From an early age I’ve always had a creative nature; it came from my Grandmother, everything in my creative early life relates to a memory of my Grandmother. She bought me my first piano, introduced me to literature, encouraged me to give up my law degree for a music degree. It’s all her fault really and I think my parents knew it.
I’ve loved a lot of the work I’ve done and in particular working on long running shows which not only gives you a good income but a secure income. But for me doing the same thing for months on end with eight shows a week wasn’t exactly creative. And in almost every show you’re basically following the last guy in, you didn’t create the role but you did your best to make it yours.
I always wanted something more creative and gradually my creative side was given the opportunity to climb out of its shell. Being an introvert it’s a scary process. A bit of writing for a magazine, the musical score for a play, creating my own show. But now I can’t imagine doing anything else. Over the years I’ve worked with a lot of artists in all areas of the industry and I often see so much potential, what that person could be; but in reality they’re stuck in their own bubble trying to earn a living. I not only work in music and theatre but also in mainstream business with Big Blue Scribble Ltd. It’s amazing how much alike both disciplines are; aspects of one industry are just as relevant in the other.
I’ve just finished a new book for publication next year; Hit The Right Note; Crafting Your Sustainable Career In The Music Industry. A free abridged version of the book is available for a limited time at The Scribble Trust. So many aspects of the music industry need elements of the business world to be successful. Such as branding; as an artist, a band, or even a production, you must have a brand. And alike in the business world we need much more creativity that often naturally comes from the performing arts world. Learning how to be bold and be creative, think outside the box. There’s a lot to learn from both industries and creativity isn’t exclusive to the Arts.
One of my workshops for individuals starting up in business is to hand out newpapers, scissors and sellotape. I split everyone into small groups and give them their brief. They have to create a unique product using the elements I gave them. They have to create a prototype of that product, sell it to the group, discuss manufacture, marketing and branding. Also set out a business model and create a pricing structure. I’ve had all kinds of results ranging from a new ink powered vehicle, paper candles, sex toys, clothing, jewellery, musical instruments, hats, flowers, a house and even a dinner set. It’s a great way to get people working together, to bring out creativity in the face of ridiculousness and to think outside the box. It’s a great way to assess people in so many ways.
A friend based in London runs a little digital marketing company with a staff of four handling SEO, marketing and social media. He told me things were a bit stale and tired at the company; he was struggling to motivate his staff. We had a chat and I mentioned bringing something creative into the mix. The company were entirely focussed on making things successful for other people but neglecting themselves. We came up with plan to set up an online shop and each employee had to scour charity shops looking for unique items that would sell online. A kind of a bric-a-brac shop. They dedicated an hour on a Friday to working on their shop. Two years later and they’re running a successful vintage boutique online shop turning over £30K annually. They split the profits equally and even after two years they still get excited about it and it’s really brought he team together.
No matter what you do in life, find a way to bring creativity into the mix. Take a moment to assess your life; what creativity is there in your life? How can you introduce some kind of creativity? It makes all the difference. Get out and do it. Find your own creativity.
