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Three Commonly Overlooked Elements of Creativity

11/20/2015 | Aubrey Collins, Creative Challenges

I’m a big fan of podcasts and have been before iPhones and Bluetooth and even auxiliary cables (or at least my knowledge of them) were a thing. My relationship with podcasts began on commutes as I listened via one earbud connected to my chunky white iPod. Yes, I am as cool as I seem.

For some reason, back in those days I pictured the hosts taking on every aspect of the show themselves. Writing, recording, editing, mixing, directing whatever-else-ing people who produce podcasts do. Even when the show ended with special thanks to a long list of people, I envisioned one person alone in a studio taking on all the work.

Why couldn't I be that amazing? 

My awe extended beyond podcasts to authors, filmmakers, photographers, bloggers, talk show hosts, and, well, you get the idea. I'd judge myself for not being instantly perfect at everything.

These days my podcast journey is just as obsessive, but it centers around shows that focus on personal and creative development. Maybe it's the reflective nature of the shows or perhaps it's the wisdom the many years that have passed by on the calendar have afforded me, but recently I had a pretty fabulous (albeit pretty obvious) epiphany.

I started to notice all the different staff members who were mentioned or thanked. The producers, executive producers, directors, show mixers, editors, writers, interviewers, legal staff, and social media team.

Something hit me. You know how most people succeed in their creative work?

They don't go it alone. They aren't loners, Dottie; they aren't rebels. They have staff or friends or family or colleagues or volunteers. They ask for advice. They collaborate. They brainstorm. They find a tribe. They find (or build) a community.

I can't tell you how often I'm working on something and find myself totally stuck. It seems impossible, even hopeless. Then I'll grab a few minutes with a colleague or a friend and explain my quandary. Without fail, this opens things up anew. Sometimes I implement exactly what the friend suggests; other times, this fresh perspective awakens something in me and I'm able to resume the challenge or head down a different path.

They don't do it in one take. When a creative endeavor seems effortless and you are amazed by the final result that means there were usually hours and of experimentation and prep work. There were drafts, revisions, scrapped versions. They edit out the stutters. They omit the "Umms." There is a reason the cutting room floor exists.

Tons of work goes into a finished product. Plus, evolution takes place along the way. Go back and watch the pilot episodes of your favorite shows. Read the first post of your favorite blogs. Go on YouTube and watch audition tapes of your favorite stars. They're often embarrassing and clunky and remind you that everyone starts somewhere.

They ask for help. Just as I used to feel judgmental when I wasn't perfect at everything I attempted, I'm often equally critical of myself when it comes to asking for help. I usually think I should be able to handle everything on my own and that asking for assistance makes me seem lacking or weak. But there is no shame in asking for support.

Our industry is full of people sharing their knowledge, whether it's on blogs, social media, speaking on panels, conducting webinars, providing mentorship, and beyond. Don't be shy. Help is there for the taking. You just have to ask for it.

Being creative often means you have to show some vulnerability, but remember that discomfort is where the magic happens.

Aubrey Collins is the director of marketing and communications at MediaTree, a supplier of branded digital entertainment cards. She fell in love with the promotional products industry in 2011 at her first PPAI Expo. She shares her perspective on everything from the industry, what parenting continues to teach her about business, to what marketing campaigns make her cry on her blog. Connect with her on Twitter or email her at acollins@mediatreegroup.com.

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