Inspiration

As we try to make brands more interesting and useful to people (or at least less annoying), I found myself taking inspiration from two artists each of whom takes on the task of making the world a more creative and interesting place.

Miranda July is one of those people with a lot of slashes after her name (performance artist/writer/film maker) who always seems to be doing something surprising and excellent. In her long-term project learning to love you more, she (along with another artist) sets artistic assignments for anyone to complete and send in. It's much like The view from your window or Postsecret, except refreshed with a new project every month. But like those other sites it provides a little glimpse into the odd and wonderful corners of people's brains, especially people who society doesn't usually label as creative. The writing about the impetus for the project is really nice too: 

"The best art and writing is almost like an assignment; it is so vibrant that you feel compelled to make something in response."

That's a worthy goal for any creative project. Also, you need to stop what you're doing and check out the lovely website for her new book No one belongs here more than you.

And while you're at it, see this. Twice.

Another constant source of good stuff is illustrator Keri Smith. How to be an explorer of the world is some great advice (which, come to think of it, I'm going to nominate for post of the month).  Her blog is one of my new favourites.  And if you're ever stuck for inspiration, you could do worse than to read her 100 ideas.

She's got a new book coming out too - a journal/scrapbook called Wreck This Journal that uses prompts and suggestions and assignments to get you to be more creative, to do new things, to fail, and to ultimately wreck the book. In her words:

"I had become tired of reading (and writing) about creativity and decided to make something that would make it impossible for you to be a passive observer, (how many books have we read but not acted on?). I thought about a book that was somehow integrated into the users everyday life, both as a way of documenting it but also to encourage new experiences."

It strikes me that both of these artists would probably be mortified that marketers are looking at their work for ideas and inspiration. But I'd like to think that if we can all start being a little more like them, and a little less like this then we probably all come out ahead.

Comments

[keri smith]

ha ha! oh the great irony to all of this jason is that many years ago when i was a fledgling illustrator i packed up my tidy little portfolio and made a trip to the leo burnett agency in hopes of finding some work. i do not recall who looked at my portfolio (it's possible it was a drop off), but no work ensued.

one might consider this a great gift because in due time i was to learn that i had no interest in pursuing advertising work, but instead I would eventually focus my energy on writing books, thus illustrating my own ideas. maybe I should thank leo burnett in part for my current success.

i am greatly flattered and humbled that you look to my work for inspiration. (and also to be positioned beside miranda july, someone i greatly admire.)

thank you for the post.

[Jason]

That's really funny. Thanks for sharing that story. Happy to have inadvertently made things come full circle in some small way.

As someone who can never stick with journaling as much as I'd like to, I'm really looking forward to reading (and wrecking) Wreck This Journal. Keep doing what you're doing. It's delightful and inspiring in equal measure. And the world is the better for it.

[littlepurplecow]

I too am a fan of Keri Smith and found you via the Wish Jar. It's refreshing to see a fancy schmanzy ad agency blogging. Keep doing what you're doing. And thanks for introducing me to Miranda.

[Kat]

Yay, Keri!

And to all the other radically creative people around the globe.

Wreck On!!! hee!

[eb]

well reading this made my snowy white April morning interesting in an unexpected way

I usually start my day with a visit to the wish jar

bring me more of this kind of unexpected

xox - eb.