Creative Risks

I think most people who create would consider themselves to be creative by definition. But there’s creativity at the surface level, and then there’s multi-layered creativity that inspires the audience to think, feel, and even create themselves.

Like my mom always told me as a kid “If you’re going to do something, don’t half-ass it”. And I hated that saying when applied to not doing all of the dishes, but now as a grown ass man, I totally get it.

Creating high quality content is easier than ever. In order to make professional quality music, you simply need a digital audio workstation (DAW) and a laptop. And making videos is just as easy, with a smart phone and a simple editing tool. But that doesn’t automatically make the finished product “creative”.

So, what makes a creative piece of content or song? How do we differentiate ourselves from the millions of others doing the exact same thing? How do we step outside our comfort zone and outside the box?

We’ve all seen and heard creative projects that cross over into the obscure and incomprehensible. So the line between ultra-corny and superbly genius can be razor thin.

So, how do we maintain faith in our own creative process, and not allow our own self-doubt to paralyze us?

“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield highlights the challenges faced by artists, writers, and others seeking to reach their highest form of creativity. The book delves into the concept of resistance, which includes self-doubt, procrastination, fear, and distraction— all of which can prevent us from achieving our true creative potential.

According to Pressfield, all of these powers of resistance can be overcome through discipline, hard work, consistency, and the development of a consistent routine that puts us in a productive mental space, which allows us to flourish.

Side note: I also recommend “Flow” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, which delves into a replicable process, allowing us to manifest a deep and fulfilling flow state.

Since I noted a couple books that can help you tap into your highest creative self, I wanted to highlight a few random creative visuals that have drawn my attention over this past week, as examples of what the human mind can create when challenged.

Joyner Lucas’s “Broski” Video

This music video was well shot in a huge crib, so it obviously took a substantial budget to pull off, but perhaps the most impressive aspect of this video was the unique song topic, story arc, deep message, and lyricism (none of which cost a penny). Check it out and you’ll understand, because without a great song, there is no big budget video.

*Note: You should only consider pouring gas on top of a fire that’s already well lit.

Boots Riley’s “I’m a Virgo” TV Show

A show about a 13 foot tall young man seeing the world for the first time? Sounds interesting, but it could have easily been created with no depth and no sociopolitical undertones. But that’s never been Boots’s style, from his time as The Coup’s MC to his directorial debut on “Sorry to Bother You”, Boots has always taken creative chances, and he does so again here.

Jack Harlow’s “Gang Gang Gang”

Harlow’s anthem for toxic masculinity got the recent video treatment, and it’s nothing fancy (aside from the private jet). But again, the message is unique, as it asks how far men are supposed to go in order to protect their male friends after they perform unconscionable acts.

*Note: We all have the ability to craft this kind of thought-provoking art if we’re willing to dig a little deeper, and not just settle for the first idea (or second or third) that pop into our head. I truly believe that.

“When you push past your limits, that’s when your creativity reaches its peak” -Pharrell Williams

Thanks again for all of the support, shares, and comments. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Til next week.