What I Learned about Creativity from Artist, Noah Scalin
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Recently, I had the pleasure of listening to artist, Noah Scalin, talk about creativity. If you have not seen his Old Navy commercial, check it out, along with his art. He is so talented and inspiring.
One day, he started a project that turned into a year-long effort. Each day, he created a different skull, and he used a variety of materials. He posted each one to his blog, and it eventually turned into a book. The project that started off as an exercise to create something for himself, opened up a world of opportunities for him. Here’s what I learned from him about creativity:
You have to create or cultivate the fertile ground for your efforts. This is your creative foundation.
Creative bones don’t exist (Many say, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body.”) But you do have creative muscles that you need to stretch and grow.
You were born with creativity. All kids are creative.
You need the motivation to keep going.
Start small. Little ideas aren’t as overwhelming.
Tiny steps move you forward.
Your work doesn’t have to be perfect. You can’t get it right every time.
Fresh opportunities will grow from your efforts.
Get up and move around.
Work with your hands.
Bring others into your projects.
Pay attention to what’s happening around you.
Don’t miss opportunities.
Expand your default settings. (We tend to use the tools/techniques we know.) You need new ways to solve problems.
Do something creative every day, and you’ll see the world differently.
You can’t do it alone. You get ideas, dialog, and inspiration from others.
Inspiration is everywhere. You need to train yourself to recognize it.
Don’t wait. Get to work.
You don’t realize all the lives you’re touching.
One of my resolutions this year was to learn new things. I’m going to expand this into creating new things. I’m going to try for one, new thing each month (or there about), and I’ll post my progress.
What creative thing have you done recently?
