January 2011

Perfectionism will kill your creativity if you let it creep in. It really works like a “mind poison” that will comfort you in not taking action — watch out! Remember: if you stay on the bank of the river, wondering how you’ll make the perfect boat and criticizing “the primitive rafts” passing by, you’ll go absolutely nowhere! You’ll stay in the same spot for the rest of your life. Jump in already!

The Creative Advantage Book: Unleash Your Creativity And Change The World! by Guillaume Wolf. CreateSpace (June 28, 2010).

You and I are both creative. Creativity is a gift every human is born with. I would even go as far as to say that creativity is what makes us human, but I’m slightly biased. Don’t take my word for it; experience it instead. I don’t care if you are a stay-at-home mom, a student, a senior citizen, or a businessperson — you have it in yourself (and you know it).

This is the perfect book to start the year with. Kick off your creativity, get rid of fear and get making. Guillaume Wolf, Professor of design and creative director of Whitewall magazine, has really put himself out there to self publish this book.

As a Creative, you need to hold a powerful Vision in your mind — something exciting that brings a smile to your face. Your Vision will pull you up when times are tough — and will allow you to step to the right direction. Somehow, it works a little bit like a compass. Don’t worry if what comes up seems daunting or impractical at first — a good Vision always brings a good challenge.

5 things that I straight up loved about this book:

1. Its funny and self depreciating. Yes Wolf is an expert in his field, but he also has a sense of humour.
2. Wolf is not afraid to pull punches, he gets to the point and tells you what you need to do. He hands out quite a bit of tough love in this book.
3. This book takes you on a journey and doesn’t assume knowledge. And Wolf doesn’t talk down to you.
4. There are lots of interesting anecdotes and stories. Wolf is a visual artist and teacher, and he knows a lot of people, he has a lot of interesting stories to tell.
5. This book is full of practical advice, its not just another airy fairy vague book on how to be creative. It will not only help you to find your creativity but it will push you to new heights of using your creativity.

There is a common source of anguish among young Creatives — the fear of having your work copied. And yes, it does happen: if you have a new sound, someone can copy it; if you have a new way to photograph or paint, it can probably be imitated fairly easily. But ask yourself, so what? Being copied is the sign that you’re doing something good. It shouldn’t be a problem if you keep reinventing yourself — if you’re constantly moving, imitators will not be able to keep up. You probably know the saying “Imitation is the highest form of flattery.” It’s true. Furthermore, you shouldn’t live in fear — that’s not the creative way to live!
Instead, you should be concerned about something else: being ignored. If people follow you (and some will copy your work), it means that you’re an innovator. That’s great — keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t be scared of your own shadow.

But those five points I just made don’t really tell you what this book is about – so here are five more things that I found out in this book.

Be uncommon — you’ll get uncommon results.

1. Everyone is creative is some way – its just a matter of finding out where your creativity lies and how to use it to your advantage. Wolf gives you the power to use your creativity, not be afraid of it, to follow your passions and see where they lead.
2. Wolf instructs you to never stop learning, to keep reading, researching and nurturing your creativity with new experiences, people and knowledge.
3. Wolf gives encouragement to make a change in your life, to follow your dreams, express your identity and be open to possibilities. This book is challenging, and is not for wimps who are looking for any easy path, this book is about taking up the creative challenge and changing your life for the better.
4. Wolf encourages the reader to keep a creative notebook, and take time each day to build up your creativity – some creative exercises are included to get you started and to push your imagination and creative instinct.
5. Wolf doesn’t just encourage you to find your own creativity, but he wants you to see how you can use it for good, to help others and to contribute to your community.

As a Creative, you want to be open to as many cultural tribes as possible — creativity flourishes through diversity.

Thanks Wolf and keep doing what you do.

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