A Creativity Jag

Sunset

 

 

Sometimes I wonder what creativity is and where it comes from. When we ask kids to produce a video, or any content for that matter, we ask them to engage in a creative process.

 Given even a moderately supportive environment, kids usually jump at the chance to express themselves. But where does that creative spark come from and what is it? Is there something innate that compels us to make content? And is that followed by a drive to learn better techniques to make the content more expressive and beautiful?

The creative process obviously takes many forms. A story can be placed in the color, form and texture of a weaver’s rug, a medium that suggests rather than tells. It can be in the grainy image of a photograph, which provides only half a story, forcing us to complete the narrative. Or, it can be a video, more explicit, but still only a rippled reflection of reality.
 
The learning of techniques, the study of content, the artful presentation and finally a mystical spark that breathes life into our efforts is as close as I can come to a description of the creative process.

 And what got me started on this ‘creativity jag’ you might ask? Well I just finished a book titled Unleash Your Creativity by Rob Bevan and Tim Wright. There were 52 chapters full of suggestions. Some of them seemed to be worth a try. Here is a list of ones that I want to have a go at.

•  Build a file of inspirational resources
• Create arbitrary rules to work by and then break them
• Write a slogan
• Restrict your choice of materials (painters might only use blue)
• Look at things from another perspective (haul out the step ladder)
• Copy the very best in your field
• Network with other creative types
• Seek out specific criticism (Tell me one thing that works for you.)
• Make mistakes faster and you will learn more.

 And if you are still hungry for more creative fare try: http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/000932.html