In an assignment I gave on the first day of the Web Expressions class that I’m teaching, I assigned the reading of an essay then asked everyone to answer these questions:
- When are you the most creative?
- What are the necessary conditions for creativity?
I received an e-mail from someone asking me to clarify what I was asking you to do. Here’s my reply: (I made some edits so the e-mail looks prettier on my blog)
This assignment is pretty free-form…and should be answered however you can think to answer it. This class is a combination of web-centered topics AND creativity…which is what makes it so cool. (in my opinion) The article I had you read delves into a creative process and explains how it isn’t always as easy as one might think at first glance. It takes practice. As the article states, art is a mixture of ideas, logic, order, harmony, drawing, line, form, passion, romantic ideas, feelings, and masses of color.
With the questions I’m asking, I’m not assuming that everyone is an artist, but people can be creative. Art and creativity spans from painting to doodling, from music to planning an activity with friends, etc. The two questions that have been asked aren’t necessarily separate questions and can be answered as one. I want you to think outside the box. There is no right answer, so think deeply :)
So:
When are you most creative? What are the necessary conditions for creativity? (i.e. what environment do you like to be in? What mood? What time of day? What events need to happen? Can you only be creative while wearing a bear suit and standing on one foot? That type of stuff)
If you haven’t been introduced to the wonderful power of Wikipedia, now’s your chance. Check out Wikipedia’s entry on Creativity. Its got some decent info that you may find interesting and helpful in answering your questions (if you have reached a stumbling block).
You may be wondering…”Why are we even discussing creativity?”
Well, thats a good question. If you see this prior to class, give it some thought. I’ll be asking you to answer this on Friday. (a.k.a. class participation)
If you have anything to add to this blog entry or would like to spur a discussion, by all means use the comment feature on this blog. (a.k.a. class participation)
To make comments: There is a link on the top line beneath the title of this article that says “Comments.” Click that then scroll to the bottom of the page where you will see a place to enter your name, e-mail, website, and your comment.
UPDATE:
Oh, and here is the agenda for tomorrow’s class:
- Creativity Discussion
- Creativity Activity
- More on Blogs
- Moron Blogs
Comments
2 responses to “Web Expressions – Creativity”
Im the most creative, and Id be willing to bet it goes with most people they are really motivated and passionate about whatever they are doing. If your doing a project on China then Id be 10 times out of 10 if you passionate for china and have a drive to do well, your creativity will kick in and it will turn the assignment in a fun experience, nothing required. As for the necissary conditions to be creative id say, a warm room with a full stomack, a good nights sleep the night before, not hung over or rushed, a natural high of excitment over doing the assignment. I feel of self worth and getting ready to acheive greatness.
I agree with Kyle Widness, I feel you must feel passionate about the topic, or at least have it hit close to home, to be motivatd and get craeative about something. Some people get more creative at night, i don’t need a particular time of day, I just feel like I need to be fully rested and open minded to a topic to be creative. Some people are creative in different ways as well, like paitning or on the internet, I feel I am most creative with writing.