I’ve been doing some thinking around the value of creating. Whether you identify yourself as an artist or not, I think at our core we are all creators.
Maybe you create in the kitchen making special treats or a tasty meal, or perhaps you find yourself drawn to being outside tending to your yard or garden, or your jam could be creating activities or events for your friends or family to enjoy.
The possibilities are truly endless. Your creating could be writing or scrapbooking or decorating your home. It all counts and I really do believe that the more we are in tune with what our particular flavor of creating looks like, the more we tap into the fullness of who we are.
While my primary job is a designer, periodically I get the opportunity to work at a studio recording audiobooks. (Yes, it is a quirky little life I’ve carved out for myself)
I’m in the middle of an audio recording project that I will finish up this week and thought it would be fun to use some of those recordings to share some helpful ideas around creating. (videos to illustrate the point are included)
MISTAKES ARE A PART OF THE PROCESS
When you create, there will be missteps along the way. It is a rare to approach something involving creativity and get exactly what you were wanted with no adjustments or revisions needed.
For some people the idea of messing up can create fear that prevents them from even trying something new. However, it is absolutely a part of the process of creating and, in fact, can actually help increase your confidence.
When you walk through a mistake, you learn at a deeper level than if someone simply told you the same information.
Here’s an example of one small passage of the book that was giving me a bit of trouble.
SILLY IS WHERE IT’S AT
I have also discovered that there are gems to be uncovered when you are willing to look silly in the process of creating. The goal isn’t to look silly, but if you are willing to risk it, you may find a goodie you weren’t aware of.
Of course, another way to ask this is, how much are you willing to risk when you create?
Do you always create in exactly the same way? What would it look like if you tried a new tool or ingredient? What if you tried drawing at a public park? Or sewing with a type of material or pattern you’ve never worked with before?
Intentionally trying something that may feel a little silly can help unlock ideas or perspectives that you wouldn’t be able to access any other way.
For example, check out just how deeply silly I went on this passage about “nocturnal birds” (still not sure why they weren’t just called owls)
EYES OPEN FOR INSPIRATION
Lastly, I would say to always be on the lookout for inspiration. When I am working out different voices, while I don’t want to copy someone else, it sometimes helps to have specific people in mind for each character as a starting point.
If you are just starting out creating, it’s fine to start by copying or mimicking what other people are doing, but that will only take you so far. Ultimately, you will use influences around you as a launching point for your own voice.
Here are a couple of the voices I played with last week, including the origin for the inspiration.
I hope this got you thinking about your specific method of creating and maybe generated a little more excitement about trying some new things.
I’m looking to add more value around this specific topic, so if you found this helpful or have thoughts you’d like to share, please leave a comment.
And it just wouldn’t be audiobook week without including my traditional “Fun Things I Got Paid To Say.”
(SIDENOTE: My apologies for shooting these clips in portrait mode. I would refer you back to my first point of, “mistakes are a part of the process.”)
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