The four steps to creative freedom.

I do not pretend to be an expert on the creative process but I am keenly aware of what works for me.  There are four factors that consistently play into my process.  

freestocks.org

1. Freedom to Float - When I have a project to plan or problem to solve I start by thinking and or talking about it fairly intensely, then I "float" away and do something else, waiting for the answer to come. For me, an answer will inevitably come in the morning but the timing varies. On NPR I heard this explained that although we are not conscious of it, our brains will continue to work on a problem in the background until the answer comes to  us seemingly out of the blue. When I am in a pinch for time, I may apply a booster, thinking through the problem and then "float" away again. I try to avoid spinning on the problem because that never seems to help.

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2. Freedom to Fail - I recognize that when I "fail" I am learning. It almost always leads to a better outcome than what I originally planned. That does not mean I like to fail, but I don't stay there and often "float" (often with chocolate) away from the problem and wait for a new solution to come.  ​​

pixabay.com

A great example of this was when I was making the tie pillows for Cathy. I ran out of fabric for the backs and could not get more! Ugh. The solution was to use ties to insert the zipper allowing me to use the scraps of fabric I had left to finish the pillows. Cathy and I loved the design detail and it is one I plan to use the future. All because I "failed" to plan out the fabric perfectly!

3. Freedom to Flex - When I start a project, I normally have a clear idea of what it will look like and how I plan to get there. While working, another idea may come to mind and I allow myself to "flex" and explore it. Even when I revert back to the original, I am more confident that I have made the best choice. ​​

pixabay.com

ragstofishes.wordpress.com.

When I met with Cathy about making table runners, the design that we liked was from ragstofishes. Once I started to work on it I decided I wanted it to radiate out from the center to points on the end. This design was more pleasing to my eye and provided logical spots for custom embroidery to be featured. Being willing to "flex" resulted in a piece that was unique; inspired by another artist's work without copying it.

www.shutterstock.com/g/singkham?language=en

4.  Freedom for Faith - Over the years I have learned to trust my process. I have faith that:

• I can float and the answer will come
• a failure will lead to success
• flexing will lead to a confirmation of the original plan or a clear path to a new direction
• even if time demands and I have to start before I am ready, the process will kick in and get me where I need to be.

No matter what you pursue, it is my hope that you find a process you can trust to guide you on your way.

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