DOWNLOAD THE SHOW (playing time 2:55)
Do you find that limits and structure make you more creative, or are you most creative when you have all the time and opportunity in the world?
Popularity: 7% [?]
17
Jun
DOWNLOAD THE SHOW (playing time 2:55)
Do you find that limits and structure make you more creative, or are you most creative when you have all the time and opportunity in the world?
Popularity: 7% [?]
A podcast and blog about communications, content, messages and marketing. Toronto digital strategist and musician Jay Moonah is your host.
Powered by Link Harvest.
Related Articles
7 users responded in this post
Hey Jay,
Great observation. I think a lot about what inspires creativity and what limitations people place on that creativity.
For me personally, I find creativity to be unintentional. In other words, I can’t stare at a blank page and expect the words to just flow.
I need to approach my creative work (for me, my creative work mostly involves writing and music) with a clear mind. Stress, exhaustion and not eating properly are my worst enemies – if I’m not taking care of myself, the first thing to go is my creativity.
I feel as if creative flow comes through me, as opposed to out of me, if that makes any sense. If the channel is clear, this is possible.
Enjoying your show!
Thanks Suze! I’m curious, when you say you can’t stare at a blank page and expect words to flow, what about deadlines? Do they have any impact on your creativity?
Hi Jay,
For me, creativity and limitations differ depending on the project.
When its my personal writing projects, creativity comes whenever it wants. I can’t put limitations on myself because ideas come when they want to, and not always when i need them. I will admit that having deadlines can give me the push to act upon my creative urges in a more timely fashion.
But with work projects, having limitations or specifications helps a lot. It’s hard to think outside the box if you don’t know how big said box is, or what is already inside of it.
I think having deadlines spur me into having more focus, which can help me be more creative. As a global-creative individual, I often find myself searching for stimuli that will help me get things done. Having deadlines or limitations such as you’re describing would probably help me, too.
Make it a great day!
Hi Jay,
I agree. Although I do not have a ‘creative’ function in my job. I do have a lot of problems or obstacles that require creative problem solving. Weird as this is, I find the bathroom the best place to get answers.
There is a set time, with no distractions or interruptions and you can really let your mind wander without the guilt or responsibility of doing other things. Shampooing my hair has garnered several brilliant solutions to date.
Hi Jay,
This podcast reminded me of a story I read in (I think) Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink. I tried to find it but couldn’t…
Basically, the idea is this:
Imagine all the white objects you can. Most people peter out after just a few. “All the white objects IN THE WORLD?”
However, if you limit that focus and say, imagine all the white object commonly found in a refrigerator, then it becomes much easier. Milk, eggs, yogurt, etc.
Gladwell had a very interesting discussion of how limits actually accentuate creativity. Your podcast sparked the reminder of this story. (If I find the page, I’ll pass it along.)
Thanks for your work!
[...] Media Driving Episode #17 – Creativity and Limits Episode #33 – Structured Creativity: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Popularity: 1% [?]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “Episode #33 – Structured Creativity”, url: “http://mediadriving.com/2008/10/07/episode-33-structured-creativity/” }); [...]
Leave A Reply
Please Note: Comment moderation maybe active so there is no need to resubmit your comments