Creativity really takes focus and time. This past week, I was working on designing some poster templates. I have to admit that it was a bit difficult at first because I wanted to create "original designs". I also was trying to re-learn InDesign because the last time I had used it was 2 years ago with a much older version. I just wanted to give up and just tweak posters that I had found online.
Well, I did start out by doing that. But my drive to be original eventually won out in the end and I started creating some new stuff on my own. This whole process took me about 4 days with at least 4-5 hours devoted to it each day.
I thought about this course and how it's challenging me to make better use of my creative style. Although most of the examples that they provide have to do with creative problem-solving, I was able to apply some of the things I learned to my design process this past week.
In Week 2 we learned about creative divergence and convergence. Divergent thinking has to do with coming up with multiple options. And convergent thinking has to do with choosing from those multiple options.
I was using my divergent thinking when I was copying other people's templates, trying to re-learn InDesign and come up with a variety of layouts, color schemes, and text options. Then I started to use my convergent thinking when I was able to choose certain colors, text, and other design elements to use in a single poster template.
All of this thinking sounds like it would hurt your head... but you actually do both kinds of thinking all the time. It just might not be obvious. For example, choosing what to eat at a restaurant involves both divergent and convergent thinking. The process might be as "creative", but you're still making decisions.
After reflecting on this experience, I realized that I need to take at least 30 minutes to 1 hour each day at work just to be creative and reflective. Recall certain observations and note my thoughts. Think about what went well or didn't go so well with a program that I taught. How did the meeting go, and how can I help my colleagues?
Now only if I can find the time to read over those reflections and act on them.... =) Perhaps that will come in another post.
Well, I did start out by doing that. But my drive to be original eventually won out in the end and I started creating some new stuff on my own. This whole process took me about 4 days with at least 4-5 hours devoted to it each day.
I thought about this course and how it's challenging me to make better use of my creative style. Although most of the examples that they provide have to do with creative problem-solving, I was able to apply some of the things I learned to my design process this past week.
In Week 2 we learned about creative divergence and convergence. Divergent thinking has to do with coming up with multiple options. And convergent thinking has to do with choosing from those multiple options.
I was using my divergent thinking when I was copying other people's templates, trying to re-learn InDesign and come up with a variety of layouts, color schemes, and text options. Then I started to use my convergent thinking when I was able to choose certain colors, text, and other design elements to use in a single poster template.
All of this thinking sounds like it would hurt your head... but you actually do both kinds of thinking all the time. It just might not be obvious. For example, choosing what to eat at a restaurant involves both divergent and convergent thinking. The process might be as "creative", but you're still making decisions.
After reflecting on this experience, I realized that I need to take at least 30 minutes to 1 hour each day at work just to be creative and reflective. Recall certain observations and note my thoughts. Think about what went well or didn't go so well with a program that I taught. How did the meeting go, and how can I help my colleagues?
Now only if I can find the time to read over those reflections and act on them.... =) Perhaps that will come in another post.