Artistic Worlds vs Organized Lives

[Love Child]

A moment ago, I almost planned out the rest of my year. Hell, I barely plan out the rest of the week or month half the time, so how could I do that?
But something inside me wanted to. I wanted to plan times to be creative, time to do art, or write. Is that possible? Can I tell myself that every Sunday at 2 I will sit down and write and be creative?
Or do I just wait until the spark happens?

Is it better to be that cool creative artist who paints things at 2 in the morning and writes a great song on a napkin in a restaraunt or can there be a balance of both?

Having an organized life but being open for spontinaity?

Srsly my brain hurts.

 

[Loktar]

A moment ago, I almost planned out the rest of my year. Hell, I barely plan out the rest of the week or month half the time, so how could I do that?
But something inside me wanted to. I wanted to plan times to be creative, time to do art, or write. Is that possible? Can I tell myself that every Sunday at 2 I will sit down and write and be creative?
Or do I just wait until the spark happens?

Is it better to be that cool creative artist who paints things at 2 in the morning and writes a great song on a napkin in a restaraunt or can there be a balance of both?

Having an organized life but being open for spontinaity?

Srsly my brain hurts.

I don't know. Life is what happens when we're busy making plans. Or something like that...its from some movie...seemed appropriate...*shrugs*

 

[Fuddlemiff]

Trying to plan creativity is hopeless, you have to plan around it.

 

[Gonad]

Set aside twenty minutes each day within two hours of when you wake up. During that time write down what you remember about your dreams. Every detail you can think of. Or what you don't remember. Or, you can draw pictures of scenes from your dreams. This is the best thing I can think of for planning creativity. You'll have the creativity while you sleep, and find a venue of expression while you are awake.

 

[SilentBtViolent]

In my experience, it's a mix. I find that a little structure isn't bad, depending on how naturally "moved" you are. I personally have to prompt myself with artificial deadlines at times -- for example I am rehearsing a new song with a guy on Saturday, so I need to get lyrics finished by then.

At the same time, though, I find that if I abstain from creating a little -- not long, maybe a week or two -- then my next effort tends to be slightly-better than my average, just because I have a little extra creative juice or something. But I suspect that every person is different, every art form is different.

If I were a prose or poetry writer I think I'd probably make sure I did it every day, but music is a little different -- meaning that like painting or sculpture, it's focused on large-ish specific creations.

Also if I can make a recommendation, check out the books on writing from Natalie Goldberg. She is stunningly inspirational, in a very pragmatic way. The gist of her message is something like, don't wait for inspiration, work on your craft and the good stuff will work its way out. Then she gives you suggestions on building your craft... I think reading her stuff has made me a much less lazy songwriter, I know guys who only write a couple songs a year but I feel like I'm not a real craftsman / artisan unless I'm out there really just working at it.

Uh, yeah. Some thoughts. I actually ponder this crap a lot, personally, you'd think I'd have a more cogent answer.

 

[CaptainWacky]

I can only think in 8 minute bursts.