Seth Godin on Creativity

(Image from SethGodin.com)

Earlier this week marketing guru and blogger, Seth Godin made an interesting creativity analogy: creativity as a stretched sweatshirt.

His claim is that creativity is about getting to the edges, much like every time you wear your favorite sweatshirt it stretches and the edges become larger.

So why is this useful to creatively solving problems? Here's Godin's take:

1. If you want to be creative, understand that you'll need to get to the edges, even if the edges have moved. Being creative means immediately going to the place the last person left off.

2. If you are "not creative," if you are the sort of person that gets uncomfortable being creative or has been persuaded you're not capable, don't worry about it. Just stretch the sweatshirt in your spare time, watch the creative things other people have done, keep up with the state of the art. Then, when you do your "not creative" thing, most people will think it's pretty creative indeed.

• This week try to find your creative edges.

What's Your Favorite Arts Destination?

American Style Magazine wants to know which US cities have the best contemporary art scenes. Each year, the magazine lets readers select their top arts destination in the United States.

This year they are even giving a $500 travel certificate to one lucky voter.

Votes must be in by January 31, 2009.

• Vote Now!

2009 Creativity Events

Last year, I posted about creativity retreats, where you could learn a new craft, art form or delve into your artistic passion.

This year, thanks to the International Forum of Creativity Organizations, you can explore all the facets of creativity from:

1. Problem Solving


2. Innovation in Management


3. World Future
   

• Check out the entire IFCO list for 2009.

European Year of Creativity and Innovation

This year marks the beginning of a celebration of creativity and innovation in Europe. Just launched this week in Prague, the goal is:

"to raise awareness of importance of creativity and innovation for personal, social and economic development, to disseminate good practices, stimulate education and research, and promote policy debate and development."

The year will address a variety of issues around creativity and innovation including:

• fostering artistic and other forms of creativity through pre-school, primary and secondary education including vocational streams, as well as non-formal and informal education
• cultural diversity as a source of creativity and innovation
• promoting innovation as the route to sustainable development
• regional and local development strategies based on creativity and innovation

Several conferences and events are planned throughout Europe during 2009 to spark discussions on creativity and innovation and to promote its benefits.

• Learn more about the EU's Year of Creativity and Innovation