Realizing Our Own Creative Potential

When I sat down with my group for our creative group project, I was struck by the overwhelming challenge that lay before us. Not only did we have to discuss arguably one of the most creative and influential individuals in psychology, we had to do it for a class centered on creativity, and therefore inevitably, the presentation itself had to be creative. Sitting around the table we all murmured some variation of the same statement: “ I am really not creative enough to come up with something like this.” To this point, much of the lectures, readings, and other materials in class have focused on what makes individuals creative. Through examining things such as the interaction of intelligence, creativity, and various personality characteristics we try to quantify “big C” creativity. Ultimately we are attempting to determine what makes these individuals different from ourselves.

In searching for the next creative thing to discuss on the blog I cam across a TED talk by David Kelley, which centered on how to build your own creative confidence. Instead of putting creativity on a pedestal, treated as an unachievable ideal, Kelley suggests that the only thing that keeps people from being creative is the lacking confidence to create.

Through the discussion of a childhood friend’s art project that another student criticized, Kelley invokes a scenario to which we are all exposed. Through the criticism of others, whether it be intentional or not, we as individuals opt out of being creative, determining that creativity is for really unique and intelligent individuals. He discusses how everyone from students to CEOs of major companies claim to lack this supposedly innate ability to be creative.

Inspired by Bandura’s incredibly successful model of overcoming phobias centered on self-efficacy, Kelley realized that these ideas could be applied to creativity. Through a series of small steps and training, people can be instilled with the confidence that they are creative individuals. This example is exemplified through the story of a GE employee who realized that almost 80% of children needed to be sedated to be able to cope with having an MRI done in the GE scanner. After going through Kelley’s training in creative confidence, the GE employee re-designed the MRI machine. He painted the machine so that the kids were not scared and also had the operators of the scanner trained by people who had extensive experience with kids. Following these changes only 10% of children needed to be sedated in order to be scanned by the MRI machine. Kelley even quotes one of the children who, following an MRI scan, asked if she could come back again the following day.

Driven by the goal of helping as many people as possible regain their creative confidence that people so often loose. Kelley believes that when people find this confidence, people often change their lives direction toward something that truly makes them happy and ultimately produces more influential and unique ideas. Ultimately, Kelley boils his teachings down to one thing that I think is incredibly important and empowering as we finish the semester looking at eminent creative. It is essential to stop looking at creativity as a god given right and realize your own natural creativity. Through self-efficacy we can all reach a level of creative confidence that, although may not result in us formulating the next big C idea, can provide us with quality ideas while also serving to help us realize and attain our own creative potential.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you, Amanda Palmer!

Amanda F-cking Palmer.

With a name like that, how can she not be creative?

NEENER NEENER NEENER

For those of you who are unaware, Amanda Palmer is a singer/musician/blogger/twitter aficionado who has a penchant for causing kerfuffles and raising eyebrows. While most artists lean towards scandal, Amanda has the habit of diving headfirst into a sea of angry people on the internet. In fact, in her first band, The Dresden Dolls, they had a part of their site dedicated to the hate mail that they received. 

I'm wearing a corset but I promise I'm still a real person

I would say however, that one of the most unique things about Amanda Palmer is the connection she has with her fans. I would also posit, that it is one place, besides her songwriting, where her creativity shines. It’s difficult to make it in the music industry nowadays. Being with a label is practically a requirement if you don't want to be eating cup ramen for the rest of your life. However, even if you do get signed, there is no guarantee that you’ll be successful. Amanda Palmer is a fairly interesting case because she was actually initially signed with Roadrunner Records. However, she eventually convinced them to drop her (she actually wrote a song about it) from their label. However, how does a singer prevail when they don’t have the backing of a label? Amanda Palmer’s answer was to go directly to her fans. Almost everything she does is crowd sourced and crowd funded. When she went on her big new record tour this past year, she crowd sourced musicians to help play with her band from every new city they played in. She threw “ninja gigs”, shows that she would announce on her twitter, play for an hour or two and then leave. She frequently stays at the various houses of her fans for a place to bunk for the night. That, combined with her active presence on the internet via twitter and her blog make her one of the most accessible musicians I have ever come across.

I'm sorry ladies, if your hipbones aren't protruding you aren't attractive

Amanda Palmer’s whole philosophy is that if she connects with her fans, they will support her. In the past two years she has had one of the most successfully funded kickstarters (1.2 million dollars) of all time, her TED talk has over two million views and she is currently signed for a book deal. That’s quite a big deal for a lady who freed herself from her record label years ago because they wouldn’t show her stomach in a music video because it wasn't flat enough. 

However, is this crowd sourcing creative? I believe this relates back to our very first day of class, listening to the story about how Dan Barber found a farm that made ethical foie gras by going back in history and following its lessons. In part, this is exactly what Amanda Palmer is doing. Back in the middle ages, one of the only ways a musician or a minstrel could make a living was by either getting a patron, or traveling around and having families (fans) host them and donating directly to the artist. What Amanda Palmer is doing is really not that divergent from this path. While it is true that this is the way that most bands start out, there tends to be a kind of stigma attached to it. You haven’t “made it” in popular music unless you’re poppin’ bottles and you’ve got stacks on stacks on stacks on stacks. 

Yes those lyrics are top 40 hits. Yes my soul died a little when I typed them

Amanda Palmer has defined a new way of “making it” in the music business. And she has made it this far by her human connections (for further emphasis on that, check out her TED talk, it’s fantastic), the art of asking and her drive. If you take a look at her touring schedule, her talks, or her twitter you’ll find that she rarely sits still. In the past few years she has released a record, gone on tour, cancelled her tour (her best friend got cancer and she chose to stay with him), given a TED talk, and is currently writing a book. 

Well since you asked nicely... Yes you can have my money.

In all of this, she has still managed to stay a real person and form connections with her fans. I believe that she is one of the most intrinsically (as Collins and Amabile spoke of) AND extrinsically motivated people in the music industry. One only has to take a look at her blog to know that her fans are her life, but she would also wither without her creative output. Miss Palmer simply loves what she does. This creates a pure, symbiotic relationship that leaves both parties feeling like they got the better end of the deal. 

Can other musicians do this effectively? I don't know. All I know is that Amanda Palmer is one of my favorite artists not only because I love her music, but also because I love how she approaches her job. I love the fact that I feel like I can connect with her, support her directly, and fuel her creativity. I love how she can turn the music industry on its head, be successful without a label and look good while doing it. Maybe I've got a one way ticket to crazy town, but I can't help but think

At least I hope so because if I hear one more freaking song about how I should "get low" on the air I am going to go ballistic

The Man Behind the Movies

Ok, so Baz Luhrmann is not a fresh creative face, he is pretty established on the scene by now, especially following The Great Gatsby last year. However, he is one of my favorite directors and I recently came across a New York Times article looking at his "creative chaos", and found it incredibly relevant to what we've been discussing in class. 

Just a little bit of background, Luhrmann was born in 1962 and grew up in a small town north of Sydney, Australia. He pumped gas at his father's gas station, exposing him to a collection of characters whom he would observe with curiosity; his parents also had him trained in "painting, horse riding, skiing, shooting" and more (Wallace). When he was 11, his mother left for Sydney. Luhrmann followed not long afterwards, but lived independently and pursued acting. He claims that during this time, and actually, ever since then, "he was looking to create what he felt he had lost: a tight knit family" (Wallace). 

After his acting years, he turned to writing and, ultimately, creating films, plays, even a popular spoken word single, "Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen)". Luhrmann has worked in many domains, and with a wide range of opportunities in front of him, he asks himself daily, "what is my best use?" In this Times interview, Luhrmann shares that he perceives a huge difference between what he wants to do and what he feels must be done. This made me wonder quite a bit about whether his main motivation is intrinsic or extrinsic. It is unclear about what Luhrmann meant by what must be done; it could be interpreted as what must be done to keep his career going, or what must be done to fulfill his own expectations for himself. Personally, I would identify Luhrmann most with Carl Roger's opinion on motivation and its connection to self-evaluation over the evaluation of others. This is shown in the fact that Luhrmann's films are often highly criticized, but he expects and almost welcomes it saying, "you're not going to be making something that will endure or have an imprint on culture if it isn't drawing violent juxtaposing critical responses" (Wallace). Hmm, after re-reading that, it seems like he believes that what he must do, is somehow imprint on culture. And it is his, what he considers addiction, to this goal that fuels and motivates him, which I would consider very intrinsic.

I think another big motivation for Luhrmann is a desire for adventure. He and his wife try to live their work, so frequently at the beginning of a project they will travel to the piece's historical base, or in some other way try to immerse themselves into the art. But adventure is an important aspect of his life in another way too, it seems to be a slate-clearer, or something to reset him between projects or particularly stressful points in his life. We see this currently, he is planning to break to Paris to work on a "palate cleanser" piece after Gatsby. But it was also exemplified by his journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, taken as a break from a project that was put on hold, and problems with him and his wife conceiving. It was on this trip in 2003 that he came up with the idea to do a Gatsby re-creation. That being noted, Luhrmann would not consider the adventure as necessarily the best time for creativity. 

Luhrmann comments on what he needs to feel creative, and that's routine. He keeps everything in the same place no matter where he is, and "believes that external order creates internal possibility" (Wallace). I think he really exemplifies the idea that creativity comes through the unconscious. Of course, routine isn't the same as being asleep, but I would think that it allows for a similar process, of rest or consciously forgetting about the 'problem' for a while. As Luhrmann said, "As I'm going through the routine, I don't have to think…The mind is unlocking something" and leaves more room for creativity (Wallace). The semi-zombie like state that we have while getting ready most days allows for the unconscious to bring creative solutions to our mind, or at least work on them without us realizing. This leads me to picture Baz Luhrmann having many moments of insight while brushing his teeth or putting on his tie - bam! Moulin Rouge! Tying his shoes - wack! Romeo + Juliet! However it happens, the results are some insanely creative pieces of art.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/09/magazine/deep-inside-baz-luhrmanns-creative-chaos.html?_r=0

Kids Caring 4 Kids

When many of us think of fundraising or donating money, we think of those people we see outside blocking the sidewalk, just waiting to prey on us and ask us if we have a minute for the children or gay rights or the environment. While we may agree with the issues that these solicitors stand for, almost everyone dreads having to walk past them. For the most part, they frequent the same areas, they refuese to believe you don't have the money to give them, and their tactics are pretty unoriginal. Kendall Ciesemier came up with a new and unique way to fundraise for the cause she believes in.

When she was eleven years old, Kendall watched a special on the Oprah Winfrey Show that focused on the struggle facing many AIDS orphans in Africa. Because Kendall was born with a chronic liver disease, she was no stranger to suffering. She imagined herself dealing with the problems of the AIDS orphans she learned about and deeply empathized with them. She decided that she needed to find a way to help. When she later underwent two liver transplants, instead of getting gifts and flowers, she asked family and friends to donate money for AIDS orphans like the ones she learned about on the show and the one she subsequently decided to sponsor through World Vision. As word spread about Kendall's efforts, more kids began organizing their own fundraisers to contribute, and eventually $15,000 were raised. This prompted the beginning of the organization Kids Caring 4 Kids in January 2005.

One of the things that makes Kids Caring 4 Kids so creative is that children are the main targets and agents for the fundraising. Kids are asked to empathize with fellow children in Africa and contribute small amounts of money to help the cause. The organization also appeals to children to host their own fundraisers to support the organization. On the Kids Caring 4 Kids website, there is list of suggested opportunities for kids to get involved with the cause. This ranges from the Just1 campaign that aims to have 200,000 kids each donate just $1 to raise the money needed to build a high school to hosting a dance-a-thon at a local high school to raise money. Other unique options include asking friends and family to bring donations for Kids Caring 4 Kids instead of gifts to a birthday party and having a musical perform at a local farmer's market to raise awareness and money. All of the options are accessible to children and teens who want to help. Along with the suggestions provided on the website, kids have the option to create their own fundraiser, allowing them to exercise their own creativity while supporting the cause. Throughout all of the possibilities, the main point stays the same: kids banding together to help other children who are less fortunate than themselves.

The way Kendall came up with the idea for Kids Caring 4 Kids is very unique and creative. Not only did she create a new non-profit organization at age eleven, but she also made the focus of that organization to be on empowering kids to create a positive impact on other kids who suffer from AIDS. Through this method, children are given a sense of purpose and potential. Kendall's motivation for creating the organization is also usual. As an eleven-year-old suffering from a liver disease and dealing with her own struggles, Kendall was deeply moved after learning about the suffering of other children across the world. Her compassion and intense desire to help them were her main motivation to start the non-profit. Kendall was able to affect so many powerful outcomes because of her intrinsic motivation. She did not have any outside factors motivating her to do all of that good for others. She simply wanted to do it because she enjoyed helping others and passionately wanted to do so. As Carl Rogers suggests, her intrinsic motivation is what has allowed Kendall and Kids Caring 4 Kids to be so successful. This intrinsic desire enabled her to create such a stong organization that might not have been the same if she was only working for an external reward. Because of this, Kids Caring 4 Kids remains a strong organization that is still working today to create better lives for children suffering in Africa. Below is a TED Talk where Kendall talks about her intrinsic motivations and desire to help children through self-actualization:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUlUkwSb0rE

Some of Kendall's recognition:

http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2010/08/women-of-the-year-readers-choice-award-2010-nominee-kendall-ciesemier

http://www.kidscaring4kids.org/newsroom/kendall_on_oprah

http://www.forbes.com/sites/deniserestauri/2013/09/10/inspired-by-bono-clinton-and-gates-georgetown-student-battles-global-poverty/

Being Based

This is “Lil B”, and he is an artist, a rapper to be more precise. A friend recently turned me onto him, and I am so grateful. Because Lil B is more than just a rapper, he is a philosopher, and he gave me the words that perfectly describe my spiritual take on the world, which is a beautiful gift. 

 

Warning: the above video contains explicit language, though it really is not that bad, just 2 f-bombs. Please look past this, because the content of the entire video is very insightful and, dare I say it, creatively impactful on the music industry. 

In my opinion, Lil B is not a naturally gifted rapper, but his insights and thought processes he draws upon for inspiration are rather sublime. And though he may lack Jay Z’s rhythm or Eminem’s flow, he absolutely has soul, and I remain enchanted by his words.

Lil B coined a term which he calls “being based”. And when you are based, you are spiritually in tune with everything and everyone. It is a connection hard to describe, but beautifully peaceful to feel. Being based means you have a natural love and positivity towards those whom surround you that encompasses your being. Their energy nourishes your soul, which, in turn, creates a life that is positive, and full of light and love. 

Our class readings assert that this positive outlook on the world leads to moments of awe and insight; enhancing and solidifying an understanding that we truly are connected, which further warm his soul with gratitude. The readings suggest that it is this proper state of mind where we experience truly meaningful insight about the problems that plaque us most.

Lil B is so moved, that he expresses his awe about life by weeping. He is filled with love, and his music carries this same tune. Love and contentedness make him a different kind of artist. His lyrics come from his spirit, which is emboldened because he is “based”. 

Some might say he is crazy, schizophrenic, or drugged out; but there is a moment at the end of the video which is so true and beautiful that it is hard to deny the validity of his state of mind.

After he stops talking to the camera, he pauses, looks down, then up, seemingly gathering his thoughts. 

He then begins to nod to himself. To me, he just seems so sure of what he believes. It is easy to tell that he truly does feel “based”, and that this insight really is the source of his creative process. 

And then, right at the end of the video, peace finds him. His expression is fleeting, but it is there.

Peace expressed. Absolute contentedness. Although he might have a different view on the world than most, it is hard to invalidate such a fulfilling and insightful mindset. Oh how free he must feel.