Chapter 004 | Crushing Creative Block: Sneaking Under
Welcome to the fourth of five podcasts about Crushing Creative Block. Listen to chapter 1, chapter 2, and chapter 3.
I learned a great deal about the creative process from an unexpected discipline: orienteering.
Get Back, the fourth technique of Crushing Creative Block, involves getting back to the basics—your outline, storyboard, or napkin drawing.
In this chapter, I encouraged you to come to the show notes and download an infographic outlining all five techniques for crushing creative block. Provide your email address and you’ll receive the infographic.
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Email address:
Get Back: The Michael J. Fox
It’s best to use Get Back when you can’t identify what’s blocking you. Go back to your foundational document. I’m amazed to talk with other creatives who don’t even have a drawing or outline. If you are blocked and you don’t have a document, you’ve got to build one.
As you build it, you’ll probably find the problem.
If you have one, deconstruct it and put it back together. You’ll probably find the problem in the process.
If you find a problem that you can’t work out, stop work on the project (you’ve already stopped, right?), and fix the outline.
If you have a problem with the document, Get Back even further to the premise? Why are you doing it? What’s the desired outcome?
The Dangers of Get Back
You can fall into the trap of “analysis paralysis”. Sometimes it’s easier to talk about doing work than it is to work.
Get Back as an Individual
Talk it through with someone you trust. Sometimes another person can see what we are too close to see.
Get Back as a Group
All members need to check their egos at the door of the conference room. A good facilitator keeps everyone working as a team.
A team member may try to seize control or shift blame. This team member is probably feeling the pressure of the deadline. A good leader keeps everyone on task and keeps each member of the team working on their own issues.
Creative Kudos
Phil Keaggy
One of the greatest guitarists of our generation and of any genre.
Check out my favorite projects of his.
Here’s a link to the eBow Phil used.
Phil played at Puckett’s Franklin with the group, Blues Counsel.
I played the song “Salvation Army Band” on the episode of the podcast.
The movie clip from “Back to the Future” used on the podcast:
Purchase Back to the Future from Amazon or iTunes. Screenplay by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. Directed by Robert Zemeckis. Produced by Neil Canton and Bob Gale. Executive Produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Steven Spielberg.
