This is a great question.
If I were to find connection to any of the comments from OCA students in this task, it would be this:
"Ideas pop up at unexpected times and I have started to jot them down. When I am not able to develop them visually I use words. I think I should combine the two - visual and verbal - as they lead to different things. Verbal is faster and so allows for a train of thought to flow more freely. Visual development takes hold of a first idea and develops that out of the processes involved.”
Though I do not relate to all of this.
In order to conceive an idea, there must be a motivating factor behind it. Based on my own experience, a prompt serves as the seed for initiating this creative process. This prompt might be a project brief, a word or a theme, or it could even be based on past experiences. Essentially, I believe the prompt kickstarts the thought process. The idea then evolves with inspiration and influence.
In a quick search of understanding the difference between influence and inspiration from another perspective, I came across this:
"Both inspiration and influence can come from various sources, such as people, events, or even pieces of art. An individual might find inspiration in a historical figure while being influenced by their parents' values. The key difference here is that inspiration typically sparks action or creativity, while influence moulds or shapes it over time."
● Do you agree with Johnson that ideas take time to develop?
● Are his ideas equally applicable to creative disciplines?
● Do you think collaboration is important to creativity?
● Given the opportunity, who would you collaborate with from another field
or discipline? A scientist, for example, or a writer, or painter?
When considering Steven Johnson's animated lecture, I notice the same set of principles have been applied. The above statement mentions that influence is what can shape an idea over time, it is in this where I find connection to what Steven describes in the lecture.. Good ideas can take time, and most often it is the time between the initial prompt and the developments that can inform its direction.
Time can be influenced by your set of skills at the beginning of an idea compared to later down the line, perhaps its a lack of resources, or, as Steven mentions, finding someone to collaborate with.
I believe all of this is true.
Collaborations are such an inspiring way to develop ideas into final works, especially when it is with people that you click with. When the energy and environment is positive, the collaboration will create a synergy that really allows ideas to flow from one another. While it is possible to achieve similar results when working alone, there is a special magic in collaborating with individuals who motivate you and can contribute unique elements that complement your own strengths.
If you do not get the opportunity to collaborate, then accepting feedback can also be a collaborative experience that can help you to push ideas further. Seeking constructive feedback could allow for seeing your work in a different perspective, which I believe can also help develop your ideas further.
There are certainly a few disciplines I would love to collaborate with, as my ideas sometimes exceed my skills. Working with a programmer to develop games or apps, a 3D designer to sculpt character figurines for collectables, or a writer I could work with to create a graphic novel, are just few examples that I think would make for incredible collaborations.
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