Behind the Zoom Bookshelf: Lessons from my virtual backdrop on creativity.
As we all have been showing off our bookshelves in our virtual backdrops, I have decided to do a series of blog posts deep-diving into the books that can be spotted on my shelves.
I’ve pulled out some lessons and quotes that resonated with me. As we carve out a better future for everyone, let’s take time to reflect on what knowledge and experience we have absorbed from the past.
I’d love to hear if you’ve read the books I mention and what you took from them. Reach out to me on my contact page to let me know. Also, please let me know what must-reads I’ve missed from each category!
Caption: Pile of creativity books.
‘Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World’, by Adam Grant.
Caption: Photo of ‘Originals’ book on bookshelf.
What Lynn Learned: Oh my goodness. So much. This is a fascinating exploration about the opportunities but, almost more importantly, the challenges of being a non-conformist and how to overcome these. It welcomely recognises the difficulty of being ‘original’ and explores what’s a ‘good idea’ worth pursuing.
Fave quotes:
“Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong.”
“great creators don’t necessarily have the deepest expertise but rather seek out the broadest perspectives.”
“The greatest shapers don’t stop at introducing originality into the world. They create cultures that unleash originality in others.”
Scribble scale: Too captivating to stop for notes.
Why it's relevant right now: Conforming was thrown out the window (windows which are opened for good circulation to #StopTheSpread) with COVID. Non-conforming will shape our future normal.
Dive in now: Head to Adam Grant’s website now and get signed up to his newsletter.
‘Creativity: The Psychology of Discovery and Invention’, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
Caption: Photo of ‘Creativity’ book on bookshelf.
What Lynn Learned: What creativity is. Often this word is jargonised – read this book to really understand the concept. (also, full disclosure: I just couldn’t get into the book ‘Flow’ so I’m glad I found a readable companion).
Fave quotes: ‘“While we cannot foresee the eventual results of creativity—of the attempt to impose our desires on reality, to become the main power that decides the destiny of every form of life on the planet—at least we can try to understand better what this force is and how it works. Because for better or for worse, our future is now closely tied to human creativity. The result will be determined in large part by our dreams and by the struggle to make them real.”
Scribble scale: Lots of red and black underlines and circles.
Why it's relevant right now: There’s loads of info about how to create your own ultimate creative environment, including in your own home. Also, being more creative is always a sought after skill.
Dive in now: Have a watch of the video on flow, Csikszentmihalyi famous theory.
‘The Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional People’, by Carol Eikleberry.
Caption: Photo of ‘The Careers Guide’ book on bookshelf.
What Lynn Learned: This is an essential read for anyone with a little creative inclination. This practical guide gave me insight into my values, strengths, what I wanted from my career and how to get there. I especially loved the overview of 270 creative jobs.
Fave quotes: ‘Your creativity will benefit from not being so busy for a while anyway. As far as I’m concerned, conventional productivity is overrated. Our extreme busyness tends to interfere with the creative process. How can good ideas take root when we are too frentic to muse and catch the odd connection?’
Scribble scale: This book has activities and encourages self-awareness so I’ve scrawled all over it.
Why it's relevant right now: Work trends are shifting rapidly with COVID, along with disappointment at the lack of support in creative industries. This guide brings awareness on where you will ideally want to be headed, but also useful transferable skills. It would be helpful to read in accompaniment with this article on, ‘A peek into the future of Creative Industries – A Covid-19 update’.
Dive in now: Discover! Creative Careers has brings together careers information and opportunities from creative organisations in one directory. If you are looking for more reading, here are another 12 recommended career guides for creatives.
‘Failed it!: How to turn mistakes into ideas and other advice for successfully screwing up’, by Erik Kessels.
Caption: Photo of ‘Failed It’ book on bookshelf.
What Lynn Learned: That it seriously is time to let go of perfectionism. Leaning into the wild/messy/colourful/often ugly process, is where the good stuff lies. Our potential is curbed by the fear of failure.
Fave quote: 'the ubiquity of Apple + Z, means that we can literally undo any mistake before it has had time to breathe, be considered and ― perhaps ― evolve into something else: a fascinating, strange, provocative or even original piece of work.’
Scribble scale: No notes as this is partly a photo-book, but there’s maybe some nose-spray from my laugh snorts.
Why it's relevant right now: Life is not going ‘to plan’. Everything is uncertain. This painful messy bit could reveal some meaningful learning.
Dive in now: There are some lovely images and quotes from an interview with the author over on, ‘It’s nice that’. Also Kessels’s website is a joy to explore.
