by Artwell Nwaila (@artwelln) We as creatives get so caught up in our work that we forget the small things that help fuel our craft. Today I look at five simple things that may contribute to deflated creativity.
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Image by jesadaphorn courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net Take criticism too serious
I am a person who hates criticism; I’m almost certain I was born an higher being who is always correct. But, when it comes to creativity (and my marriage), I put my high horse aside and face reality.
I’ve learnt, over the years that, if you get too emotionally connected to your criticisers, it stunts your creative motivation and makes you less brave. What happens is that you start to create with the hope of not being criticised, which in turn leads to safe-zone work.
Trust me, I’ve been there and it’s as exciting as watching reruns of Generations.
- Hating your work
Gone are the days when people stayed in the same job for 20 years. Today you are free to search for an employer who suites you without being worried about having the same status as a village bicycle.
How much you love or hate your place of work is clearly visible in the work you do. So, before you go postal on your colleagues, find a work environment that reignites passion for your craft.
When you feel the flame dying out, move on.
- Going at it alone
Tackling briefs by yourself is a sure way to make sure you get it all wrong.
Creativity is about feeding off the world around you. Your colleagues, family and friends may be the greatest source of creativity when you need it most.
Briefs are usually complicated because you are not the target market. Talking to the correct people will spark some thought-starters that will make your process more fluid and enjoyable.
- Not sleeping
We as creatives love to pull all-nighters but the truth of the matter is that, the less you sleep, the dumber you are. It’s probably the best way to kill your creativity.
Being creative daily is highly demanding and requires you to give your brain a rest so it can work at its best always.
- Be a sheep
Being a sheep means you hide behind your colleagues’ creative; you agree with everything they say; you seek approval on every creative move you make.
Personally, I believe that all sheep creatives must be smacked with a wet facecloth twice a day after meals. Unfortunately the law doesn’t allow for this kind of progressive management.
Most people grow out of this type of creativity, but what one needs to realise is that it’s those who grow out of it the quickest who excel the quickest.
Artwell Nwaila (@artwelln) is a creative director at Offlimit Communications, as well as founder and publisher of the award-winning SA Creatives (@thesacreatives), a network intended to help creatives move their professional lives forward through showcases, news and a freelancer directory. His monthly column on MarkLives, “Creation”, is a humorous take on life in the creative world, seasoned with practical advice based on experience.
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