Can You Really Plan Creativity?

according to me, absolutely!

I’ve grown used to the fact that people probably think I’m a total kook when I talk about planning and organising around creativity.

The prevailing idea I see in creative fields is that it’s all vibes and spontaneity. I’ve had people say to me that they don’t want to be constrained by schedules, or they don’t want the joy taken out of creating by having to plan or organise.

And to that I say “ If that works for you, and you’re actually creating and making stuff when you want to, then great!”

But if it’s not working, if you find that yes, you have the good vibes and spontaneity, but when those moments happen you can’t actually get anything done, then it’s time to look at planning your creativity.

Of course I’m not talking about planning inspiration, we can’t control those moments. The planning refers to the execution of the ideas we have, and the projects we want to do.

First up, what to do when inspiration strikes at an inopportune time?

I recommend having a way to capture it. My preferred method is writing things down in my notebook. I either make a note on the daily page in my bullet journal, or use a dedicated section of my notebook that’s just for ideas. If I don’t have my notebook, then I use a Notes app on my phone. (My current favourite is Google Keep).

Next you’ll want to make sure you do all the prep work necessary to ensure that when you’re ready to actually start creating, you can get going quickly.

The next consideration is execution.

• As it pertains to ideas and inspiration, soon after you get an idea, it’s good practice to see at what point you can start working on that project. Consider if it’s something that needs to be done soon, or even just if you want to do it soon because it’s such an exciting idea!

  But maybe it’s something that can be put off in the future, while you continue working on current projects. Either way make a note in your calendar or planner for the start of the project.

• What about ongoing projects? This is less esoteric, because you should already have an idea about the time you need to work on projects, as well as the time you have available. My recommendation here is to take stock and do an inventory of what you have already going on, then prioritise your WIPS, and even eliminate some .

  This will give you clarity, plus you’ll be better able to add new projects when you’re struck with a brilliant idea!

• My third recommendation for execution of ideas, is to take some time to go through your supplies, tools and equipment, with a view to decluttering and organising your creative space. Even if it’s digital! When you know what you have, and where to find it, it makes it that much easier to start a new project, or pick up where you stopped on a WIP.

  I understand if you have resistance to this. I’d much rather spend time making than organising too! But I’ve learnt that my supplies and space being disorganised only leads to frustration, not to mention less time creating anyway when I can’t find what I need. Start by dealing with just your working surface, see how that feels, then continue over time.

• Finally, my number one recommendation is to write everything down! If you ignore everything else I’ve said, at least do this! Keep track of everything about your projects as you do them, so that in the event you have to take a break, you’ll know exactly where you were when picking it back up. And you’ll have a written trace you can look back on in the future, either as a sort of maker’s journal, or as a reference for future projects.

Would you try some of these ideas for planning and organising creativity?