Business and creativity
Kirjoittanut: Anna Omorodion - tiimistä Crevio.
KIRJALÄHTEET
KIRJA | KIRJAILIJA |
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Steal Like an Artist |
Austin Kleon |
Business and creativity
Creativity and business can go hand in hand with each other. The importance of the role creativity plays in business is often overlooked. In this essay, we will explore different ways creativity can be used in innovation and methods to develop your creative senses. For this essay, I read the book “Steal Like an Artist,” and I’ll be sharing insights that have helped me innovate and be more creative, using my biggest takeaway points from the book.
Good Theft and Bad Theft
There is this saying that Pablo Picasso said: he said that art is theft. What does that mean? When you are an artist trying to come up with your own idea or a business trying to innovate, there is one thing you need to understand: there is nothing new under the sun. Everyone gets inspiration from something; there is no such thing as inventing something from thin air. A lot of times we mimic nature, get inspiration from other artists, or things we have experienced. The thought of creating something completely original or new is theoretically impossible. There is no such thing as an original idea. Everything is a remix of something. There is also another saying by T.S. Eliot: “Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal. Bad poets deface what they take, and good poets make it into something different. The good poet welds his theft into a whole of feeling which is unique, utterly different from that from which it was torn.” This shows us that creativity innovation is a discovery from something or someone. Let’s look at the criteria of a good theft and bad theft
Austin Kleon steal like an artist
In this illustration, you can discern the disparity between what constitutes good theft and bad theft. This dynamic is prevalent in the business realm, where larger corporations sometimes appropriate ideas from smaller ventures, or in the music industry, where artists may sample without proper attribution. Instances of bad theft abound. However, there are also artists who transparently disclose their sources of inspiration, acknowledging and crediting those who have influenced their work. For instance, some artists meticulously study the techniques of their predecessors, integrating elements of their style into their own creations. The concept of “stealing like an artist” involves drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources rather than fixating on a single influence. This approach mirrors the process of innovation; by examining the ideas of multiple individuals who share a similar vision, one can identify areas for enhancement. Ultimately, the goal is to develop an innovative idea or product that distinguishes itself in its own right.
Don’t wait until you are ready to create
Create the business you want to see, write the book you want to read, compose the music you want to hear, and start with what you have. There will never be a perfect time to create or innovate. Utilize the time you have and act on the ideas that are on your mind. Many of my business and creative ideas stem from a sense that something is lacking. When my friend Blessing and I started our small braiding business, it originated from not knowing anyone who offered such services in Finland at the time. A lot of my business ideas are born from the perspective of wishing certain concepts or services existed. Similarly, when it comes to innovation, I often ponder what features would be helpful for myself and others. This sentiment arises whenever I create art; much of it is crafted from a desire to see such expressions. The book I am currently writing reflects a publication I wished I had during my formative years. Its style and content are shaped by a longing for literature and comics in a particular format that I felt were absent. This longing serves as a primary impetus for creation.
Many people become entrenched in seeking knowledge and understanding themselves fully before embarking on creative endeavors. Creative individuals often aspire to grasp their full potential before initiating their work. However, the reality is that you cannot comprehend your distinct creative process and capabilities without experimentation and sharing your creations with the world. This principle also applies to business planning; excessive planning without execution inhibits your understanding of a venture’s true potential. In our experience with Kiitoskahvi, we initially envisioned it as primarily a B2B product. However, during sales, we discovered unexpectedly high demand from B2C customers. This revelation prompted us to adapt our marketing strategies and explore new avenues of selling the product. We would not have made this discovery without launching the product into the market.
Many individuals scrutinize businesses to the extent that they focus more on the negatives than on the positives and possibilities. However, the only way to truly assess the viability of an idea is by taking action. Similarly, creatives often delay sharing their work, awaiting the perfect moment or self-assurance. Yet, you can never fully comprehend your artistic potential until you start sharing your creations. Embracing this process is how you evolve and grow as a creative. Likewise, with business ventures, unless you launch your idea, you’ll never ascertain its success or failure, leaving you stuck with a myriad of “what if” scenarios.
Share your work
The importance of sharing your work lies in the benefits it brings. Typically, the more you share, the more you create, and you receive valuable feedback from others, allowing you to gauge reactions to your work. The same principle applies to business, where feedback serves as the backbone of innovation and growth. Customer feedback provides insights into what is working well and areas for improvement. From an artistic standpoint, witnessing people being affected and inspired by your art serves as a powerful motivator to create more. Don’t fear feedback; embrace it in all its forms and implement it as necessary. Feedback is a perfect tool for improving both personal and professional goals.
Move around allow yourself to get bored
When you’re creating or innovating, it’s crucial to step out of your four-walled room. The best ideas often emerge when you’re actively experiencing life. Remaining confined to the same space limits your brain’s ability to wander and generate diverse perspectives and ideas. Allow yourself to experience moments of boredom. In our modern era, we tend to avoid boredom due to constant overstimulation from our phones. We can scroll endlessly without feeling bored, instantly filling any idle moments with distractions. Yet, some of the greatest ideas have originated from moments of boredom. The key to overcoming creative block isn’t to inundate your brain with more stimuli but to allow yourself to experience genuine boredom and stillness. Our minds require breaks from constant digital engagement and the barrage of information.
A notable example is Tony Fadell, who created the 18th generation of iPods and the first three generations of iPhones before his tenure at Apple. He also founded Nest, a company known for its innovative home devices. Fadell’s inspiration for Nest arose during his holiday travels when he noticed a common problem in different homes: inadequate home device systems. This observation sparked his idea for Nest. Such groundbreaking creations wouldn’t have materialized if Fadell hadn’t ventured outside his comfort zone and embraced moments of boredom to foster innovation.
Stay with the problem
Staying with a problem longer enables you to perceive it from different angles and delve into its root cause. As Epstein once remarked, “It’s not that I’m smart, it’s just that I stay with the problem longer.” Our minds are predisposed to seek quick solutions, often latching onto the first idea that comes to mind. However, by lingering with the problem, we open ourselves up to new insights and ideas. This principle applies across various domains. For instance, in a corporate setting, encountering a problem warrants patience and thorough examination rather than hasty decision-making, which could exacerbate the situation. Similarly, in the realm of creativity, the initial solution may not always be the most effective. It’s essential to explore the problem from different perspectives and angles, avoiding what’s known as the “solution trap.” This trap ensnares individuals who become fixated on their initial solution, overlooking alternative possibilities or underlying issues within the problem. Before rushing to solve any problem, it’s crucial to develop the skill of staying with it, thoroughly studying its nuances and complexities. While this approach may not be suitable for every problem—certain situations necessitate swift action—it is particularly valuable in the context of innovation and business, where space for creativity and exploration is paramount.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the symbiotic relationship between creativity and business is undeniable. Throughout this exploration, we’ve witnessed how creativity serves as a catalyst for innovation, offering fresh perspectives and driving transformative change in both artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors. We’ve learned the importance of embracing diverse sources of inspiration, acknowledging the concept of “good theft” as a means of nurturing creativity and fostering innovation. By allowing ourselves to draw from a multitude of influences and experiences, we unlock the potential to create something truly unique and groundbreaking. Furthermore, we’ve recognized the significance of taking action and sharing our creations with the world. Whether in business or artistic pursuits, feedback serves as a crucial tool for growth and improvement, propelling us towards our personal and professional goals. Additionally, we’ve explored the value of embracing moments of boredom and staying with a problem longer. By resisting the urge to seek quick solutions and instead immersing ourselves in the complexities of a challenge, we cultivate the insights and ingenuity necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve success. In essence, the intersection of creativity and business offers boundless opportunities for exploration, innovation, and growth. By harnessing the power of creativity, we can chart new paths, disrupt industries, and leave a lasting impact on the world around us.
source
Austin Kleon 2012 Steal like an artist
the art of boredom 2016