%% date:: [[2022-11-02]] %% # [[Creativity]] Creativity is the process of producing original work. ## What creativity isn't ### Creativity isn't making something from nothing [[Creativity isn't about coming up with entirely new ideas; it's about seeing connections between existing ideas or using them for a new purpose.]] There are no new ideas. Using a [[Personal Knowledge Management]] system to collect old ideas makes it easier to string together seemingly unrelated ideas. Sometimes, [[Recycle ideas you've used before to create new work.|recycling your own ideas]] can be creative, too. ### Creativity doesn't exist in a vacuum [[Community building]] can create the [[Scenius]], or environment, necessary to breed creativity. [^kleon] ![[On Writing#^0506f8]] [^king] Good writing requires good reading beforehand. ### Creativity isn't a "flash" of inspiration Creativity is often portrayed as something fleeting-- one must "find a muse" or "get inspired". However, the cold reality is that what creativity requires is *work*. Hours and hours of consistent, regular [[The ability to do deep work is the strongest predictor of success.|deliberate practice]] ### Creativity isn't innate Raw talent, while it exists, is overrated. [[Growth mindset|Having a growth mindset]] and putting in the effort to sit down and create regularly will eventually surpass natural abilities. ### Creativity isn't free [[The starving artist stereotype can be extremely harmful]] [^kleon]: Kleon, A. (2014). _Show your work!: 10 ways to share your creativity and get discovered_. Adams Media. [[Show Your Work!|Highlights]] and [[Show Your Work|literature notes]]. [^king]: King, S. (2010). _On writing: A memoir of the craft._ Scribner. [[On Writing|Highlights]].