Untiring Exploration
Everyone’s path to creativity is different. I encountered this again when working with a colleague who had a different approach than I did. When we began working together, we merged some techniques to create a shared workflow: first reviewing data to set our strategy, and then doing visual research which in turn spurred the production of new creative concepts. The concepts are visualized via the infamous moodboard (more on this in the future).
This is where things got interesting. During a recent project, my colleague wanted to continue researching ideas/concepts, whereas my inclination was to sketch, to visually explore, to dream. This is the path that leads me to discovery. Instead of finding the shortest, most straightforward line from point A to point B on the map, I find value in going “off road” through an extensive visual expedition.
Still above taken from an unreleased video from 2021
My best ideas and discoveries come from a place of exploration within established boundaries. If you know exactly where you are going, you are not open to seeing things along the path and being open to new ideas which is essential. The more you explore, the more likely you are going to find new discoveries.
A vital love of one’s craft must be partnered with a cultivated endurance so that the creative effort can be sustained until a satisfying solution finally emerges. Some people refer to the creative process as a series of “happy accidents”. While these unintended revelations do sometimes occur (rarely in design, more often in art), they can not be relied upon as a core strategy. Relentless explorers have a taste for adventure led by a strong sense of curiosity (desire for wonder) that allows them to find the unexpected and take risks. They know what to look for over time, refining their taste and gaining experience. We have to love what we are doing so we can be persistent, while letting go of assumptions, judgement, doubt and expectations and to being lost/failing, a lot.
Then we learn.
Image above taken from “Made in C ina” sketchbook. 2010’s to 2022
I have recently let go of the notion that I am the authority, after spending my whole life and passion in the creative world. It was very freeing and helped my perfectionist notions calm down. Now I explain to clients that we are here, totally open for discovery and exploration. If they are hiring me to execute a premeditated concept, I prefer that they tell me right away and avoid the masquerade of exploration. I am here for the unexpected and to revel in the process.
Extra greats
One of the more fascinating people I have run across is Nitzan Hermon, a coach, writer, etc. working in the creative field. I met him many years ago, we have similar interests and he’s helped me realign my perspective over the last few months. He has a newsletter that is well worth your time, In Process, and an insightful list he calls generous design.
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Herb Sundays: Almost every week the great Sam Valenti IV (Ghostly) is finding interesting people (primarily in the arts) and having them make playlists around uncool music and I do the cover for the playlists. It’s called Herb Sundays (Herb is slang for uncool) and I am honored to do this week’s around Easy Listening.
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Thank you: Sam Valenti, Corey Holms, Eric Hurtgen, Calvin Labrie, and my wife Greta for your ears and insight on this piece.
Links: Cina Associates, Cina Art, Public Type
Genuinely loving these insights into your process, and your thoughts on design/art. A lot of it hits home for me.