My Creative Process explained + Checklist

I never thought I had a “creative process” until I started to think about how we have learned along the way that creativity is free and whimsical!
But what if you had some clear steps and a robust framework for moving forward with your work?

The creative process checklist

1. Finding Inspiration
   Like most creatives, my process begins with inspiration, and for me, that almost always starts with an abstract idea.
   Sometimes, my process begins on Pinterest, and sometimes it starts with something I love.
   But it doesn’t matter where the inspiration came from. What matters is that you love it.
2. Name it
   Stop calling your project a “thing” or any other name besides what it is.
   Respect your idea with a name; you can change it later if you want.
   Tell someone about your project and call it what it is, it feels more real, and you can’t wait to start just after telling.
3. Schedule it
   One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of time. More often, though, it isn’t a lack of time, it’s trying to do the right tasks in the wrong kind of time.
   Make a master list of all the tasks you need to do to complete your project and schedule your time. At least 90 minutes per day to work on your project in the next seven days.
   Remember, reserve longer periods for knitting and write the pattern, and smaller lengths of time can go to tasks that don’t require as much creative energy, like social promotions.

You’ve established a great creative process with simple steps, use it for every project!
But starting your project isn’t enough. Every project is important enough to finish.

Six ways to keep your creative process alive

1. There is no such thing as a creativity block. Think about it as a code for “you are afraid to create something bad”.
2. Creativity is a process, so embrace it!
   Just work and keep working!
3. Even if you do not love your work during the creative process, you’ll find something, like a stitch or a particular construction, and just go with it!
4. Roll with the seasons of creative business: don’t force it if you can help it.
5. If you work with magazines, deadlines are intimidating, but you can do it! Try as hard as you can to keep your mind “free” of rigid dates.
6. You need a strategy to have an impact, embrace the “brand” side of your creative venture.

It’s time to get that great work out of you and into the world!