Need some Whitfield Awesome advice (about anything)? Fill out this form. Dear Jen, I'm in a creative rut. Help! XOXO, Blah Dear Blah, It's too bad you aren't in a literal rut. I could totally get you out of that. Consider giving the following a go:
Remember in Garden State when No one remembers Garden State, but, Natalie Portman's character has a completely original moment. It's also completely awkward. But perhaps if you have one, you'll feel creatively charged.
Follow Austin Kleon's advice and Steal Like an Artist (book) or Steal Like a Writer (video). (Triva: I read his book, Newspaper Blackout, in an actual blackout. Whoa.)
Rediscover childhood creativity - color, play with Play-Doh, build something with legos...
Try something different from what you normally do creatively. For example, if you are a knitter, try an activity not made for grandmothers painting*.
*Just kidding. I wish I knew how to knit.
♥Jen I challenge everyone to have a completely original moment. Feel free to be weird all up in the internet and post a link to your completely original moment video! Here's how Natalie Portman and Zach Braff did it:
Here's how I did it.
Your turn. Come on. What are you? Shy? Don't you want to be remembered as the one gal/guy who ever did this?
Simmer down, kids. Take a seat. It's time for Professor Whitfield to reveal part 2 of your summer reading list. I'll be revealing one category at a time throughout April. Today: Learn Something! (Did you miss Part 1: Humor? Find it here.)
A Whole New Mind (Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future) by Daniel H. Pink – I’m taking over.
Quiet (The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking) by Susan Cain – a book about the benefits of being an introvert. A book that introduces successful introverts. A book that isn’t written like an academic paper. I like it. (Again, I’m taking over.)
How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci by Michael J. Gelb – I’m a sucker for a workbook and this workbookish book is full of exercises and lessons for opening your mind. And if that’s not workbookish enough for you, there is an actual workbook that you may purchase separately.
A Private Disgrace: Lizzie Borden by Daylight by Victoria Lincoln – This is on the list just in case you needed more evidence that I’m a wackadoo. Seriously, though. It’s a very interesting read. And the author knew Lizzie! Oh snap.
Imagine by Jonah Lehrer – This is the only book on the list that I haven’t read. I read one of Lehrer's other books, How We Decide (interesting but a few too many football metaphors), and like the sound of this one. It’s a study on creativity with chapter titles like “Bob Dylan’s Brain”. Yes please.
