Process over product
TL;DR:
Creativity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality around skills development, process and mindset.
With a focus upon process over product comes potential freedom from chasing brilliance or commerciality.
I offer a simple exercise for you to cultivate your own creativity.
When you think of someone creative, what do you imagine? Are they living a certain way? Wearing certain clothes? Making particular kinds of creative works? What are you seeing?
I ask because the way we think of creativity is culturally informed. Being from a Western culture, I’m very aware that Western beliefs about creativity often fall short.
As Sawyer and Henriksen make clear, Western notions of creativity tend to be idealist:
Waiting for inspiration before acting.
Believing that brand new ideas appear out of thin air, without any prior context or explanation.
Rebelling against convention.
Being an outsider without any domain expertise, not an expert.
The lonely genius.
...and so on. Do you recognise any of these beliefs about creativity?
Our beliefs matter because they shape what we allow for ourselves and each other… and it could mean that we end up not creating something at all. (That possibility saddens me greatly).
One antidote is action. Creativity isn’t about a brilliant idea or waiting for ‘the urge’, but rather about shaping a process. And, with a focus upon process over product comes potential freedom from chasing brilliance or commerciality. What matters more is patience, iteration and engagement.
For my own art practice, this can look like varying styles, experimenting with materials and constraints, revising and refining my process over time. Business convention says I should stick to one recognisable style or subject to be marketable. Devotion to the practice says I can experiment, develop and see where it leads. (Hopefully to good work!!).
I’m not pretending that cultivating a creative practice in the modern life is easy. But it is important (and not only because ignoring your creative needs comes with a cost).
💡 Over to you: Stimulate your creativity
Here’s a short exercise for you to nurture your creativity (adapted from Aaron Kozbelt’s research):
Go to a quiet space - be it a room, in the forest, by the beach
Close your eyes
Listen. If you’re indoors, put on Bach. If you’re outdoors, listen to the song of your surroundings
Notice how listening, and absorbing the world’s creative offerings, are part of being creative. To immerse in the beauty around us also grows our creativity.
I love creative conversations so if any of this resonates with you, please comment below and lets explore together.
🔁 Please remember to share with folx you know who might also enjoy this.
If you want some focused support to bring your creative dream to life, get in touch to arrange an obligation-free call to check if coaching with me is a good fit for you.
I am committed to honouring the wellbeing, creativity and leadership of every person. If I can help you or your team with this journey please reach out by contacting me here. Learn more about my coaching services here and workshops and facilitation here.