Planning Creativity

Somehow, the idea of randomness and freedom got mingled with creativity and artistry. Conversely, somehow, planning has become enemy of creativity. In truth, one has very little to do with the other. Large-scale art project, for example, take a lot of planning, and a lot of resources. Most of us also are more creative at certain times of the day than others; sometime even certain times of the week or month. For some professions, like photography, timing and planning is essential.

Peter Lik is a renowned landscape photographer. There is nothing random about his photography. Sure, he may have to change a few things once he gets to a location, but he plans where he'll be taking a shot, what kind of shot he wants, what time of day is best for a specific shot, and what season is best for a given location. Good planning is what allows him to create amazing photographs. Without planning, he'd be less productive, and the shots may not be ideal.

So before discounting planning as part of your creative manifesto, just know, there are many successful artists out there who consider good planning an important tool of their creative trade.