You could read a book written by a genius, the kind of book in which they describe in detail their process for being brilliant.
You could follow every step, beginning with A, and work your way through Z.
You could hold your brush the same way they hold theirs.
You could eat the same foods, wear the same clothes, visit the same places.
And you’ll still never do what they do, because you’re not them.
But wait before you hang your head, because the thing you must consider is that no matter how brilliant that genius may be, they could never do what you can do.
They couldn’t do it even if they followed your every step, or held their brush the same way you hold yours, or ate the same foods, or read the same books, or visited the same places.
They couldn’t do it because they’re not you.
The world doesn’t need another Picasso. We already had one. What the world needs is you, doing what you do best the very best you can. That’s all that’s being asked of you.
Sure, you can learn a few tricks here and there, but you’ll have to make those tricks your own. Sure, you can study how others have succeeded, but you’ll still need to succeed in your very own way.
There’s no such thing as generic, plain label creativity.
Go ahead. Read that book and a dozen others if you like. It never hurts to learn. But when you’re through, mix and match the parts that work for you, discard the ones that don’t, and add a few tricks of your own.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah. The theme of so much I write. Only said more simply and brilliantly.
Rock on, Ken!
All the best!
deb
In other words, love yourself!
I love the part where you say,
“The world doesn’t need another Picasso. We already had one. What the world needs is you, doing what you do best the very best you can. That’s all that’s being asked of you.”
It certainly takes a lot of pressure off when you look at it this way. Probably why I always had a hard time trying to copy other people’s paintings…I could only put my own spin on things. I like it that way! I like being me…I like all my individual gifts and talents because they make up who I am…not someone else! Why would I want to be someone else when I can be me! I can always improve on myself…that’s always the bonus on being a unique individual…you can build on perfecting yourself….can’t do that with someone else!
Love your article, Ken….as usual, you tell it like it is and help us to see things clearly! You rock!