Creative Reaction

Idea Connection has an interesting, yet long and wonkish interview with Keith Sawyer, author of “Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation”.

Sawyer uses an inter-disciplinary approach as a means to scientifically study something as elusive as creativity and de-bunks of handful of creativity myths.

Quoting Sawyer, “The creativity myths are not just wrong, they’re dangerous because they make us all believe we have no hope of being creative. If we’re not playful and childlike, if we’re not a bit schizophrenic or depressed or alcoholic, if we’re not always having flashes of brilliant insight, then we don’t seem to fit the mythical image of the creator.

The good news is that these beliefs aren’t true. Successful creators are stable, happy people; after all, being creative is just about the most fulfilling activity a person can engage in. ”

Another interesting tidbit, especially in this Web 2.0 age:
“My own research shows that creativity, more often than not, emerges from interactions of lots of people who come together in “collaborative webs.” This has been true throughout history; but now, the Internet makes the process happen so much faster.”

Despite the length of the interview, which I’m having trouble plowing through due to a late afternoon energy slump, Sawyer’s research seems both solid and fascinating. I just put his book on my Amazon Wish List. Now for some fresh air.

(Find out more about Sawyer  and his book.)

Great post over at Idea Champions with a simple message (see Title).

While the message is for corporations, I think there’s an important lesson for creatives-for-hire: unless we care, and yes, even find ways to be fascinated about the services and products we are helping our clients sell, our messages will not resonate with our clients’ customers. Something to ponder.