This post is part of the spring challenge over at Our Creative Community to share our various creative processes. So after you’ve read this, head on over there and check out everyone else.
I’ll be honest, when OurCC left us this challenge, the very first thing I thought was “well, that’s one post for the week I won’t need to think much about then”
Except…that would be wrong.
Defining my creative process proved more difficult than I had imagined. I also wimped out on being truly creative with my blog response; I should have done a vlog, but didn’t want it to be just a little talky, unedited one…and…and…and… :/
Anyway, here’s what I came up with. All things considered, this took ages to write :
What ignites that flame inside you to create?
Quite apart from the fact I feel like being creative nearly all the time, I get inspired by others’ creativity. A play, a song, a sculpture, a book, a solution…a tweet, a blog post. Etc. I think it’s at the root of my being, which makes sense since God is there, and He’s the Master Creator.
What sparks that passion inside you?
I kinda answered this already above didn’t I. Actually, is this really the same question presented in a different way?
How do you channel your creativity into a finished product?
With great difficulty. I often get into the middle of something and divert over to something else. Being part of this community and having some clear goals has helped me be more focussed and target oriented. Learning Garageband and therefore having more flexibility in how I present what I do has been great. I can’t believe I had a Mac for over a year without touching it!
Still, not knowing how to play any instruments well is annoying. As is my concern for my neighbours, which therefore restricts how much I’ll let myself go with my vocals. I know I can do a lot more with my voice – I do it at church on Sundays, and have done in choirs for years…so I might need to find a place to let rip that’s soundproof.
And, importantly for me, the creative process of songwriting includes the recording and production. It’s not just a song, it’s how it sounds, what synth is used, what bass sound, how many different drum tracks. It’s all part of the process. At the same time, I love how someone else could pick up the raw ingredients (music, lyrics) and create something entirely different in their interpretation.
What do you do when you struggle to create?
Usually this means I’m over-tired and need to step back and recouperate. At one time, I’d push through. This never yielded results, so I’ve learnt from that.
How do you celebrate your wins?
I’m not sure I really know what wins I’ve had. Putting something out there that is enjoyed is a win I guess. But a bigger win in my book is being satisfied with something I’ve created. Coming back to it later and not wanting to change anything. I’ve done that a couple of times. Not many times, but it’s been done 
Do you enjoy your creative process?
Yes. If I wasn’t enjoying this, there’d be little point in doing it. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to have my creative process and my income stream intersecting; some fatigue would be bound to set in at times. However, it’s less likely to be an issue than when you feel your income earning is pulling you away from your creativity.
At the moment, I am blessed with a better crossover than some people I know…but I’d still rather be able to create all day than have to work. So come on benefactor, I’m waiting
How do you share your creative elements with others?
For my congregation friendly songs – in church.
For my electronica & other noodlings – on my blog. And it’s pretty diverse. I gotta say, I’m really enjoying the self-imposed challenge of writing songs for/about other people.
Hopefully combining the two at some point by doing some video-clips which can be played at church of the songs I’ve created which are currently only on the blog. Though probably not the ones I’ve done for/about other people. Or my “25 Things” song.
The ones I do for church are going to be recorded for our first ever worship album over the course of the year too. V.excited about this
