Only since the mid-20th century has creativity had much respect. Before then, such acceptance was largely reserved for (male) creative geniuses who were tolerated for their inventions. With the advent of the Industrial Age, to “improvise” came to mean something inferior. Now creativity and innovation are central drivers of the economy, and “disruption” is big news.1
But who needs that kind of pressure to measure up when we are mere mortals just following a personal drive to make something?
Do you need to understand creativity itself before you can create?
Not at all.
You can start anything today if you have the needed tools, supplies, and time. Even if you don’t know a thing about it, you can just dive in.
For example, writing requires only a pen/pencil, paper, and a place and time to write. (Computers are handy but optional.)
But then, you probably won’t get the results you wanted as quickly as you thought you would.
That’s because creativity is a process.
Ira Glass’ classic quote above describes a major part of how to get good at creating something: Do a lot of work. Glass doesn’t use the word “process,” but that’s exactly what he’s describing.
Which is the total opposite of how most people think something creative usually materializes:
Lightning bolt of inspiration ==> [Magic happens] ==> The result appears.
Instead, process is as crucial to successful creativity as it is to life itself. It’s behind every successful human endeavor, even those with an element of luck or chance.
If your results aren’t what you want, it may not be due to lack of talent or imagination. Missing steps and decisions can derail the most dedicated creative person.
For example, adding these steps to your efforts can bolster your productivity (do more work!) and manage boredom, disappointment, and frustration:
Build a mindset that makes it more enjoyable and gets you better results.
Navigate around any mental or human dragons spewing criticism, doubts, or fears about your work.
Locate like-minded kindred spirits (companions) who are on a similar journey and can make it a lot more fun.
So, how do you build a better creative process?
Build on the experiences of others.
Memoirs, biographies, autobiographies, how-tos, and diaries by our heroes are hugely popular because we’re all searching for answers to “How did they do that?” We want to mine their processes for tips, tricks, and wisdom.
For me, reading books is the best way to get those answers. Owning books (see current shelf above) saves me time when I need to know something. 2
Aren’t internet blogs, article collections, newsletters (ahem), YouTube videos, online classes, and/or podcasts enough for research and learning?
Yes, they can be. It depends on how you like to learn and how you like to file information for future reference. That’s a big topic, one I’ll address in a future newsletter.
How does all this come together?
Even though creativity feels like it should be a spontaneous, free-flowing activity unhindered by rules or other life-sucking “guidance,” we all actually use a system, however we approach it.
The key is understanding that and using it to your advantage.
You design a system that works for you.
We’ll start exploring this next week.
Thanks for reading!
—Mary Anne Shew (Substack @maryanneshew | IG @shewphotos)
Note: Any Bookshop.org links (Bk) that appear in my newsletters take you to my online bookstore where you may purchase the indicated title. That site provides income to independent bookstores, and I get a small commission at no extra charge to you if you buy a book.
This research paper gives a wonderful (and blissfully brief) overview of how creativity has been perceived by humans over the centuries.
I learned study habits years ago using manual tools based on only having print books to refer to. Electronic notetaking doesn’t work for me but may for you.