A Model of the Creative Process

An informative conversation

Over this past weekend, I had the opportunity to have a fun conversation with a gentleman about the creative process.  I was able to share with him my vision of exploring and encouraging others in the creative endeavors that have been designed for all of us to do.  And it turns out that he had a unique and informed perspective on that very subject;  he was a retired professor from an art and design school.  I always enjoy seeing great "coincidences" like this happen.

In the midst of the conversation, he had a couple thought-provoking nuggets to share that I'm still chewing on.  He told me two interesting ideas:

1. The largest hindrance in the expression of an individual's creative gifts is a lack of skill in their craft.  
2. And following a simple model, as in a way of looking at the creative journey, is the best way to gather and hone those skills.  And it turns out that process is actually rather simple:
1. Create something to the best of your current skill
2. Evaluate what you've created (internally and through others' eyes) and decide how you would do it differently (i.e. with more excellence) next time
3. Create something else with this new knowledge
4. Repeat (a lot)

So, there you have it.  Seems simple enough.

A couple thoughts

As I've been processing my own creative journey in light of this conversation, I've had a couple realizations.  

The first is that these kinds of meetings with those who have gone before me are critical to my development.  I need people to help me obtain wisdom from their own experience--mistakes and successes included.  I need others to speak to me in such a way that I stop deluding myself in thinking that have things figured out.  I need opportunities to humble myself and really listen and learn from others wiser and more experienced than myself.

Also, I need to be changed from the inside out, formed into someone with more character to actually be able to do this effectively.  This one hurts a little to realize, but it's true.

The second is that embracing the simplicity of the above steps could really bring freedom to my creating.  So much of what seems to stop me from moving forward is my own over-complication of the process which then makes me think that I don't have enough time or enough mental energy to accomplish anything worthwhile.

So I question why I should even start.

But the simplicity of the above process flies in the face of that thought.  Perhaps the steps could be rewritten "1. Just show up 2. Pay attention to what you've done 3. Keep showing up and paying attention."  That seems a bit more manageable in our overburdened day-to-day lives, right?

Thinking in a new way

So, I invite you to join me in thinking about our creative journeys in this new way.

Perhaps I should try this model for a while, see how it goes, adjust and keep going from there.

Yeah. that sounds like a good start.

-Michael

What about you?  Have you thought about the process of excelling in your gifts?  Do you have wise people speaking into your lives about your craft?