Lawrence Medina

While understanding elements of what makes creative work and how the idea of being “creative” can ultimately fuel your creative genius… There is something we all eventually hit as we grow.

The Wall

 

 

Some of you must know what I’m talking about already, maybe some of you have yet to experience it. Perhaps some of you have never experienced it (To those of you that claim this… I’m truly envious).

For writers, you may know this as simply writer’s block.

For artists, you may know this as a creative block.

This block is essentially the wall. It is towering over us all; some days we rest in its shadows other days we stand atop it. The wall must be overcome. Each, and every time, for we don’t just face it once in our lives.

After you overcome one wall there will be another that stands ahead.

Being “Creative”

I understand that this may seem full circle from what we first spoke of this month, but it is an endless cycle. Creatives must be “creative.”

However, striving for creativity can often bring you to this wall much faster. Bringing you to that burnout phase…

And then there is waiting for inspiration… well, that is a surefire method of getting nothing done.

So, what can one do to be creative?

Seek Inspiration

 

 

Now, you might be thinking that I’m rehashing things here, but I assure you that I am not.

What do I mean by seeking inspiration? Find people, things, and resources that involve your field. See what they do—especially if you don’t have your own defined style.

Once again, I return to Ogilvy, if you are a copywriter, you shouldn’t be striking it out on your own right away. Look to your elders and build from them. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel with every generation.

If you are an artist, find what appeals most to you and build from that.

Find inspiration where you can. It is truly your saving grace in the creative field since you won’t be able to make something new with each work, you’ll at least be able to add your own flair to it.

Building from the Past

 

 

Learn from your ancestors. It is a great way of keeping things fresh—surprisingly enough. You will learn something you didn’t know before or find a new way of looking at your creative work.

Your perspective is your own and you must be fully familiar with it. Where its strengths lie and where it is weak. Looking to previous works is the best way of enhancing your strengths and fixing those weaknesses.

If you have a good understanding of your style, then seek out people whose styles are like yours. Find their strengths and make it your own.

Of course, I’m not saying to plagiarize their style, but rather… Take it in for what it is.

Those who came before you can serve as the foundation for your future. Hopefully, with enough experience and time, you may serve as the foundation for the next generation.

As a writer myself, there are many writers I’ve not read, who could certainly alter my perspective of the creative world. I’m not sure if you can tell, but Ogilvy has been one such writer that I have read lately—quite possibly why this month almost centered around him and his words.

One interesting thing I will point out about Ogilvy—I don’t know if you’ll find it interesting or not, but he was primarily a researcher. Numbers and statistics were his main drive to create pieces that worked. This brings me to the next bit, that I’m sure a lot of people often ignore.

Inspiration from New Fields

 

 

There are many types of writer out there. Should a novelist read only novels? Should a poet read only poetry? Quick and simple answer:

No.

As a writer, you should find what makes the tools and instruments you use work. This means—the words themselves. All who use words in their craft are potential teachers to learn from. However, does this mean that as a writer, you should only look at other writers? Once again:

No.

Learn from researchers. Learn from artists. Learn from marketers. Learn from everybody and anybody, because in the end, it comes down to perspective and style. These two elements are always changing.

Which means its best to take in from as many people as possible and establish what makes your style yours.

That guillotine that looms above us all becomes duller the more we learn. Make the threat yours and push beyond that wall.