“Creativity” is a term that often partakes of something mysterious and nearly magical — something that we are blessed with, something like an ambivalent, secret power that one moment strikes us unexpectedly, and then puts us on hold when we desperately try to come up with an idea. But the infamous creative spark isn't as random as we might think.
This eBook is a collection of creativity lessons that may help you overcome a creative trough. Our Smashing authors provide some general insights into the process of creativity, discuss some interesting aspects, such as why it is important to also have a life outside the Web, and also present useful hands-on tips on how to develop fresh approaches to given problems. In addition, "Creativity Lessons For Web Designers" also shares some inspiring design projects and what made them unforgettable. As you will see, creativity has nothing to do with magic, but is often just a matter of perspective.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- The Process Of Creativity
by Jason Gross - Work, Life And Side Projects
by Paul Boag - “I Draw Pictures All Day”
by Alma Hoffmann - Ignorance Is Bliss For A Creative Mind
by Ken Reynolds - The Big Think: Breaking The Deliverables Habit
by Robert Hoekman Jr. - Changing Perspective: A New Look At Old Problems
by Stuart Silverstein - Collaging: Getting Answers To The Questions You Don't Know To Ask
by Kyle Soucy - Creating A Lasting Impression
by C. Knight and J. Glaser
Technical Information
- Formats: PDF, EPUB, Kindle (DRM-free)
- Pages: 80
- Language: English
- Released: June 2013
- Publisher: Smashing Media GmbH
- ISBN (PDF): 978-3-94454039-9
- ISBN (EPUB): 978-3-94454040-5
- ISBN (KINDLE): 978-3-94454041-2
Excerpt From Chapter 1
The Process Of Creativity — by
Contrary to previous belief, creativity does not limit itself to the “right-brained” artistic types. The ability to find creative and innovative solutions to problems holds value in almost all aspects of life. Even those with highly analytical jobs and hobbies benefit from the ability to approach a complex issue from different perspectives and foresee alternate outcomes. So perhaps it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to suggest that creativity itself is more rooted in a process than random visionary moments.
Excerpt From Chapter 2
“I Draw Pictures All Day” — by
“So, you do nothing all day.” That’s how many people would respond to someone who says they spend the day with a pen or pencil in their hand. It’s often considered an empty practice, a waste of time. They’re seen as an empty mind puttering along with the busy work of scribbling.
But for us designers and artists, drawing pictures all day is integral to our process and to who we are as creative people, and despite the idea that those who doodle waste time, we still get our work done. So, then, why are those of us who draw pictures all day even tempted to think that someone who is doodling or drawing pictures in a meeting or lecture is not paying attention?