The creative mindset: What we learned
At Pinterest, we believe that every single one of us is creative. It doesn’t matter if you’re creating a piece of art, designing your own line of clothing or simply getting dinner on the table. Really creativity is just a mindset. And it’s a big part of what motivates people to try out ideas they find on Pinterest.
But what gets a person into the creative mindset? What inspires them to give something new a try, and put their own spin on things? Earlier this year, the Pinterest Creative set out to learn more about the creative process. We reached out to four creative professions — a designer, an artist, a dancer and a director — to find out more about the role creativity plays in their lives. We wanted to know about their process. Where do they get the confidence to keep trying new things? And what have they learned along the way?
1. Meet Maly Mann — painter and photographer
Like many of us, Maly is feeling the effects of life in this hyper-connected world. With all the frequent distractions and constant multitasking, it’s hard to be productive and feel present. For Maly, the key to creativity is finding ways to shut the world out. Because when she’s focused and in the flow, she can create some truly remarkable things.
Learn more about Maly and her work.
2. Meet Pierre Davis — founder and designer behind fashion line No Sesso
For Pierre to get into the creative mindset, she needs to get to a place where she feels open and vulnerable, without fear of judgement. Pierre hopes that by using her creativity to channel her emotions, she shows other people (and aspiring designers) that vulnerability can be a sign of strength.
Learn more about No Sesso and Pierre.
3. Meet Sydney Schafer — dancer, director and performer
Trying to behave how society expects her to not only drains Sydney, it causes her to lose touch with who she is. But when she gets into the creative mindset, her anxiety and self consciousness melt away. It’s a truly liberating experience.
Sydney is currently working on a series of performances where women use comedy and dance to tackle deep-rooted issues.
4. Meet Dana Boulos — director and photographer
Dana believes that if we visualize what we want, we’re more likely to get there. “We can’t forget to dream,” says Dana. Her own process starts with using images to imagine new worlds. As she experiments, she gets a sense what resonates with her and why. And once that picture of the dream is clear, she can go make it real.
Dana is currently creating her first feature film about a teenage punk growing up in a Muslim family. Learn more about what Dana is up to.
What we learned along the way
The creative journey isn’t always easy. Sometimes it takes you in unexpected directions, sometimes it leads right back to where you started. It can also be an emotional rollercoaster, from the initial thrill of inspiration through the inevitable low moments of frustration and self doubt. But through the highs and lows, twists and turns, the creative journey is its own reward. It helps you reconnect with who you are, figure out what you truly love and learn to trust your own instincts.
In the end, we learned that it doesn’t really matter what you create — a documentary, dance piece or DIY fire pit. Approaching things with an open, creative mindset makes life more interesting, and more inspired.
