you'll find useful in your own creative journey.

The Backstory: My Three Creative Passions

For me, the connection between three specific interests—graffiti, skateboarding, and street photography—helped me understand my own "why." Before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: when I talk about "skateboarding," I'm referring to all kinds of street sports—BMX, parkour, rollerblading—you name it. It's just that skateboarding happens to be the one I’m most familiar with. And while street photography is the only one I’m still actively involved in community-wise, my love for graffiti and skateboarding runs deep, even if I'm not fully immersed in those scenes anymore.

Now, let’s get into how these three activities shaped my perspective and, more importantly, my purpose.

The Urban Connection: A Shared Canvas

What connects these seemingly different activities is the urban environment. Graffiti, skateboarding, and street photography all use cities as a backdrop and playground. They turn ordinary, often overlooked spaces into tools for creativity, whether it's a blank wall for graffiti, a staircase for skateboarding tricks, or a moment captured on a street corner for photography. In each case, the city becomes the canvas.

Each of these creative forms is an expression of spontaneity. Graffiti artists often work quickly under pressure. Skateboarders react to their surroundings in real time. Street photographers have to be sharp, ready to capture a fleeting, candid moment. All three activities thrive on improvisation, creativity, and the need to adapt to ever-changing environments.

Counterculture Roots: A Shared Rebellion

Graffiti and skateboarding both have their origins in counterculture—they were once seen as rebellious, underground movements challenging societal norms. While street photography might not have started in the same way, it shares similar roots in terms of raising questions about privacy, ethics, and the boundaries of public space. Over time, all three of these activities have gone from being frowned upon to shaping aspects of mainstream culture, influencing fashion, music, and media.

Why is This Important?

So, why is this analysis of graffiti, skateboarding, and street photography important? More specifically, why should you care about finding your "why"? Here's what I discovered through cross-analyzing my passions:

• Finding Patterns: Through exploring the connections between these activities, I realized that they all feed into a bigger question—why do I do what I do? This kind of self-reflection helps us understand the common threads between different interests, and it provides clarity on what drives us.
• Cross-Learning: Cross-analyzing seemingly unrelated interests is an underrated tool for personal growth. It helps you learn new things about yourself and makes connections you might not have considered otherwise. This has been a game-changer for me and could be for you too.

Why Finding Your "Why" Matters

1. Purpose and Direction

Discovering your why gives you a clear sense of purpose. It guides your work and shapes who you are as an artist. When you know why you’re doing something, it becomes easier to make decisions about themes, techniques, and the medium you work with. It brings focus and makes your creative process more intentional and meaningful.

2. Authenticity

Your why is rooted in your personal motivations, emotions, and beliefs. When you know why you're creating, your work feels more authentic. This authenticity resonates with your audience because it reflects something deeper than just a desire to create—it’s a reflection of who you are.

3. Sustained Motivation

Creative blocks happen. Connecting to your underlying purpose helps you stay motivated through those tough moments. Your why gives you direction and pushes you forward, even when external validation isn’t there.

4. Personal Growth

The process of finding your why often reveals more about your values, passions, and perspectives. This self-awareness fosters not just artistic growth, but personal growth too, helping you evolve over time.

5. Legacy and Impact

When you understand your why, you start thinking about the kind of impact you want to make. Whether you're trying to inspire change, express your worldview, or simply bring beauty into the world, knowing your purpose shapes the legacy your art will leave behind.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, finding your why is like having a compass for your creative journey. It ensures that your work isn’t just an output but a reflection of your true self and your relationship with the world. So take the time to analyze your own interests, find those connections, and discover your purpose.