On the act of creation

[graheim]

I like to think of myself of as a fairly creative person

Comments

[cyb3rj]

I wrote what I thought was a pretty intelligent reply, but upon rereading it... maybe I need more coffee (of the caffeinated variety).

Are you talking about a "new idea" as in something unique, or as in something that is a good improvement upon others of its kind?

I entirely relate to this!

[bruorton]

The trick, I think, is becoming so well read that you're totally immersed and familiar with the sort of ideas and "creativity" you appreciate. (And no, I am so not anywhere close to this yet, myself.) The idea is that you begin to recognize all the common thematic elements that people tend to use, so that you say, "ah, this is cool, X is re-used here for this or that new effect." Building up context for creativity, is what I guess I'd call it.

I think a lot of people have this illusion that "creativity" means coming up with something 100% new, ex nihilo. But in fact, as Nina Bawden (British novelist for young and mature adults) has said, "All writers are thieves; theft is a necessary tool of the trade." (Actually, I think a lot of other people have said that too

making everyday, ordinary ideas unique

[technoblue]

In my experience, or rather (I should say) as I have matured, I have come to understand that ideas are not the focal point of any of my creative endeavors. Whether I am writing, drawing, snapping photographs, playing a tune, or pulling together some markup for a web page, it is my voice -- how I choose to express those ideas that creates the unique component