How to Coach Yourself and Others Techniques For Coaching | Page 158

"The state of mind of the photographer while creating is a blank . . .
[But] It is a very active state of mind, ready at an instant to grasp an
image, yet with no image pre-formed in it at any time."
Creativity Tip
Create a "swipe file". This is basically a collection of items of interest
which you found noteworthy and which you can refer to in order to
help jump-start your creativity.
Important!
Borrow Ideas From Others but Make the End Product Your Own
Michael de Meng has the following to say about creativity: "In my view,
creativity is a rampant thievery mixed with reinterpretation . . . I see
the act [of creativity] as being like a martini shaker, in which you add all
those ingredients that you like or admire. Three parts Picasso, two
parts Joseph Cornell, seven parts Mexican Folk Art, a splash of abstract
expressionism, and garnish with a twist of Daidism."
Creativity Tip
Be curious about everything. You never know when random, seemingly
unrelated ideas will come together to form a new idea.
Important!
Curiosity is looking for lots of possibilities.
Albert Einstein illustrated this point when asked what made him
different from other people. He responded: most people stop looking
when they find the proverbial needle in the haystack. I would continue
looking to see if there were other needles.
“Art is work. It is not inspiration." Twyla Tharp”
Twyla Tharp - "The Creative Habit"
Discipline is essential to the flourishing of one's creativity.

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