The Importance of Curiosity in Creativity: Embracing Wonder in the Creative Journey
There is a saying that goes, “Time flies when you're having fun,” and that’s true…sort of because there are research papers that both support or critique the statement. Research papers aside, I strongly believe that it's true, especially for creative individuals.
I vividly remember my early days as a designer, those days were filled with a burst of curiosity and passion. Everything was new and exciting, and I was eager to learn and grow in my craft. Looking back on those early days, I now realize just how much I miss them. The beginning of my journey as a designer was a special time, not because of my love for creative work, but because of the raw drive I had to express myself.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm grateful for where I am today. I've had the privilege of working on some amazing projects with incredible people. But there was something special about the early stages of my career. Maybe it was the sense of possibility, the feeling that anything was possible if I just kept pushing myself. Or maybe it was the novelty of starting something new. It could have been a combination of both.
I miss the days when I could take risks, without fear of failure, when I could explore new techniques and styles without worrying about what others might think. I miss the feeling of being a beginner, of not knowing everything, and having the humility to ask for help. I remember seeing the work of other designers, and constantly trying to reverse engineer how it must have been created. I would sometimes even go on to recreate what I had seen. I would sit in my crappy looking hostel in Unilag - Sodeinde was the worst - and design what I would probably now consider the worst creations on the planet, but with so much confidence and excitement that I had achieved my goal and could do anything.
But here's the thing I’ve come to realize. Just because I miss those early days, it doesn't mean I can't still rebuild that same sense of curiosity and wonder. It's so easy to get caught up in the daily grind, to become complacent and comfortable with where we are. Where, for the most part, we are just pushing pixels and racing to complete the next project. But as creatives, we must never lose our sense of curiosity.
Curiosity is what drives us to keep exploring, to keep pushing ourselves to learn and grow. It motivates us to ask questions, to keep exploring, learning, and growing, and drives us to seek out new ideas and approaches. Without curiosity, we would be content with the familiar and never take risks or push ourselves to expand our boundaries. Creativity is what makes us innovative and unique, and curiosity is the fuel that keeps it burning. If there is one thing I would tell my younger self, it would be to never lose that sense of curiosity.
Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for a while, remember that there's always something new to learn and discover. And who knows, maybe one day you'll look back on your career and feel nostalgic for those early days. But by then, you'll have achieved so much more, and your curiosity will have taken you to places you never thought possible.
In conclusion, while it's natural to feel nostalgic for the early days of our careers, it's important to remember that creativity is a journey, not a destination. Whether we're just starting out or have been in the game for a while, it's essential to keep our sense of curiosity alive. Curiosity drives us to keep exploring, asking questions, and seeking out new ideas and approaches. By never losing our sense of curiosity, we can continue to grow and innovate, taking our careers to new heights and achieving things we never thought possible. So, let's embrace our sense of wonder and keep pushing ourselves to learn and discover, no matter where our creative journeys may take us.