Building the Bridge between Will and Realization

Having strong ideas lined up can be a superb jumpstart into a creative endeavor.

In this article we gathered some ideas on how to start digging a way into those plans, yet keeping the motivation high and the chance of frustration low.

You’ll find that various thoughts on this topic have to do with focusing your efforts upon micro-levels, trying to reach your goals step-by-step instead of going for it all at once.

Let’s start with your work mode:

Not about quantity, about endurance

Staying at it is more important than creating loads and loads of content.

It always helps if you have a solid archive of things to choose from – but they won’t come to use if you cease to keep up that constant publishing stream.

Try to figure out what your release-frequency, containing musical AND visual content, can be, and establish continuity.

Discover reoccurring productive phases

Try being aware of certain phases that turn out to be incredibly productive – be it times of day, after you experience significant things or hang out with a group of friends.

Respect the way your mind works and don’t kill yourself for not being able to produce by the push of a button.

The better you’re able to read the needs of your mind and use phases that set the grounds for great productivity, the more satisfying your outcome will probably be.

Downplay the complexity of the endeavor

Having to patch up a complex production, get the hook just right or maybe even shape a whole album can be a towering task.

So, try to downplay the complexity of the endeavor. This means – keeping your eyes on the prize right in front of you, without trying to dash up the mountain in one take.

The more you break down the various processes, the more manageable the entire task at hand will turn out to be.

Keep it simple.

Be aware of the actual necessities

Many creatives are prone to avoid certain tasks because they aren’t aware of the actual necessities. They patch up things here and there, without lying the foundation for further work.

This can be recursive and demotivating, because it prevents process from become clearly visible.

So – try going for the most basic elements first: Is the hook lagging behind a strong production? Arrangement not in par with the rest? Define your necessities and concentrate on them.

The threshold of actually diving into a project is much lower, if you start on that level.

Digging for inspiration can be a two-sided blade

It’s always great digging for new musical inspiration.

Know yourself though, and when the right time has come to bite into some external material.

Constantly engaging in outside content can really keep you from getting things done. This is especially true if you’re hung up on chasing some outside aesthetic.

Know when to create, and when to consume.