OUTLIVING THE PANDEMIC THROUGH CREATIVITY
What is Creativity?
Creativity is finding relationships between old concepts and presenting them in a new form.
“Creativity is a combinatorial force: it’s our ability to tap into our ‘inner’ pool of resources — knowledge, insight, information, inspiration and all the fragments populating our minds — that we’ve accumulated over the years just by being present and alive and awake to the world and to combine them in extraordinary new ways.” — Maria Popova, Brainpickings
“Creativity is a combinatorial force: it’s our ability to tap into our ‘inner’ pool of resources — knowledge, insight, information, inspiration and all the fragments populating our minds — that we’ve accumulated over the years just by being present and alive and awake to the world and to combine them in extraordinary new ways.” — Maria Popova, Brainpickings
Almost everything has existed before, albeit in different forms — “there is nothing new under the sun”. The creative element of a piece is its uniqueness, rephrased: A creative’s selling point is the uniqueness of their piece. The distinctness of a piece is the “wow factor” that makes it stand out.
While researching for this article, I stumbled on information about the progression of a creative concept to innovation, and sometimes, finally into an invention. What makes certain innovative products, ideas, and inventions stand out and sell better compared to similar products of other brands is their uniqueness/rarity/improved performance. But we are not talking about innovation or branding today.
The creative Process
Every creative has their own personal process, but the stages are similar.
Generally, creativity involves three major processes which are: Imagination, Creating, and Showcasing.
Imagination: This is the stage at which an idea is conceived and its purpose is determined.
Creating: This is when new ideas are brought into existence and the element of distinctiveness is infused. There are different mediums of creative expression, they include Graphical content, Writing, Music, Dance, etc.
Showcasing: This is the final stage of a creative concept that isn’t made into an invention. Creative pieces are shared through different channels, depending on the medium of creativity. This includes publishing (written content), posting online, printing, exhibitions, etc.
Creativity can be an innate or a learned skill; everyone has the ability to be creative, as long as they can identify a problem and think of a solution, or draw lines between old concepts and present them in a new way. As long as you have ideas you would like to share with people, you are capable of presenting them in a clear distinct way.
What Purpose does Creativity Serve?
I. Creativity can be an outlet for self expression.
II. Creativity is instrumental in communicating ideas and values in a way that seizes attention and stimulates interest.
III. Creativity is used to refine old ideas and concepts.
IV. Creative ideas, when executed, are used to solve problems in a unique way.
Tips on Unlocking/Pruning your Creativity
Think Big: Set for yourself a goal that challenges your previous work or even your knowledge. Look at old pieces and think of how to re-create them in a new and better way.
Learn from other creatives: Look at and review pieces made by other creatives. If you can contact them, inquire about the processes involved in creating the pieces you have keen interest in. The knowledge will come in handy.
Explore & Be Flexible: Read and watch diverse content on how to improve your skills and introduce new elements that will make your art better. Apply these lessons to your process and be flexible while at it.
Identify what drives you: If there is something that inspires you or serves as your muse, find a way to connect it to your core, so it can inform your creative process.
Have a routine: Be intentional about your process. Creating consistently and having fun while at it helps you prune your skills and realize new ways to do things. When you keep practicing, over time you become a pro. Stay faithful to your process as you would to a paid job.
Give yourself Grace: In the journey of a creative, there will be times when your inner critic will be louder than the voice of your inner hype-man, this is the time to extend some grace to yourself; look at your piece from a different angle in order to fix what might have gone wrong.
In the journey of a creative, there will be times when your inner critic will be louder than the voice of your inner hype-man, this is the time to extend some grace to yourself.
Get Feedback: Do not be scared to have your work critiqued by fellow creatives, especially those who are more experienced than you are. Their feedback and criticism can serve as a guide to knowing what your audience would like to see from you. Be smart to use the feedback in improving your next piece, and careful enough to recognize spiteful commentaries you should not take to heart.
Finish your projects: Ensure that you finish whatever you started, because how else would you share your genius with us? Finishing your pieces helps you build a portfolio and gives your audience a reason to always come back for more.
Minimize distractions: Decluttering your mind and giving your brain space to wander helps initiate idea development. If you ever wonder why most brilliant ideas come to you when you’re in the bathroom, this is why.
A lot of ideas come to me when I’m in the kitchen, doing dishes or taking a walk.
So, be intentional about giving your mind some free time. Take your eyes off your phone screens once in a while and keep a journal/notepad beside you, so that you can keep a record of your ideas.
Having and Keeping an Audience
- Define your medium of creative expression.
- Put yourself out there.
- Have a unique style.
- Keep tabs on trending issues and use your medium to communicate your stance/ideas.
- Engage your audience to receive feedback and use them while working on subsequent projects.
Creativity as an Instrument for Surviving a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown that ensued as its result have shifted our normal from what it was before the beginning of the year to one where we spend more time indoors. Many people now have to work from home, a number have lost their jobs, and the majority is unable to spend time outside with friends and family.
According to the WHO, fear, worry, and stress are normal responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Creating can serve as a coping mechanism in times like this; you can use it as a medium to express how you feel and keep yourself occupied, in order to get through the pandemic.
The process of creating often requires us to retreat into ourselves, away from this chaotic world. This is key to surviving this time.
Also, the pandemic has been a threat to people’s employment and caused many to lose their jobs; the creative element in your projects, pieces, and services can serve as a shield for your employment.
Because creativity catches and holds an audience’s attention, messages on preventive measures and precautions to take in order to be protected from contracting the COVID-19 virus are shared through creative mediums.
How else do you think creativity can help people survive this pandemic? Share your ideas with me in the comment section.
