Create for No Reason

Who cares if Hemingway really said it or not? It’s a valid point. Everyone starts with a sketch. Everyone starts with a first draft. And if you’re like most people in the world, what you start with can smell and sound like like you’ve got a few glasses of something in you. That’s perfect. Do it anyway. Then, at least you’ll have someone to plagiarize: yourself.

Emotions can fuel our creativity and they can get in the way. Kate and Shawn talk about their feelings. Where do they come from? Can we change them? Can we use them? Does it matter all that much anyway?

Wondering if creating something is worth it even if it might be crap? Even if you'll never master it? Even if you won't get paid? Is it worth it to learn how to play chopsticks and Yellow Submarine on the piano and then stop there? Is it worth it to spend five minutes tonight writing as much as you can about the beef stroganoff you had for dinner?  Wonder no more! We have the answer. This is it: it's always worth it. 

This week, we’ll talk about how technology and tools get in the way of making something. They’re excuses. All we really need to write is a legal pad and a pencil. All we really need to paint are some watercolors and a paper bag. Let's talk about what gets in the way. Let's get it out of the way. 

It's our first episode! Welcome to Create for No Reason: a show about making something for the pure joy of it. You don't need a reason. Give yourself permission to explore your creativity—not to be rich or famous or successful. Do it for you.  The other stuff is a bonus. What matters the most is that you made something only you can make and you're bold enough to share it with the rest of us. We're all artists, after all.