how to create?

I admittedly am a wannabe artist/designer. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I were a "creator" – that is, somebody that creates original things. A creative if you will.

So why do I feel a fear of creating?

The other day I went out and bought a sketchbook, some pencils and a felt tipped pen. Four days later I have yet to crack the book open and attempt to create anything. Why is that? What am I afraid of? My own inabilities? Probably. Maybe it's because I sincerely don't know what I am doing. Maybe not. But seriously, it's llike I'm afraid to touch pen to paper because I think I won't like the outcome. Have you ever felt that way?

In class the other day my professor brought up the idea that our minds are divided into two separate entities: the creator and the editor. Many of us tend to let the editor dominate. We are constantly correcting mistakes and second-guessing ourselves. Why do we do that? Why do I do that? I like how he introduced my mind to this notion of "kill the editor". Set your mind free, and create!

So here's my next question: When I'm in the "creation" phase, how do I just let my mind create? How can I be more creative?

Just some things to think about...