Everyone has their own creative process.
However, not all processes create equal results.
Success follows a pattern.
The process of a successful creative always includes three components.
If you aren't succeeding yet, you may be missing one of them:
1. Consume:
Garbage in is garbage out. If you aren't familiar with the history and theory of your craft, or you haven't consumed the classics, it's time to start. Challenge yourself to watch a film that was created before the 1970s or explore a foreign acclaimed director's body of work. Now and then crack open a textbook within your field.
2. Create:
This seems obvious, but a lot of us get stuck spending time in "passive action" by learning or planning without doing. (See step 1) Add "massive action" to your routine by taking action that produces a tangible result at the end of the day. You'll know you're really creating when you output something that didn't exist before in the world.
3. Evaluate:
Poor practice only makes you better at doing things poorly. If you don't ask for feedback or evaluate your own work regularly, it won't improve. You'll stay stagnant doing the same thing over and over again. If your work hasn't improving radically over time, this step will take it all to the next level.
Happy creating!
