http://theoatmeal.com/comics/making_things
I came across the oatmeal for one of the pictures I use for my posts. The Pterodactyl one to be specific. But I’ve actually found it really interesting. The latest post is titled “Some thoughts and musings about making things for the web.” I thought it linked to my post from last week quite well. It’s a bit of a different approach. While I wrote about creativity from the actual motivational aspect, he wrote about it from the aspect of someone whose job is creating things. It cast the whole thing in a different light and, I think, serves to deepen our understanding of what creativity really is.
The one point that seems to permeate the whole thing is that, when struck by the urge to do something creative it won’t be work to put it down. They say, if you love your work, you won’t work a day of your life. I think this is what the author of the Oatmeal is trying to say about creativity. I also see perhaps something deeper that he’s saying, that’s if you feel like you’re working, then maybe you’re not doing the right thing or not doing it the right way. Because if what you’re doing is what you’re meant to do, then it won’t be work.
My one issue with this is that it seems to cast our lives as one led by fate. I don’t know if it’s true, but I refuse to believe in fate or destiny because it means that every decision we make isn’t truly ours. I like to think that every decision I make is for me, and not for anyone else. I’ve been told I’m too kind, or too caring, or too giving, or too idealistic, but I don’t think any of these are true or possible. I do what I do because it makes me happy and I feel good doing it. I’m not doing it for you, at least not entirely, that’s just an added benefit. I do it for me. Which I guess is possibly the most selfish thing I could say. I’m greedy for happy and I get happy by caring and giving and helping. Although greedy and selfish are generally considered bad traits, I don’t really care. I think my greed and self-centered-ness generally make me a better person since I get that way by benefiting others. Or perhaps I’m completely wrong. Maybe I just think I help people. For all I know maybe they wish I’d just go away. People don’t tell you that kind of thing. At least not most… It’s sad really… Say what you think, say what you mean and mean what you say