Sparky Posted August 24, 2009 Posted August 24, 2009 Hey everyone! It's been a while! A problem I've always had, but haven't realized what it was untill recently, is that I'm too much of thinker and not enough of a doer, and it's really holding me back from doing a lot of things. A good example would be with this project I'm working on for a friend. He wants me to draw him and his friends as the original 8 vices. With what he wants, this is an EXTREMELY complex project! I'll sit at my desk/computer/at his house sketching out concepts, thinking about concepts, how it can/can't work, if it's plausable, reasonable, possible, if it'll meet the requirements, etc. and I'll do it for hours, days, sometimes even weeks without coming to a conclusion that we're satisfied with. We've gotten 1 of them almost done, but we've still got 7 more to go. The same thing happens at school (I'm taking Graphic Design, by the way). I'll do ENDLESS rough work, taking frequent brakes, asking for help, and still be stuck. Eventually, I WILL come to a good idea, but not after banging my head against a wall (figuratively), excruciatingly frustrating thinking, and numerous attempts to just say "f**k this" and give up altogether. Today when I was working outside, it hit me again. My job was to take out a cedar bush in my backyard that's been there for about 30 years. I kept on thinking how I was going to do it, and before I knew it, an hour flew by. I mean, in that hour, I could've been almost if not DONE the job already. I sat outside and saw a little red squirrel climb up a tree and jumping from lengthy distances from each branch. It made me realize that squirrel doesn't so much THINK about jumping and just DOES it. Not thinking about how much effort it's going to take, the distance, how it's going to latch on, etc. I wish I was like that... So after this essay (), my big questions are how do I just kinda "turn my brain off" when I do things? And how do I make this so natural that it's like walking or opening a door or eating? Thanks in advance!
Thaddeus Posted August 24, 2009 Posted August 24, 2009 You're describing a situation common with most writers: writer's block. Well, I can't give you any insight about moving cedar bushes or artwork, but I do know a thing or two about writing and writer's block. For me, personally, the first 100 words are the hardest. Once I've got those 100 words down - without editing, just spill them out onto the page (or screen) - the rest starts to flow. Here are a couple of links that might help. Granted, they're about writer's block but I think the principles are pretty much universal: How to overcome writers blockWriters on Writing - Overcoming Writer's Block
Author Sparky Posted August 24, 2009 Author Posted August 24, 2009 Holy CRAP, that was fast! Thanks! I'll take a look at those links. And yes, I believe that creative and writer's block are pretty universal. If anyone else has any additional advice, please input!
shaunwu Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 Hey Sparky, How is it going? Though it's a little too late. Creative kills at times. One way to curb creativity is being objective. I have this big problem long before. Nothing is perfect in this world. Creating a perfect piece is definitely out. When you have a task, 1. Find out the objective and required outcome. 2. "Get your hands dirty first". 3. Create the prototype. 4. Test it and discuss. 5. Obtain their perspectives and feedback. 6. Work on it again with the feedback gained. 7. Test it and discuss again. Doing it step-by-step is better than spending tons of time thinking the perfect answer. When there's a problem, fine tune it. When you buff the edge or a thick plastic piece, if the smoothness is not to your standard, you don't throw it away. You buff it more and deeper instead. One more way is to seek help from a close friend who is a doer to help you focus. All the best!
Author Sparky Posted September 15, 2009 Author Posted September 15, 2009 Thanks shaunwu! I think I understand what you're saying.
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