Creative Process
Everyone has their own process. And I love to think about how people keep creatively motivated and learn what works for them. Here is the current state of my creative process. I’d love to hear what works for you!
Start Immediately.
Even if you just scribble down one thought, that’s valid. You just need to get started. Sometimes just staring at a blank piece of paper, or a blank wall is the biggest hurdle. You can even start off with a joke, or something stupid, as these misfires can often lead to something relevant later on. Just get cracking.
Obsess over it.
Give yourself an hour to think about nothing but your project. Think of everything. From world changing ideas to the incredibly stupid, and everything in between. If you mind gets distracted, pay attention to that and try to find a way to connect what you were distracted by and the project you are working on. It could yield a killer new combination.
Forget about it.
Do something else. Play a sport, play a video game, work on another project. The momentum and attention you have on this project will stay with you as you do other things. Be ready to write down random thoughts that come to you, but don’t spend too much time doing that. Force yourself to stay away. You have thought about the project deeply, so you will continue to make progress.
Analyze the hell out of it.
When you come back from your project vacation, put your ideas up on a wall, and scrutinize them. Are they lame? Do they feel new or like a rehash? Are there ideas that stand out more than others? How can they be better? Are there some ideas that should be dropped from consideration? What is your favorite idea? Why? How could it be better?
Show someone you trust.
Once things are solid in your mind, tell someone else about what you are thinking. By explaining things, you are forced to become even stronger with your idea. If you can’t explain it well and easily to someone, it probably still needs some time and thinking. If they get it clearly, then you may be on to something. Or it may be a really obvious first thought. It’s a matter of taste at this point. Don’t let outer opinions sway your conviction. Everyone has their own point of view, and in creativity, there is no right or wrong. Stick to your guns and trust your gut. And any other appropriate cliche about staying strong.
Never stop.
Keep thinking of ideas. Creativity shouldn’t be a 9-5. Keep thinking of new ways to show things, new ways to communicate. What is new? What makes you laugh? What make you feel something? Keep notebooks with every idea you have. Repeat this process with ideas even if you have no intention of using them or producing them. It is all valuable learning.
I look forward to hearing about your creative process.
