A couple years later we met again at a party of mutual friends and looked at each other with a silent “I know you”. We soon became the best of friends. Back then we were tailgating with 40 oz. Black Label in a brown paper bag listening to Iron Maiden. Chris went on to study interior design then architecture, while I was studying art and design. We both moved to Greensboro and have married and are trying to make a living in our creative fields.

I am convinced that creative people gravitate towards each other, whether consciously or not, like intuitive magnets. It could be that they are drawn to each other through inspiration or validation, or maybe both. When I look at my core group of friends it amazes me that just about every one of them inspires me and motivates me. Creative people feel the need to be immersed and saturated in the conversations and presence of other like-minded creative individuals. It gives strength and credence to there ideologies.              Perhaps one of the greatest pitfalls to any creative friendship is navigating through the inflated self worth and strong will of creative individuals. With great ideas comes a great emphasis on self-importance, and the struggle for who has the greater idea. I tend to view these situations not as conflicts but as an exercise in brain storming, where the out come yields a better idea or different perspective than ones initial idea or position. If you believe that there are no bad ideas just constructive conversations you can sail your ship through the seas of any ego.

If you are a creative friend you have a responsibility to your friendship. Being a good listener and strong supporter are a prerequisite. Think of yourself as a lighthouse, a beacon aiding direction and shedding light on the darkness of creative uncertainty. You must be the steadfast advocate and the grounding wire in your friendship. Creative people have a tendency of having more ideas than strategies to implement their ideas. That it why it is important to help your friends stay focused and motivated. Negativity can be the greatest wedge in your relationship. Rather than telling your friend that their idea sucks, try using their idea as a stepping stone or launch board to flushing out a more practical idea. This approach eliminates the potential for resentment and perceived pretentiousness.

There is no question that the greatest benefit to any creative friendship is the dialogue. Having someone you respect and admire to bounce ideas off is truly priceless. Creative people can at times fell isolated on an island of their own ideas. Friendship provides a conduit to express your ideas and field responses. The more friendships you develop, the more opportunities you have to reshape and refine your ideas.

I have been blessed with great creative friendships in my life. Some have been brief while others have been long. I would like to believe that every friendship has had a positive and lasting influence on me as a person and as an artist. Some may have had more of an impact than others.  One thing is for sure that with every great idea I have had, there has been a friends input entwined in that idea. If you believe in the power and importance of friendships you must believe that there is a better idea out there. Some just need to be chased down the street with a fence post to realize that.