Anyone who performs any kind of creative work knows the creative environment needs to be—well…creative. Granted, creative spaces differ as much as creative people, but there has to be something there to drive creativity. At the very least, there can’t be anything that actively prevents creativity.
For some, a creative space looks like a hot mess. There are books scattered on the floor beside an overflowing kitty litter box that is buried beneath a pile of last week’s pizza boxes. For others (such as a young Stephen King), the creative space is something like a closet. No windows and no outside world to slow down the creative process. But I can’t work like King or a slob. I need life and some sort of order in my workspace.
An incredible Ed Kellogg original that is situated over my desk.
Yet one more reason I’m thankful that my father-in-law, Ed Kellogg (a.k.a. Poppy), has some serious art chops. And recently, after having lunch with the in-laws, I was given the opportunity to sort through some of Poppy’s pieces for my workspace. I wound up with a couple great pieces: one that is now situated directly over my desk and another that is above the double bed near my desk.
And these aren’t the only things down here that get my creative juices flowing. I’ve also got a photo of my wife and pictures of the kids set up in a way that makes me feel they’re staring at me, keeping me on task. Then there’s the kitchen sink, which may not seem like a big deal, but it’s great to get a quick drink without having to run upstairs.
It's no Ed Kellogg, but this painting by my great granddad is inspiring nonetheless.
Then there are a few other things that probe my creative side. One is a painting by my great grandfather. It’s borderline rudimentary, but that zebra painting shows a love for all things art. Or maybe it’s my knowledge of my great granddad’s back-story that gives the painting meaning. Word on the street is that he was a drunk for many years, only to change when he became a grandfather. Props for that. Then there’s the fact that he didn’t just paint. He built marble-top tables, made leather belts and wallets, and even tattooed the old-fashioned tap-tap-tappy way. Guess he was something of a renaissance man, and that painting reminds me to be creative and make art—not excuses.
[Announcer’s Voice] But wait, there’s more!
I’ve got a pile of CDs that are constantly being played as I write, and my drum set is always ready to take a beating when I can’t find the right words to say. Spend 15 minutes on the drums (or 45 when necessary), and my fingers get an energy boost that makes finishing stories a cinch.
Enough about me. Let’s talk about your space. Does it foster or diminish creativity? If you’re having a hard time getting started on your painting, moving your book forward, or building an innovative LEGO construction, you may need a change of scenery. Take a look around your workspace and figure out what’s gotta go and what needs to be added, and you may find the secret to creative success.
