Brand Me Redux

A lot of what I read (on the Internet, in books, in magazines, etc.) about creativity usually centers around being artistic. If you’re “creative” you’re throwing pots, making jewelry, telling stories around a campfire, painting or drawing or collaging or similar whathaveyou. And if you look around trying to find information about being creative in business, you find people talking about how artists can earn a living making their art.

Uhhh, ok. Not quite what I had in mind, though.

See, I’m not an artist nor am I workaholic. Creativity isn’t only about being artistic and business isn’t only about making money. There’s an intellectual facet to creativity that I don’t think gets explored outside of science journals. And there’s a moral aspect to business that’s all but ignored in the real world.

So, what am I looking for? I guess I’m looking for the offbeat, the unconventional, the non-conformist. Yeah, if you’re going to make money without getting in trouble, a business has to adhere to certain conventions (like established accounting principles). And too, the reason for starting the business has to be somewhat conventional, like solving a problem, filling a need, or providing entertainment. But the business itself can be as freaky as it wants to be, as long as there’s a market.

Sounds great when you’re talking about it. And if you already have a freaky idea for a business, there’s no shortage of people willing to help you figure out if there is a market.

But what if you don’t have your freaky idea yet? What do you do to get one?

So, I’m also looking for examples of creative thinking, creative problem solving.

Why am I looking for this in the first place? Because I’m ready to make some changes. Rather big changes, actually. Since I’m now “of a certain age” (and, consequently, living outside of acknowledged chronology), there’s no sense in denying myself what I want anymore.

When you’re young, people are always telling you how you have your life ahead of you, how much time you still have. Personally, I think that’s a lie. None of us has much time at all. So, there’s never a reason to put off your dreams or bury your talents or “wait until next year.” There’s never a reason good enough because no one has a life long enough.

Yeah, I know that what I’m looking for is fairly nuanced, so I’ve no doubt I’ll be looking for a while to find it. While I’m looking I’ll post what I find. Hopefully, I’ll be successful.