To Be More Creative, Just Follow the Rules

I’m reading a great book on storytelling called ‘Into the Woods’ by John Yorke. What struck me was how rule-bound everything is. The way you structure a story, and how you create characters. How you create drama, intrigue, and heart-stopping moments.

All the elements of a great story follow a clear set of rules. And have done so for centuries, no matter whether you’re sitting around a campfire or creating a Hollywood blockbuster.

To be creative we’re often encouraged to break existing rules. I’ve heard this so many times - and said it too. However, I’ve concluded that this is not the best advice. Focus instead on understanding the rules of creativity intimately and become adept at following them. This is the true path to creativity.

Understanding rules is not just for storytellers. The same applies to any creative field. If you’re cooking, you need to understand food chemistry. What happens when heat is added. How flavours combine. The role of fat, sugar and acids and how they react to each other. (I got all this from my favourite Summer read - Lessons in Chemistry.)

The same with playing a musical instrument, drawing, dancing - anything. You’ve got to invest the time and effort into learning and following the rules. Alexander McQueen was one of his generation's most celebrated and creative fashion designers. Aged 16, he served a two-year apprenticeship in tailoring on Savile Row and worked for other fashion labels. He then completed a Masters in fashion at Central St Martins. He was a true craftsman and an expert tailor before he launched his brand.

Once you’ve mastered the rules, you can push and challenge them with more confidence and freedom. You’ll feel powerful enough to improvise and play around like a jazz musician. If, for example, you’re an architect, once you’ve mastered your craft you can experiment with new materials, new structures or add personal flourishes.

SUMMARY

Saying ‘break the rules’ is a trite and obvious thing to say when encouraging people to be creative. I understand why. Creativity is about standing out and being original. We mustn’t just copy and imitate everything that has gone before.

However, getting to know the rules is fundamental to creativity. Like the storytelling experts tell us, there are tried and tested ways of taking people on an emotional journey and keeping people engaged.

Mastering rules is hard and time-consuming. It requires practice and dedication. I guess that’s why being creative is a lifetime’s journey.

Your Best is Yet Come

A few weeks ago I was listening to an episode of Desert Island Discs with Adrian Edmondson. When the host, Lauren Laverne asked him what he considered his biggest achievement, he replied - I hope that my best is yet to come. I loved that answer. Adrian Edmondson is 66. A successful comedian, actor and writer. Almost a national treasure. Yet he still felt his best years were ahead of him. I nearly cheered.

I admire people who continue to push themselves. People who seek to learn and grow in their later years, even though they’ve already achieved so much.

I’m a huge fan of the artist David Hockney. He’s now 86 and is as innovative and productive as ever. There’s currently an exhibition of his work at the National Portrait Gallery entitled Drawing From Life. It’s wonderful. The range of his work is extraordinary. His most recent work is a series of portraits from 2022, which I loved.

At Tate Britain, there’s currently a large exhibition on feminism, called WOMEN IN REVOLT! ART AND ACTIVISM IN THE UK 1970-1990. For many of the featured artists, this is the first time their work has been given such a significant public platform.

Projected onto a wall is a 1977 piece by Raincoats bassist Gina Birch, made when she was at art school. Entitled 3 Minute Scream, it’s exactly that: Gina screaming into the camera for 3 minutes. It’s at the centre of the exhibition. Gina’s image is featured on all of the exhibition’s publicity material and it’s rejuvenated her career both as an artist and a musician. She released an acclaimed solo album earlier this year and continues to exhibit her work.

Summary

Age should never prove to be a barrier to your success. Nor should we ever rest on our laurels. We should all strive to be creative and to look to find our greatness, irrespective of our age or past achievements. Take inspiration from the likes of Adrian Edmondson, David Hockney and Gina Birch. They continue to be active and creative later in life. Your high points and recognition for your work may come later in life than you imagine. No matter what your age is, your best may be yet to come!