IMAGINE + GROUND + CREATE

The Creative Process

Creativity is one of the most complex features of human beings - one that occurs in the mind. Creatives know of a wider world than others. While it is easy for creatives to communicate it to one another, it may be challenging to reflect their mind to others. What is as clear as crystal water to the creative is completely unknown others. So, how do we creatives explain the creative process to those who are not familiar with it, in a simple way? 

I used to think there wouldn’t be a one fits it all explanation to this. However, after more than ten years of professional experience, I finally generated a relatively simple way to communicate it. I've even written a formula because why not! Math is there for a reason, right?

Through out the creative process, call it a journey there are three main phases.

These three phases run in entirely different worlds. Creatives master the journey by both being able to differentiate these worlds and also connect them! So, let's say it one more time.

Creativity is one of the most complex features of human beings one that occurs in the mind.

Now, Phase 1 (imagine) occurs in the mind. This phase is often called "thinking outside the box. It should take us to a completely unknown world.

The unknown world.

This is where the ah-ha moments happen. We are here to discover. The very first phase is where the goal is to be limitless. The phase occurs in the world of ideas and concepts. What is essential here is to break down the walls (to go out of the box?), and keep the journey going until the right idea is there.

The well known world.

This is where we land, a.k.a thewhat is world. Here lay our tools and materials. Unlike the world of ideas, this phase is limited. Here, we see what's available. What is essential here is that our well known world is as wide as possible equipped with a variety of creative mediums.

The new world. (a.k.a. the product)

We create this world around the right idea, using the right creative mediums and implementing each and every particle of it to the right places. This is a new mechanism. Through out this phase, we go back and forth to previous phases and gather ideas and other information when needed. This is our hands-on and out in the field experience building a new world a.k.a a product, a piece, a creation. This phase also where help comes in. Business, tech, and other departments are here in this phase, working.

Experience, knowledge and talent

The amount of times you've experienced Phase 1 (thinking outside the box, breaking down boundaries, working on ideas without limits) is your experience.

The amount of tools, softwares, materials, creative mediums you've mastered while grounding (Phase 2) is your knowledge.

Lastly, how well you bring the experience and knowledge from Phase 1 and Phase 2, how well you ground your ideas choosing the right tools, and how well you implement the right parts to right places building this new mechanism (product) is your talent professionally managed.

Tips

Creativity is complex. Focus on one phase at a time. If you are to work on the idea, work on the idea without setting limits. Jumping into Phase 2. is very likely to keep you from accessing the right ideas and concepts. If you are working on grounding, work on decision making around mediums, work on widening your perspective and your knowledge on available tools. Be totally in each phase before you actually create the project.

I can't help but post a Rumi quote here;

There are a million ways to kiss the ground!

with peace,

Gozde