HUM 246: Creative Thinking
Fall 2010
CREATIVE PROFILE PROJECT
Individual
Due 12/7
DESCRIPTION
Identify a creative person and prepare a short profile of them, that includes their creative work and their thoughts on the creative process. You’ll prepare it all as a Word (or Google) Doc with photos/images.
The purpose of the profile is not so much to learn more about the person him/herself, but rather his/her insight into Creativity and the act of being Creative. You’ll need to research the individual, actually contact him or her, get answers to your questions, and write up the results.
Who the heck should you interview? Someone know for being creative. The individual should be known for being creative or earn a living being creative.
1) Choose a person. Someone you know. Someone you don’t know, but would like to. Someone that interests you, above all. Consider writers, authors, artists, musicians, teachers, singers, engineers, leaders, business persons, students, web personalities, photographers, bloggers, ...anyone you 1) think is creative, or 2) earns a living being creative, or 3) is known for being creative.
2) Research them. Not exhaustively, but you should get enough general background information to have an informed conversation with them. You should consider their education, work history, personal projects, and special achievements. As you research, make note of any questions you’d like to ask.
GUIDELINES
Your first paragraph should introduce the person profiled to the reader. Say Who this person is, What do they do, Why is it/are they creative, What do they have to say about creativity, and Why would you ask them to speak on the subject? You may want to combine this with a second paragraph which, when taken together, briefly detail the person's life and achievements, background information like where the person grew up and went to school, formal or informal training, notable accomplishments, milestones, awards or recognition, and any other information you deem relevant before getting on with the questions.
Your final piece should be between 800 and 1000 words (about 2 pages) and include at least 1 photo or image of the creative person and his/her work (if appropriate).
SUGGESTED PEEPS
These are some folks you may find interesting and accessible. There are countless others beyond this list. You may also want to consider magazine editors, museum curators, creative directors, clothing designers, CEOs. The list really is interminable. I mostly follow tech folks and underground artists, but you should pursue your own interests and go with what you know.
Name | Description | Contact Info |
Tim Biskup | West coast artist. Sculptor. Clothing designer. DeeJay. | |
Ian Collins | Software developer. Creator of “The Big Caption” website | |
Merlin Mann | Productivity guru. Author. Podcast personality. Devilishly clever dude. | |
Tara McPherson | NYC artist. Illustrator. Musician. Parsons School of Design instructor. | |
Mystery Guitar Man | YouTube personality. Musician. Video artist. All around cool guy. | MysteryGuitarMan YouTube Channel |
Daniel Pink | Author of A Whole New Mind; Drive; The Adventures of Johnny Bunko. Speaker. | |
World of Mouse Games | Puzzle Game development company. Makers of Snood. | SnoodWorld.com |
Finding contact information for people today is easier than it’s ever been before, AND you stand a much better chance of receiving a reply. Consider blogs and other websites, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
THINGS TO AVOID
- People you are VERY unlikely to be able to interview, i.e. the King of Siam.
- People in your personal circle of friends who are marginally creative, or who YOU think are creative, but who aren’t really recognized as being creative by others. Your subject must have some recognition or professional experience as a Creative professional.
- Yourself as the subject of the profile.
- Delaying. Get started on this ASAP, because you will need to extra time to allow for back and forth, scheduling conversations, and exchanging email.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
We will discuss a list of questions in class to guide you, but some to think about are listed below. In general, avoid questions which can be answered with a simple “Yes” or “No.” Err on the side of asking questions that require deeper thought and consideration.
- Are people naturally creative? Do you think Creativity is learned?
- Do you consider yourself creative, and why?
- What advice do you have for others who want to be more creative?
- What makes someone creative?
RESOURCES
For ideas for people to contact, or how other writers present individuals, consider the profiles and news headlines of art, design, and business magazines like FastCompany, Core77, Juxtapoz, Beautiful Decay, the Blue Ridge Business Journal and the Harvard Business Review.