The art of discomfort | Leigh Bardugo | TEDxUCDavis

Core Argument - The key to artistic success lies in embracing discomfort, a skill often overlooked in education and misrepresented by media [4][5] - The media and social media perpetuate myths about the creative process, erasing the struggles and discomfort involved [5][9] - Discomfort should be viewed as a compass, guiding artists towards challenging and worthwhile endeavors, rather than a warning sign [28] Myths Debunked - The myth that finished art pieces are first drafts is false; art is iterative and thrives on revision [11][12] - The "romance of the big idea" is misleading; staying committed to an idea through discomfort is more crucial than the initial inspiration [14][17] Discomfort Differentiation - It's crucial to distinguish between "bad discomfort" (gut feelings, warning signs) and "good discomfort" (challenge, curiosity) [20][22] - "Good discomfort" involves embracing the unknown and attempting new skills, leading to growth and creativity [24][25] Practical Application - Artists should welcome bad days and moments of discomfort, recognizing them as essential to the creative process [32][35] - The focus should be on making art regardless of external validation (likes, follows, praise) [34][35]