 Image: JJ Ying via Unsplash
Artists are often viewed as mysterious beings, seemingly possessing magical knowledge that’s beyond the grasp of mere mortals. They create something out of nothing, captivating audiences with their chosen medium, whether it be visual art, music, theater, film, or writing. Their creations serve as mirrors to the world, reflecting back profound truths or offering unique perspectives. Their work can evoke a range of emotions: enthralled, amused, frightened, or deeply moved. Like I said, it’s almost as if they wield a kind of magic. But here's the secret: it's not magic at all. In reality, artists have honed a few key skills to a high level of proficiency. And guess what? You can develop these skills too, tailored to your own medium, whether it's problem-solving, project management, research, communication, analytics, or anything else you do. So, what exactly do artists excel at, and how can you cultivate these abilities in your own life and work? Here’s how: 1. Observe + Notice In art school, you're taught the art of observation. You learn to see shapes, colors, textures, and tensions that others overlook. This keen observation is essential for artists, enabling them to capture the essence of what they perceive and express it through their chosen medium. In life and work, the ability to observe and notice allows you to see what others miss, to discern the subtleties of a situation, and to gain a deeper understanding of reality. 2. Reserve Judgment An artist must learn to set aside judgment while honing their observational skills. When sketching from life, for example, you can't afford to label something as unattractive or imperfect. You must see things as they are, without bias, to capture their true essence. In work and life, reserving judgment enables you to approach challenges with objectivity, make decisions based on facts rather than preconceptions, and build meaningful relationships on understanding rather than judgment. 3. Challenge Assumptions Building on the foundation of observation and reserving judgment, artists excel at challenging assumptions. Did you know that, in drawing a portrait, the eyes typically fall halfway between the chin and the crown of the head? Yes, that far down. Your perception of reality isn't always accurate. By challenging your assumptions, you open yourself up to new perspectives and insights, essential for innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving in both work and life. 4. Ask New Questions Artists are masters of inquiry, constantly asking, "What if?" and "Why not?" These simple yet powerful questions spark a cascade of new ideas and possibilities. Just like feeding different prompts into ChatGPT yields different responses, changing your approach can lead to fresh insights and solutions. Cultivating the ability to ask probing questions empowers you to explore new avenues and uncover innovative solutions to complex problems. 5. Lead with Curiosity Curiosity is the lifeblood of artistic expression. Artists approach the world with a childlike wonder, constantly questioning, exploring, and seeking to understand. Cultivating curiosity allows you to delve deeper into subjects, expand your knowledge, and generate novel ideas. Embrace your innate curiosity, and watch as it leads you toward new discoveries and insights in both your personal and professional life. 6. Practice Using Tools + Techniques Just as a painter wields a brush and canvas, artists master a variety of tools and techniques to bring their visions to life. Similarly, in work and life, knowing which tools and techniques to apply can make all the difference. Whether it's choosing the right software for a project or employing effective communication strategies, skillful application of tools and techniques enhances your effectiveness and efficiency. 7. Develop Mastery Repetitive practice breeds mastery. Watch a virtuoso play the piano. Through countless hours of dedication, artists develop an intuitive understanding of their craft, allowing them to transcend the technicalities and focus on their creative vision. Likewise, in work and life, mastery of your domain empowers you to tackle challenges with confidence, innovate with ease, and achieve extraordinary results. So, what sets artists apart isn't some elusive magic; it's a set of skills that anyone can develop with dedication and practice. As someone who was trained as an artist and now applies these skills as a coach, advisor, and thought partner, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of embracing these principles.
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 Image: VietNam Beautiful via Unsplash What do you see when a child kicks a soccer ball?
Freedom. Joy. Friendship. Play. A child at play is a moving illustration of creativity and human development. Children learn by playing. It’s how humans are wired. Consider what a child learns by kicking a ball:
What does a social psychology and economics student who’s taking an engineering course see when a child kicks a soccer ball? A solution to poor infrastructure and electricity on demand. Wait. What? Adults Can Benefit From Play, Too It’s true. The innate ability to learn through play isn't limited to children. It's a fundamental aspect of human nature that can spark innovation and drive change. Back in 2008, two students at Harvard University, Jessica O. Matthews (referenced above) and Julia C. Silverman, who was studying Social Anthropology and Economics, made this creative leap together in an engineering class. You see, Matthews’ family is from Nigeria, and on her many trips to visit family who still live there, she observed two big things:
Matthews brought this observation to Silverman, and they co-create a device that harnesses and stores the kinetic energy of being kicked to generate reliable energy for a small device. And through the iterative process of trial and error, their experiments resulted in a prototype of an object called SOCCKET - a soccer ball with an embedded gyroscope generator and a power port - that could turn 30 minutes of play into three hours of light or a fully charged cell phone. The imaginative leap this took is one seen time and again in creative thinking: random association. Let’s walk through what the process could have looked like. Observation: Matthews and Silverman observed two disparate facts and brought them together: the universal love for soccer, and the prevalent issue of unreliable electricity in a wide array of communities. This observation sparked their curiosity and planted the seed for innovation. Playful Exploration: Inspired by the idea of play and its potential to generate energy, Matthews and Silverman began experimenting with different materials and designs. They approached the challenge with a sense of curiosity and playfulness themselves, allowing them to explore unconventional ideas. Frustration and Setbacks: As with any creative endeavor, the process was not without its challenges. Initially, engineering experts said their idea couldn’t be done, forcing them to adapt and learn on their own. There were surely moments of frustration when initial prototypes failed to meet expectations or faced technical difficulties. But instead of giving up, they persisted, using setbacks as learning opportunities to refine their approach. Iterative Design: Through a process of playing with trial and error, Matthews and Silverman iterated on their designs, continually refining and improving the SOCCKET prototype. Each version brought them closer to their goal, as they learned from both successes and failures along the way. Excitement and Breakthroughs: Alongside the challenges came moments of excitement and breakthroughs. When they successfully developed a prototype that could convert kinetic energy from play into usable electricity, it marked a significant milestone in their creative journey. These moments of success fueled their motivation and inspired them to keep pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Collaborative Innovation: Throughout the process, Matthews and Silverman collaborated closely, leveraging each other's strengths and perspectives to overcome obstacles, uncover their blindspots, and drive innovation forward. Their partnership exemplified the power of teamwork in creative problem-solving. Real-World Impact: The culmination of their efforts resulted in the creation of the SOCCKET, a groundbreaking innovation with the potential to address energy poverty and empower communities around the world. Their journey from observation to invention demonstrates the transformative power of creativity when combined with empathy, persistence, and collaboration. The two women went on to co-found Uncharted Play (now Uncharted), a company “on a mission to accelerate the equitable development of smart, sustainable infrastructure worldwide.” What started as a simple obsersvation of play became their ethos for impact. The Power of Play The journey of Matthews and Silverman in creating the SOCCKET illustrates the power of play to transcend perceived limitations and drive transformative change. They dared to challenge the status quo and ask, "what if?" They embraced the spirit of play, allowing curiosity and imagination to guide their creative process. They ignored the experts who said it couldn’t be done and taught themselves just enough to have a breakthrough. Through playful exploration, they uncovered unexpected connections and solutions that had the potential to reshape entire communities. The SOCCKET may not have turned into the promise it initially held, but its conceptualization and initial impact serve as a powerful testament to the potential of small ideas to spark significant change. The story of the SOCCKET demonstrates how innovation and creativity, even in their early stages, can have far-reaching implications and inspire broader conversations and initiatives. This story serves as a powerful reminder that your greatest breakthroughs often emerge when you give yourself permission to play, to dream, and to push beyond the limits of what's expected or assumed. When you unleash your creativity and refuse to underestimate yourself, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. So, what's your limit? Don't underestimate yourself. Embrace the playful, imaginative spirit within you and dare to dream big. Who knows what transformative impact you may unleash on the world. |
AuthorVeronica Scarpellino is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the ICF and Board Certified Coach (BCC), stands at the forefront of creativity and career evolution. With over 20 years of immersive experience and formal coaching, she specializes in guiding professionals through transitions, emphasizing the transformative potential of creative thinking. Archives
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