Whiteboards for creativity

When I am motivated to make new things, my whiteboard becomes a living space. I jot down notes day and night: things I want to do, ideas I want to explore, phrases that come to mind. The ideas I am ready to turn into reality — wireframes, essay ideas, website thoughts — “graduate” to my computer, where I explore them more. What was a few squiggles may become a website. What was a few words may become an essay. The whiteboard is a place where I start.

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When I have ideas to think about that interest me, I get excited. I make new things. I ask questions. I start to envision what something could be like. When my whiteboard is blank, and when my notes all become to TODOs, the burning flame of excitement to make something reduces to a spark. I do the TODOs but those seldom make memories. Artefacts like an essay, code, a story, a plan — something I can talk about — on the other hand are memorable. They are creative acts. In that creativity, I find great joy.

This is a beautiful way of thinking creatively. Though managing a todo list is important, a line item suggesting a thing I must create isn’t the same as seeing the creative art coming to life.

Having a whiteboard where the pieces are laying out, beckoning for attention, is a way of encouraging continued artistic endeavor even when we might feel worn out.

Via James’ Coffee Blog.