Creativity
by Lael Johnson · updated 10m ago
Creativity
by Lael Johnson · updated 10m ago
“Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.”
—Pablo Picasso
Lael Johnson added 10m ago
Another idea if you want to push against the mental pressure that kills good ideas, from Paul Graham’s recent essay on how to do good work: “One way to do that is to ask what would be good ideas for someone else to explore. Then your subconscious won't shoot them down to protect you.” I don’t know of anyone using this technique, but it might work.
Lael Johnson added 3h ago
What solitude gives you is an opportunity to study what personal curiosity feels like in its undiluted form, free from the interference of other considerations. Being familiar with the character of this feeling makes it easier to recognize if you are reacting to the potential in the work you are doing in a genuinely personal way, or if you are givi
... See moreLael Johnson added 3h ago
Even if you know what it feels like to be completely open to where your curiosity wants you to go, like Grothendieck, it is a fragile state. It often takes considerable work to keep the creative state from collapsing, especially as your work becomes successful and the social expectations mount. When I listen to interviews with creative people or re
... See moreLael Johnson added 3h ago
Lael Johnson added 3h ago
“A post for the creatives who just need to hide away. It is safe to hide away for a while darling. Momentum won’t leave. You will make momentum. You won’t lose opportunities, you will make them. Because in the quiet you will find more and more art. In the silence ideas will be heard. Be brave enough to sneak away and leave us all desperate for more.” - Amie ( @inspiredtowrite ) post via @filmmkrs
Lael Johnson added 3d ago
balance inspiration and “urgency” aka working toward a project
Lael Johnson added 4d ago
Play is so important - stay in the enchanted forest
Lael Johnson added 4d ago
It's really important to give yourself space to do nothing. The root of creativity is boredom. Give your mind breathing space.
Lael Johnson added 4d ago