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If "Everything Has Already Been Created", How Can We Create Something Unique?
🕑 Added 2023-10-03 23:16:40 +0000 UTCHey everyone!
In today's article, I want to try to answer a question many of us ask as artists: how to create something unique?
I'm not sure if this is only an artist thing, since I believe it's a common thought in general. People want to create something they feel proud of, something in which they can claim some kind of ownership. As a creator, I've felt particularly close to this situation frequently, and I also think this topic touches on the "creative block" dilemma. So let's dive into some thoughts and see what problems we can solve today.
“Everything has already been created." This idea has haunted me since early in my life. What does this mean? While I don't believe in absolute truths, which suggests that there's always room for new ideas, I think there's some truth in that statement. It relates to what we as humans value and that, in a sense, perhaps much has already been conceptualized. To clarify, we are driven by fundamental motivations, such as the instinct for survival, and these motivations are shared across humanity. While the context for these motivations might vary, the core drive remains consistent. Pursuing these motivations leads to a range of emotions that we all feel at some point in our lives. The narratives we craft as artists often encapsulate these shared experiences, making our stories relatable to the audience.
Certainly, we can develop a range of abstract concepts. However, if these concepts don't resonate with universal human experiences, they may not evoke a response from people. While there are numerous human experiences, some patterns and themes seem to recur. Even though the world continuously evolves, our reactions to these changes often follow familiar patterns. It's unclear why our reactions are so consistent; perhaps it's linked to survival or our inherent nature.
This doesn't mean that there's something inherently good or bad about the human experience. To me, life is like a game with endless combinations, making the details unpredictable, yet reactions are often predictable. For instance, I might anticipate feeling frustrated at some point today, tomorrow, or within the week, but the exact timing, cause, and context often remain uncertain. From these random combinations lies aspects of uniqueness.
My main point is this: success in creation hinges on how relatable it is to the existing human experience. While the saying "everything is already created" may have some truth, we shouldn't be discouraged. Uniqueness isn't just in the end product, but in the endless combinations leading to it. It's not about showing the unseen, but evoking familiar emotions through unfamiliar journeys. To craft such originality, we need to blend foundational ideas into unexpected yet recognizable emotions. And the tools for this? Introspection and education.
The first step is paying attention to yourself. Your experiences are relatable. Try to describe what you've experienced by asking questions like:
- What feelings do I often have and why?
- Do other people feel the same about this?
- How can I convey this experience so people understand my feelings about it?
- Which mediums or tools can I use to effectively share my stories?
- Should I create a series of pieces or just one? Why?
For technical purposes, my execution process is straightforward: it starts with shapes, then moves to colors, values, and adjustments. Check the 'collection' tab for specific tags. If you're clear on the concept or experience behind your art but uncertain about the technical approach, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'm here to help.
After this introspection, you might realize that other authors have already depicted similar experiences in an efficient way through different mediums. Study their approach, how they conceptualize and execute their message, by asking:
- What's the motivation behind this experience?
- How do I feel about this piece and why?
- Is my perception purely subjective, or do others who've had this experience feel the same? Why?
- Can I adapt experiences from other mediums into my field of expertise, like turning a book into an illustration or concept?
- Which elements of the reference work are essential to convey the experience I'm aiming to share, and what can I modify to make it more personal?
By understanding the foundational structure of works that resonate with human experiences, you'll be better equipped to articulate your own. For analysis and research, please refer to the "concept art portfolio" article. It addresses questions about using other mediums as references or guides. Even if concept art isn't your primary focus, the research methodology presented can be applied to other areas within the art profession.
After digging into your interests and observing how others approach their work, you might wonder: How do I take all this and make something new? Here's a simple formula to help you mix existing ideas with your unique touch:
Fundamentals Mix Formula:
- Identify: Choose main themes from works you admire. (Example: "Spirited Away" - transformation, spirit realm, bravery)
- Relate: Connect these themes to something personal or a general human experience. (Example: Your own experience of moving to a new city)
- Break It Down: Simplify these ideas. (Example: feeling lost, discovering new surroundings, personal growth)
- Visualize: Think of a new context. (Example: An abandoned amusement park in your new city)
- Merge: Combine the original idea with your new perspective. (Example: A child discovering this park, encountering its memories and history, mirroring the exploration in "Spirited Away")
- Translate: Decide how to bring this new idea to life in your preferred medium. (Example: A detailed illustration of the child standing at the park entrance, with glimpses of the past coming to life around them)
Using this formula, you're not just copying but reimagining, turning something familiar into something uniquely yours.
Conclusion
To create something unique, you first need to dive deep into your personal experiences and emotions. It's important to realize that while our reactions to the world around us might often follow familiar patterns, the stories we tell based on these reactions can be endless in their variety. It's all about combining introspection with learning: look at how others have shared similar experiences and then put your unique spin on it. With the 'Fundamentals Mix Formula', you have a handy tool to methodically mix and match fundamental ideas in new and surprising ways. The end goal? To craft stories and expressions that resonate with what's familiar but also surprise and captivate with their originality.
Tomorrow, I'll be sharing the process video of this piece along with the files and insights. They will be available for Mastering Maestro tier and above. Feel free to upgrade if you want more insights about my work.
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