WCT2012 #6 - Tiny Steps and Giant Leaps

[Dan James]

Welcome to a new Weekly Creativity Thread. 

This week's topic is Tiny Steps and Giant Leaps. 

As most of you know, I'm a great advocate of tiny steps - creating little and often, kaizen, and making steady, consistent progress in our work (and in our development as people) over time. 

Sometimes though, we take a giant leap. 

The reasons might be many, and some likely feel more voluntary than others. 

Sometimes the giant leap doesn't seem to change things much.

Sometimes though, it leads to a giant leap in other areas, and we have a breakthrough in our work that takes us to a whole other level. 

What your experiences of tiny steps, giant leaps, and the pros and cons of both?

Take a look at the following questions -

1. How often do you use a tiny steps approach in your work? How has this been of benefit?

2. How often have you taken a giant leap? What happened? How was this of benefit? 

3. Which of these approaches would you like to introduce more of in your creative life? How might you start to do that? 

As always, I'm keen to hear your thoughts. Just reply below.

Thanks for being here,

Dan

[image credit: John Haslam]

[Laura E. Thykeson]

I usually take giant, clumsy, flailing leaps in my creative life, sometimes fall flat on my face, the I come back and start over, taking much smaller, more careful steps in my approach to the project... I am a great one to bite off more than I can chew, then I panic, and then I have to start all over and approach the creating process in a more careful, methodical manner. I have to stop myself- often- from taking on huge tasks that I may not be able to finish in a satisfactory way (satisfactory to me, that is...). There have been a couple of times lately though, where I have really pushed myself outside of my comfort zone, which is a giant leap for me, and it has really paid off. I think the trick to it, for me at least,  is being able to judge when it is the right situation for a "giant leap". Not every project I come across, or creative situation I am in would benefit from a giant leap-I just need to get better at judging when the time and situation are right for it!

[di]

Laura.......interesting bout the........clumsy, flailing leaps........I had to laugh, cause I've done that too!  lol

I think I've learned more patience over the past few years..........and have come to understand that things still do get done when I'm steady, consistent, energetic, yet at peace sliding into the zone.  I used to think that I needed to take the giant leaps to get good results and to stretch.......I was surprised to find that this isn't really necessary.  It's an odd feeling to just trust.

Sometime I miss the giant leaps........and the thrills that come with that.

[Dan James]

Laura, thanks for your replies. Have you noticed any patterns in the past in when it has been the "right situation"? 

[Laura E. Thykeson]

Usually it is when I am trying out some experimental new techniques or mediums. If I allow myself to just plunge in full blast, no holds barred, I am much more likely to discover something new that I can use later on, and to also be happy with the end result of the art I have created, than say, if I was just poking around, being really careful. I love to play with new ways of doing all types of things, and I usually only come up with something useful if I just throw caution (and the rules) to the wind.

[Dan James]

Are you able to learn/remember enough from the leaps to be able to replicate them, or the next time do you have to take as big a leap again next time and hope it works out?

[Laura E. Thykeson]

I usually make notes, and by writing it down, I am able to remember it better and longer. I will usually repeat the same steps (the big leap...) over and over a few times, until it no longer feels like a "leap" but is something I am comfortable with doing. Then it's time for a NEW direction! I bore easily.

[Mary Hicks]

Hey Laura! Do I remember you telling me that you use latex paint instead of gesso? Or instead of something?

The reason I'm asking is because I'm making some background papers. Today my hardware store had some latex "paint pods" for $1 each, so I picked up a couple of them. I used them/layered them on my paper, then brushed acrylics on top. I'm waiting for it all to dry and will then spread matte medium on it. I'm anxious to see if the acrylic will hold on to the latex...will let you know! Like you said, "the big leaps..." Have fun.

[Laura E. Thykeson]

it should work just fine...I have used latex paint before

[Mary Hicks]

It worked great! Here's the result...just me, having some fun!

[Dan James]

Ah like a river that carves a new route through the landscape until it flows more quickly than ever... 

Don't overlook the fact the each time you do this, it gives you ever more experience and skills to take into your next work (even if that next work is in a totally different medium).

Good to have you "back" Laura.

[Laura E. Thykeson]

Thanks Dan! Great to be back!

[di]

Q1. The majority of how I work is in tiny steps.  The benefits.........more focus, more clarity...better works...more quality work and time done......the ability to stay with the message I'm trying to say.

Q2. I rarely take the giant leap.  Lately, It's more of a running start, then the leap...which makes the leap doable.

I got healthier creatively which equals a happier me.

3. I'd like to introduce a bit larger leaps in smaller amounts than I used to do......thinking in terms generally....of mama/papa/baby..........mostly baby, filled out with a sprinkling of mama and papa.