I have found that one of the main reasons that I am somewhat creative (in my opinion) is because it is intrinsic for me to question the norm. I naturally question why things are the way that they are. This has helped me in my profession because coming up with innovative ideas and solutions comes without having to sit down and decide to think up a great new idea. I find people that demonstrate this trait very appealing to associate with because they live deliberately. They don't follow the beaten path just because it is in front of them. And often they come up with great ideas that inspire me to give birth to a great idea of my own.
I have also found that creating analogous relationships is a great way to increase creativity. Use other ideas, solutions, art, or literature, (or anything that seemingly has nothing to do with your project) and make connective comparisons to what you are working on. I think the vigorous collection of info and incubation that Jenny mentions above is crucial. Here is one quick example:
I was put in charge of designing a four-story atrium that needed multiple freestanding columns to support the roof. I studied animal bone structures in order to understand how they support the other systems of the body. Once I have obtained an “elementary� understanding of the bone structure, I used that understanding through analogy to innovate the way I designed the structure of the atrium. The comparative relationship helped me develop an innovative structural system that created an inspiring space. This would have been difficult for me to think of initially. I am sure this can be done with anything from - creating art - to starting a business - to the way you wash your car. Has anyone read any good books about exteremely creative people? I would like to learn more on how other people extract creativity.
Reply
I sometimes think that all you tell me of knighthood, kingdoms, empires and islands is all windy blather and lies
I have found that one of the main reasons that I am somewhat creative (in my opinion) is because it is intrinsic for me to question the norm. I naturally question why things are the way that they are. This has helped me in my profession because coming up with innovative ideas and solutions comes without having to sit down and decide to think up a great new idea. I find people that demonstrate this trait very appealing to associate with because they live deliberately. They don't follow the beaten path just because it is in front of them. And often they come up with great ideas that inspire me to give birth to a great idea of my own.
I have also found that creating analogous relationships is a great way to increase creativity. Use other ideas, solutions, art, or literature, (or anything that seemingly has nothing to do with your project) and make connective comparisons to what you are working on. I think the vigorous collection of info and incubation that Jenny mentions above is crucial. Here is one quick example:
I was put in charge of designing a four-story atrium that needed multiple freestanding columns to support the roof. I studied animal bone structures in order to understand how they support the other systems of the body. Once I have obtained an “elementary� understanding of the bone structure, I used that understanding through analogy to innovate the way I designed the structure of the atrium. The comparative relationship helped me develop an innovative structural system that created an inspiring space. This would have been difficult for me to think of initially. I am sure this can be done with anything from - creating art - to starting a business - to the way you wash your car. Has anyone read any good books about exteremely creative people? I would like to learn more on how other people extract creativity.