I’ve mentioned before that I am a big fan of TED Talks, a think-tank of some of the leading minds in Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Several months back I watched a TED Talk given by Joshua Prince-Ramus, principal architect of REX Design Firm in New York City. This morning I re-watched the same TED Talk for two reasons:
1) Christians need to become better visionaries, seeing the big picture and realizing the relationship of the parts in light of the overall arena of function. Almost anyone can throw out a good idea but it becomes a great idea when it fits inside the overall function of the ministry. Otherwise it’s just a good idea with no real place to take root.
2) Christians also need to become better at understanding the relationship between creativity and execution of creative design. Prince-Ramus does a great job of explaining this relationship. Sometimes I forget how important this relationship is in ministry.
A creative idea stays as simply an idea until we begin execution of the idea. A common mistake is that we limit the label of creativity to just the conception of the idea. We throw out an idea that is creative and think that as long as we simply put that idea into action that it is the end of the creative power of that idea.
Creativity should extend beyond the initial conception throughout the entire process of execution. Be constantly thinking through the execution process of more ways you could infuse creativity into the final outcome.
Example…If the chandelier in the Phantom of the Opera came dropping straight down from behind the curtain it would be a good effect. Having it swing down onto the stage from above the audience’s heads? That’s a memory-creating experience. Smart money would say that idea wasn’t in the initial conception of the Phantom of the Opera.
Once you’re “done” with the execution of the idea, creativity should extend into a post-production analysis of the idea. How much did your initial idea change and evolve through the execution process? What are the areas or elements that could be improved to create a more effective and appealing outcome? What were the areas where you had to compromise some of your idea development for the sake of better function?
Our creative process needs to be a process and not just a preliminary discussion.