What can a history lesson from 11th century England teach us about creativity? Plenty as it turns out. Just like the first seal made it clear who the message’s writer was, your seal can identify you and your work. In this episode we talk about how you can use this to make your work stand out.
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On This Episode
Rhythm of Life – A Study in Opposites
Random Riffs – Does This Look Like Me?
Feature Segment – Creativity: Create Your Own Seal
Today’s Quote
Nobody can be exactly like me. Even I have trouble doing it. – Tallulah Bankhead
Rhythm of Life – A Study in Opposites
Today I happened to look up at my bookcase. At the top was a plaque that says RELAX. What was right underneath it? 3 books:
- Side Hustle – by Chris Guillebeau
- Book Yourself Solid – by Michael Port
- Performing Under Pressure – Hendrie Weisinger and JP Pawliw-Fry
They seem like complete opposites. Either hustle or relax. But what if those aren’t the only options? Listen to the episode to hear what I mean by this and how you can apply it to your life.
Random Riffs – Does This Look Like Me?
I recently had a caricature artist draw me. I didn't’ think it looked like me. What’s most important for drawing a great caricature? Learning how to see.
The same is true in life too. It’s easy to overlook people because they seem ordinary. Yet they are anything but. It’s important to learn how to see people for who they are. Get to know the real them.
(c) Kathleen Thompson Does this look like me?
Feature Segment – Creativity: Create Your Own Seal
It’s a time of intrigue, family feuds, and conquest. England in the 11th century. Edward is crowned king. And he uses the first recorded seal stamp. It’s dipped in wax and seals a letter or other important communication. It helps the document reach its intended audience without tampering and helps the recipient identify the sender.
As an Artisan, you want to have a seal too. A signature, so to speak. Something that makes your work immediately identifiable.
How can you create your own seal?
- Imitate the best. The masters..
- Analyze what makes it work.
- Make it your own.
What approaches can you take to make it your own?
- Analytical approach
- Experiment and let it naturally evolve.
- Look at the medium with fresh eyes and reinterpret.
Your “why” can help you create your seal too.
When your work becomes instantly recognizable, be prepared for people to either love you or reject you. Because you now you stand for something clear. Not everyone will like it.
People might be able to steal your idea. They might be able to steal your program. They can’t steal you. Like the seal on ancient documents, your personal seal is the best anti-theft device I know. What’s yours going to be? Experiment until you figure it out. And then put your seal on everything you make. Someone’s waiting for you.
Want to share what you're doing to create your own seal? Leave a comment.
Artisan Series
090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work
091: The Three C's of Artisanship
092: Are You a Creator, Consumer, or Critic?
093: Where to Start as an Artisan? With a MAP.
094: What's Your Signature Scent?
095: The Foundations of Craftsmanship
096: Follow Your Curiosity to Build Craftsmanship
097: Craftsmanship Requires Change
098: Building Craftsmanship – When it Gets Hard
099: Building Craftsmanship – Take Care of Your Tools
101: Building Craftsmanship – Be an Apprentice
102: Building Craftsmanship – Practice
103: 4 Habits That Foster Creativity
104: Time for Wonder
105: Forget the Big Bang Theory
106: Constraints Ignite Creativity
107: Seal Creativity With a KIS
108: Creativity: One Ring to Rule Them All
109: Creativity: What's Old is New Again
