I remember, while at film school, a lecturer said to us, "Enjoy your time here, take advantage of the autonomy you have, and let your imagination and creativity go crazy. Because, from the moment you get out there, into the big wide world and someone is paying you for your creativity, you'll always have someone else to answer to.". I realise now that truer words were never spoken.
Unless you're a highly successful working artist, or perhaps Tarantino, chances are you have a client, an agency, an ECD/CD, a studio big wig, investors, a manager, grant guidelines or even certain legalities monitoring or controlling your creative output. This is not a bad thing. In fact, if you are getting paid and working in a creative industry, how good is that? It can be so much fun and so rewarding. Every day I count my lucky stars that this is what I do.
However, it's not a set-and-forget job, and it's certainly not nine to five. You can't do what you do well and leave it at the office door when you walk out at the end of the day. Just like you can't walk out of college or university with a degree and think that's the end of your education. It's the opposite. You are only at the beginning.
Another memory popped into my head. I'm in my first job at a TVC production company. I had started there only weeks after graduating and thought I knew, with the arrogance of youth, everything, well, maybe not everything, but a lot. It turns out I knew shit, not even what most of the editing suite's technology was, though it was pretty basic. I quickly realised that the real world was very different from my sheltered school world, and I still had so much to learn. I still have a lot to learn!
To be brilliant at your job, now and tomorrow, you must keep learning and re-learning the basics and let your imagination and creativity go crazy whenever and wherever possible.
Keep learning, stay curious.
Improving and developing your creativity can only be done by immersing yourself constantly in your craft and absorbing more and more as you progress through your career. If you are creative, I also believe you to be infinitely curious. Seeking knowledge is as natural as magpies diving bombing in spring. It's not a chore but something you love to do and probably do every day in one way or another. I'm constantly surprised at how my knowledge of something completely random, picked up from a documentary I watched, a museum I visited, or a conversation with an unexpected expert, turned out to be useful in a project down the road. New knowledge is never wasted knowledge.
If you've recently finished your formal education, I know it's not something you want to hear, but you need to keep up the habit of expanding your understanding of not just your chosen craft but of all manner of things. Your education should continue throughout your life, not just because technology moves at supersonic speeds in many creative industries, but because knowledge is true power.
I'm not talking about returning to full-time study, but more bite-size pieces that are done regularly. There are so many ways to do that these days. I love a short course in something that might not necessarily be directly related to what I do but broadens my creative knowledge in some shape or form. I've done perspective and life drawing, several photography courses, jewellery making and short storytelling, amongst others. It's great to have a commitment once a week (for a short time), and many are run by respected institutions at reasonable prices. Aside from uni's and colleges, check out state art galleries, museums and libraries. All run courses throughout the year. Many free one-off lectures happen at these institutions. Sign up to get their newsletters to find out when they're on.
These days, there is a stack of online courses you can do in your own time. The best ones in the creative world are offering classes taught by well-known experts in their fields. Something unheard of a few years ago and such a treat. My two favourite sites are Masterclass, and BBC Maestro. Both have many incredible people teaching you about their chosen professions or craft. I adored Ron Howard's directing classes and Shonda Rimes' writing for television on Masterclass, and on BBC Maestro, I loved Alan Moore's storytelling classes. Just brilliant. These have annual subscriptions that aren't cheap, so I do Masterclass one year and then BBC Maestro the next. This also feels less overwhelming with the sheer volume of lessons available on each! Both also have a 'guest' period where you can explore for free.
Have an artistic outlet
I don't think I know one creative person who has just one creative focus all the time. All have at least one or two other ways of expressing themselves, where they can let their imagination and creativity go crazy. I know designers who are musos and creative directors who paint, and photographers who are incredible cooks. I take photos, cook and play the guitar. Monet designed the gardens he became famous for painting. Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and Marilyn Mason are all recognised artists (Mason has his own gallery). Neil Patrick Harris is a talented magician, and actors Maya Rudolph, Hugh Laurie and Jeff Goldblum are accomplished musicians.
It seems to me creativity is an innate characteristic that needs to burst out of a person at all times of the day and night, like lava out of an active volcano. Sometimes it rolls out, slow and steady, and other times it erupts, exploding across the universe.
If you're reading this, I imagine you already have a creative outlet; if not, I encourage you to take something up ASAP. Something that is just for you. Make sure you continue to do it regularly and do it with the same spirit, purpose, and dedication you put into your work. This is your chance to dive into your artist's soul and pull out what's there, without judgement from others, deadlines, or regulators. You will genuinely benefit from letting your imagination run wild with uninhibited creativity. I promise the benefits will trickle down into your life and work.
The other day as she was on her way to yoga, I told my BFF that playing the guitar was my yoga. It's the only thing that makes me completely forget everything else and focus on the here and now. I'm never happier or more relaxed than when I've had an hour or two with my Maton. I have no doubt that this greatly impacts my approach and attitude to work, and my health and happiness.
Quick mentor tip
Don't think of the creative outlet purely as an 'artistic' talent that you need to be 'good' at. Do what makes you happy. It could be model trains, an obsession with space or machines, knitting or crocheting, up-cycling old furniture, clothes or cars or even gardening (growing things is very Zen!). Whatever it is, do it with passion and commitment and be present. Finally, have a goal for it or, even better, several smaller goals for you to achieve throughout the year.
Bonus Tip
If money is tight, use your tax return each year to reinvest back into yourself through your on going education or your artistic pursuits.
Today's Inspo
This amazing animation, nominated for best animated short at the Oscars, is nothing short (‘scuse the pun) of brilliant. Its execution and style are wonderfully unique, and the story is heartbreakingly beautiful. If you've got 15 minutes, watch it. Here
Contact me
Have you got a subject you'd like me to address in a future article? Either comment below or send me an email with the topic, or I'm happy to answer a short question privately. belinda@bellacreative.com.au
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