Several years ago, I was thrust into leading a songwriting workshop against my will. For starters, I’m not a songwriter. I’m not even a decent musician and I can hardly hold a tune. So, what qualified me to stand in a place of leadership amongst a room full of writers?… proximity, creativity, and a little bit of luck.
You see, I was working as a digital designer in the music industry. This association generally “qualified” me to participate in some pretty extraordinary events, including judging a few battle-of-the-bands competitions (of which there was usually only one listenable act.) Since I was “from” the record label, I must be “of” the record label, right?
What I did have going for me was a pretty steady career in design. I had served as an intern graphic designer, working my way up through the digital landscape and into the vast expanse of the music biz.
What I’ve come to recognize, is that the core of the creative process can be repeated, no matter the medium.
I’ve found this to be true in print, in product, in fashion, in interior, in branding, and yes… even in songwriting.
The creative process remains relatively stable. It isn’t magic and it often isn’t even skill! It’s a comfortable place, somewhere between willingness and hard work.