Invent Creativity

Posted by hatel at October 2nd, 2008

I wanted to graciously thank Mitesh for his kind introduction and for the readers who have been consistently supporting our creativity.  I refer to this as ‘a work of art’.  Before I do start, I would like to apologize for my delay in writing my first post.  

As strange as it sounds, I have been wondering what I can possibly write about I mean this will set the tone for future postings right?  It is not always easy but I ask my fellow readers to feel free to send me suggestions on topics that they would want posted on this site.  I believe that the best way to keep the communication lines open is to really just ask for feedback.  It never hurts and I firmly believe that you will be a creative person because of it.  (But that is just my 2 cents!)  

Now is the time for all of us to take a step back whether we like it or not.  I am sure all of you have noticed that as a society we are constantly moving not realizing that we can make our lives simple by finding creative ways to do so.  For example, I was browsing the internet and noticed that almost every major headline or eye-opener was a list of over a dozen creative ways to almost do anything!   I know that all of you out in cyberspace notice it too:

• 10 simple ways to save money at the gas pump
• Workout at home with these simple moves
• Meals in under 30 minutes

I am sure that you get the point.  We are always in a rush to get things done, or to get to our destination.  It really makes me wonder why don’t we just put simple methods in practice to alleviate stress and enjoy life? As cliche as it sounds, we are conditioned to continue in a cycle and we aren’t used to change.  This takes time and if we want a simple solution we will try it and if it works its great and if it requires that we put in ‘time’ we believe that it is not worth it.  Let’s take a step back and change that method of thinking and just try simple things and see how your creative thought process will change.  If we as a society did all the little things to make our lives better imagine the possibilities!  

As a creative myself, I would like to share with you some techniques on how to get your creativity working towards your benefit.  

• Take 30 minutes everyday to just relax, I find that listening to music works for me.
• As a kid at heart, I find that coloring with Crayola crayons brings you back to your childhood and can really help you unlock your creativity (I also want to note that the late Randy Pausch also believed in this)
• If you can have a simple workout regimen at least 3 times a week you would be surprised how much energy you will have and you will also be healthier

So my fellow readers, I ask that you at least try one of the above suggestions and see what it does for you. You will find that this will take time but creativity needs you the individual to be at 100%.  That is it for now fellow creatives!  

Posted by admin at August 11th, 2008

To all my readers who have bombarded me over the past several months about “what creativity really is?” I think I finally have the best answer…

• Creativity is a challenge. It is a purpose to improve and simplify.
• Creativity is courage. The world needs more fearless people that can influence all disciplines to challenge their very existence.
• Creativity is reflection aimed not at yourself, but at the world around you.
• Creativity is an approach to the world to solve a problem.
• Creativity is a way to influence, to get the world behind you with new fresh thinking.
• Creativity gets noticed, and all those who copy only copy because they noticed.
• Creativity is original thinking, not just thinking, but real thinking. Thinking that is hard, and doesn’t come easy.
• Creativity is being imaginative yet realistic.  
• Creativity is a capacity to understand the difficult.
• Creativity is a sudden inspiration.

Most of all creativity cannot be taught. It is not mathematics or science, it is a mental process. So why do I have a blog on creativity. Because the world is being robbed of its creative thinkers, and creativity is inspiration from anywhere. All it takes is to believe that you are creative and become a little fearless. Techniques only help you get there, but only you can teach yourself. I can only help you jumpstart, the rest you have to do on your own. Creativity is what keeps the world changing its dynamics. Are you the change or the one who follows the change?

Posted by admin at July 16th, 2008

Our culture is extremely visual. Everything from TV, advertising, movies, magazines, architecture, interior design, video games, im sure you get the point…

Visual Literacy is defined “as the ability to understand communications composed of visual images as well as being able to use visual imagery to communicate to others.”

In order to become visually literate, one must practice expressing their thoughts and ideas in visual forms such as drawings (encoding) and translating/understanding the meaning of visual imagery (decoding).

Visual literacy isn’t always easy. In fact some artists make their visual work difficult to understand, and only those truly observant will understand. Show me a photograph, and there is an excellent chance I will be able to interpret the photographers intentions only because of my years of practice and dedication.

Benefits of Visual Literacy

·      Increase of Creative Capacity

·      Enhanced Observational Skills

·      Improves visual represented comprehension (charts, graphs..etc.)

·      Improves Capacity to Develop Powerful Concepts and Solutions

·      Enhances Ability to Think Simplicity

Sure visuals can be complicated, but those that have the most powerful concept are the simplest in form. If you are out to problem solve and need to understand the concept of simplicity, visual literacy is a great way of getting there.

Take a good look at the above image. I shot that image while I was in Wisconsin. I used special lens filters on my camera just to get my intention across visually. Any ideas on what I was trying to portray? Leave a comment and lets see what everyone comes up with. It’s a good starting point.

Those who are creative tend to have a high capacity of visual literacy. Unfortunately many major institutions other than design schools have tested visual literacy, however, I am big believer in Visual Literacy. It helps Problem Solve, and problems are a large part of everyday life. So why not emphasize something so important to everyday life?

Cheers

Mitesh Solanki