Go small

What if you had to limit your creative project to a fraction of the normal size? I found this to be very interesting when I decided to do some “macro” photography over the holidays. Macro photography requires you to get very up close and personal with your subject because you take a shot of a tiny fraction of what you might normally take. I have an example of this in my PIC-OF-THE-WEEK below.

But does this transfer to other forms of art? If you compose songs try writing a jingle. If you paint still life maybe you could paint a small section of the subject. If you write short stories try writing copy for an ad or a 140 character tweet. If you sew clothes try sewing a blouse for a doll.

The point is to give yourself artificial constraints that force you to look at things differently than you would have otherwise. New perspective: new creativity.

PIC-OF-THE-WEEK

I always look forward to this guy’s appearance at our house. He always shows up at Christmas time.

 

A milestone

52 entries! (well, 51 – I took a week off over vacation) Last year at this time I started this blog to explore creativity with you and offer some of my thoughts and projects. I’ve stuck with it for a year and I hope it’s been helpful to you – it has for me!

Now I’d like to change things up a bit and incorporate some practical information on photography, music composition, working with Photoshop, etc. I’ll still weave thoughts and ideas about creativity into the mix but I want to share more of the actual process I go through as I create.  I hope that you are even more inspired and motivated to develop your unique creative gifts.

Here is a Photoshop tutorial that I hope will make sense as you look at it. Each layer and its corresponding settings are listed. If you have any thoughts or questions, please post and I’ll respond to you.

PIC-OF-THE-WEEK

Here's a better resolution of the tutorial photo. We spent a night in Sugarcreek, Ohio and I found this bus out in the middle of a field. Seems to go with the old windmill, doesn't it?

 

Recommended Reading

I just finished one of the best books I've ever read on creativity: Untitled: Thoughts on the Creative Process. After I read a book like this I always go back and re-read the bookmarks I made (I use the Kindle app on my phone). Allow me to share what I think are some the book's best ideas...

You must always have something more for them to see. Always. Always. Always.

 The best art in the world comes from a place from within the artist. Sure, we're inspired by this or that, but it is our life experience that I find to be the deepest well for developing our creations.

The best ideas must move you before they can move someone else. Find the thing that causes a lump in your throat and moves you deeply - then work from there.

The best works of art are the ones that don't set out to prove a point but that set out to tell a story, create a relationship; seek to put into words or pictures an unexplained feeling.

More on this next week.

PIC-OF-THE-WEEK

 Cows can't be sad... can they? Another drive-by on my way home from work.

Plan the work; work the plan

If you are in charge of a multi-faceted project that involves a bunch of creative pieces, I have a suggestion that will help you "ship" more effectively. I produce theatrical shows at a local theater and have a simple system for some very complex productions:

The three keys are: 1. WHAT  2. HOURS DONE  3. HOURS LEFT. Knowing what I have to do and approximately how long it will take allows me to schedule things accordingly. It clears the fog of the undone list. And, keeping track of the HOURS DONE helps for the next time. While it takes a little time to set this up and update it, the peace of mind that comes from knowing where I am in the process is worth it!

PIC-OF-THE-WEEK

I was taking a random drive south of town and found these two guys hanging out. One was nice enough to pose for me (didn't get a model release though).