So can we all agree that creating-on-demand is challenging? And rewarding? And nearly impossible? And sometimes incredibly easy?
That’s the thing about the creative process…sometimes ideas come easily, and sometimes they elude us. But the difference between creative pros who thrive over the long-term and those that will eventually burn out on the altar of short-term productivity is mindset.
We’ve distilled some of these mindsets and practices into something of a “manifesto” for the AC community. They are:
1. We create. Everyday. Not because we have to, but because we can’t help it. We empty ourselves because that’s what artists do.
2. We are brilliant at what we do, but what we do does not define us.
3. We understand that our vocation is bigger than our occupation. We’re on this earth to do more than earn a paycheck.
4. We are committed to growth. We do not tolerate stagnancy, because it’s the first sign of death.
5. We are committed to healthy creating. We recognize that to be prolific for a long time involves intentionality, choice and discipline.
6. We know the value of what we make, and we refuse to prostitute ourselves to organizations. We make career decisions based upon who we are not what everyone else would do in our situation.
7. We are always looking for ideas. We are focused, curious and passionate about life, because life is art.
8. We refuse to play the victim. We are proactive and responsible for our own creative health.
9. We are generous because we are free. We know that the goal is to act on the best idea, whether or not it’s our own. We build other people up, even when they don’t reciprocate.
10. We are committed to relationships. We recognize that healthy creating will come out of vibrant relationships.
Sound too dramatic, overblown or irrelevant to you? Cool. Feel free to do whatever seems easiest. But for those of us who want to thrive, we must realize that it will take intentionality and effort. There is more to life than being hip. There is more to our creating than chasing after the latest and greatest on the cover of the trade mags. There is more to art than being a “cover band.”
We are committed to bringing ourselves fully to our life and art. And as we do this, the world will change around us.
I like the “there is more to life than being hip” line.
Way to throw down the gauntlet Todd!
Todd,
I freakin’ love the Manifesto. I gave props to AC and posted it up at http://www.nuvement.com/2009/03/02/a-creative-manifesto/ yesterday and already have some great comments.
It’s fresh, challenging, inspiring, with just the right amout of Steven Pressfield sprinkled in. Love it.
Keep it coming.
I think that about covers it. Well done!
Well done , well said
inspiration and a seed to plant for spring !
A lot of Seth Godin in there.
Gee…are my influences that transparent?
Actually, yes…Seth has been influential as well as Thomas Merton, Steven Pressfield, Kierkegaard, bazillions of on-the-ground experiences and conversations… numerous other thinkers and writers. There are lots of common themes in all of these writers and these themes are in many cases even centuries old. This whole art/practicality thing is a fundamental experience for humans.
Love it! I’ve made some of these my focus in art and writing, especially this year as I set goals to write and draw consistently, rather than waiting for a big enough gap of “free time” to sit down and do something epic. The results of being steady and consistent have been pleasing.
Love it.
Brilliant! I should read this list every morning.
I’m really glad I found this list. As an art therapist, I think there are some of these stances that come to me naturally — but certainly not all of them. Good reminders.
regarding the Manifesto: A man stands atop a hill in the scottish countryside. He has just read aloud to those passing by the manifesto. Some stop and stare wondering what to make of this scene others drudge on lacking the inspiration to even look up. Once again the man raises his voice in a thick scottish accent, “His name is Todd (insert middle name) Henry and If you don’t like it. You can talk to his Mudder.” Yeah, that’s how I picture the manifesto should be read as opposed to the windowless box I sit in now. Good Word, Breh.
Rick + Sean + Jack + Mal, thanks so much!
Brian, that’s one of the coolest comments ever posted on this site.
This is all so true – without creativity the soul seems to shiver and shrink. Here are the results of some folks with creative minds! http://mktgcliks.blogspot.com
“We are generous because we are free.” Living from this state of abundance can only bring swell things to you. As for the rest of it, so holistically delightful – thank you!
I like it! Would love to see a t-shirt along these lines — though the current form is a bit wordy for a tee. (Then again, a tee with the full manifesto would make people come up close to read the shirt!)
LOVE IT!! Can’t help it
I personally love:
9. “We are generous because we are free. We know that the goal is to act on the best idea, whether or not it’s our own. We build other people up, even when they don’t reciprocate.”
Number 6. is a tough one… “We know the value of what we make, and we refuse to prostitute ourselves to organizations. We make career decisions based upon who we are not what everyone else would do in our situation.”
I do love this concept, but personally find it really difficult NOT to follow the path of least resistance (easy corporate money). Full kudos to those strong enough!