Big Think: A few weeks ago I published an article on ways to implement creative change based on Jennifer Mueller’s new book, Creative Change: Why We Resist It…How We Can Embrace It. Mueller argues that while we generally honor creativity as a driving factor in business and life, most of us default to the status quo when making decisions.
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Coming from such an artistic and creative background, this article was both surprising and unsurprising. I guess it seem surprising mainly because our view of creativity is that of the opposite of discipline or work - the free flow of ideas, and complete disregard for discipline in favor of fresher or more creative routes. But this article also proves, like many traditional artists know, you need to train that creativity in order to become more creative. I myself have done exercises in design where you have to creatively combine different attributes or come up with ideas, and they definitely improve the outcome of my other creative pursuits. But what is fascinating is that there is an actual brainwave measurement for this - it's so cool! I sort of see Miraculous Hindenburg next year as a sort of improv training class, thinking creatively and on your toes in stressful or difficult situations.
I totally agree with this article in the fact that I view creativity as a driving factor in business and life, but I do default to the norm when making decisions. I am also extremely indecisive so I do find myself making conservative decisions. The study they talk about with the musicians sounds so interesting. It’s not surprising to think that musicians with more professional training and obviously with that, more focused time practicing causes them to be more creative when told to improvise. Creativity is a skill. I feel as though that is the skill we are trying to cultivate here at Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. We learn how to make “boxes” in Susan’s class that when photographed with particular lighting, framing, and different perspectives causes different interpretations and effects to occur. This is how we practice our creativity. I can’t tell you if it’s the right way, but it’s definitely a way.
I think the crux of this article all depends on what you define as “creativity”. While I used to be completely against the argument that creativity can be something learned as opposed to something you are born with, after taking Susan’s basic design class this year my opinion on this has definitely changed. Throughout the year I’ve actually witnessed my artistic projects become better and more outside-the-box, as well as artistic ability increase in my classmates who have never previously studied art. The quote from the article, “Our results suggest that creativity can be characterized as a distinct mental state—one that can be nurtured through training, and that can reflect the quality of the finished product.” especially resonated with me. This particular study defines creativity as three distinct things-- spontaneous processing of thought, engagement in an activity, and the expression of these thoughts through a medium. I think the “spontaneous processing of thought” is the most critical aspect of creativity here, as one can express themselves in an artistic way but if the idea behind it is not engaging or original, it is not truly what we consider “creative”.
It is really interesting to see an article that tears apart the esoteric shroud surrounding 'creativity'. As someone who has never considered himself creative in any meaningful way, I've always struggled to understand how people develop such amazing artistic creations. Learning that creativity comes from training and practice, and isn't simply an inherent trait, is incredibly encouraging to me! I found it particularly interesting that the researchers in this article linked creativity to the psychological concept of flow, or getting lost in one's work for a period of time. Often, when I'm working on projects for class, I fall into a sort of flow, and this is when my best work comes out. I'm not completely conscious of what I am doing until I've fallen out of the flow, but somehow it strengthens the quality of my work. I can not say I am surprised that creativity is linked to flow, given my own experience.
This article makes me think of this famous Illustrator Kim Jung Gi, often dubbed a illustrative master, who can draw extremely accurate and detailed drawings straight from his memory without any construction lines. Kim has these live performances where he just started drawing with a large brush pen and “improvises” large illustrations coming straight from his imagination, and fills out a huge piece of paper. How he got to where he is is similar to the ways the people who scored high on improv in the study, through continuous practice. Though he may have some natural abilities and a great memory, much of the talent was developed. He described his school life of being summarized mostly by drawing. He described day to day when he isn't drawing he is looking around at the world around him through creative lenses. Looking at an object noticing all its parts and how he can draw it.
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