Creative process: Inspiration, doubt, and the dynamics of time
Is boundless creativity the secret to groundbreaking ideas, or just a fast track to creative exhaustion?
by Brendan Shelper
Credits ©
Photography – Paul Gärtner
For some, creativity flows as effortlessly as breathing, a natural talent to envision the world not merely as it is, but for its potential. Being inherently creative has always been a fundamental aspect of my identity, a seamless extension of my thoughts and perceptions. Yet, this limitless creativity is not without its challenges. The journey from initial inspiration to actual realisation is frequently marred by mental fatigue, doubt, and a ceaseless quest for perfection.
Occasionally, an innovative idea strikes the moment I’m briefed. This surge of insight is exhilarating, yet utterly beyond my control. Typically, the creative process involves collaborative brainstorming sessions, followed by a gradual piecing together of ideas—a method that requires patience. It’s a common misapprehension that a swiftly delivered idea implies another can be conceived with equal speed.
This overlooks the profound engagement the creative process demands. Deeply engrossed in ideation, the mind tirelessly operates, transforming even routine activities into backdrops for relentless thought. Switching off this continuous flow of creativity is a daunting task. Once an idea takes hold, my mind enters a state of hyperactivity, ceaselessly sifting through potential solutions until I’m convinced the outcome meets my stringent standards. This relentless pursuit, though exhausting, is also thrilling.
Doubt is a constant companion on this journey, challenging not just the quality of an idea but also its feasibility. These challenges are crucial, ensuring the eventual outcome is both innovative and achievable.
We create pieces reflective of who we are, and if insecurity is part of who we are, then our work will have a greater degree of truth in it as a result. The making of art is not a competitive act. Our work is representative of the self. You would be amiss to say, “I’m not up to the challenge.” Yes, you may need to deepen your craft to fully realize your vision. If you’re not up to it, no one else can do it. Only you can. You’re the only one with your voice.” – (Rick Rubin)
Interestingly, the pressure of an approaching deadline often acts as the greatest source of inspiration. It’s a peculiar phenomenon that the majority of our work materialises in the final quarter of the allotted time. This paradoxical relationship between time and creativity highlights how creatives thrive under pressure, delivering their most inspired work as the deadline looms.
“There’s a time for certain ideas to arrive, and they find a way to express themselves through us.” (Rick Rubin)
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Meditation has proven to be an invaluable tool in my creative arsenal, not merely for inducing relaxation or enhancing focus but for navigating through a myriad of ideas to identify the most promising. Similarly, physical exertion, such as a brisk 3k run, significantly elevates my creative output. This synergy of meditation and exercise forms a potent duo for overcoming creative challenges.
Creativity is about finding answers and connections where others see none. It’s about bridging gaps, imagining the unimaginable, and bringing to life what previously existed only in the abstract. This ability to see beyond the horizon, to connect the dots hidden in plain sight, is what sets creatives apart. It’s a journey that is as personal as it is universal, with each creator navigating their unique path through the landscape of inspiration, and doubt, and the invigorating rush of creating.
