“Inspiration is for amateurs – the rest of us just show up and get to work.” – Painter and printmaker Chuck Close

In this GDC talk, Raph Koster explains what science tells us about creativity – what it is, and what it isn’t. Contrary to popular belief, creative work is not best arrived at by connecting with some ethereal muse, being a tortured, moody arteeest type, nor just sitting around waiting for inspiration. Creativity is also not just adding a very simple mechanic to something that already exists or re-skinning something in a new way.

Instead, the data tells us that creativity is something that can be developed, is a fairly straightforward process, and you can cause to happen when desired. I agree with him, and would also say even further: working in your field every day has connected me with some of my most interesting creative ideas – ideas that have payed me well and won awards. It was boring, everyday work that showed me what people were interested in, and then my curiosity lead me to new connections.

Favorite points from his talk:

• Creativity is most well defined as mixing of traditionally unrelated things in new ways. It is not mysterious, there are proven simple habits to assist your brain to start making connections between different subjects and being more creative.
• “Personal expression” is not creativity. It might be, but don’t mistake the two – they have different goals.
• Ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Cognitive ability declines measurably with even small sleep shortfalls – creativity (primarily a thinking activity) provably suffers.
• Classic brainstorming with no criticism generates just a few ideas per hour, but studies show allowing criticism during brainstorming generates MORE ideas per hour.
• Positive attitudes and happiness are more strongly correlated with successful creative ideas than the angsty creative trope. Yes, you may have had traumatic experiences in life, but pretty much so has everyone.
• Get regular exercise and take care of yourself – it has proven positive mental and creative effects. Taking a nap often solves a problem.
• Creativity is often a measure of imagination. Measuring the creativity of person is often done by having a visualization exercise. More creative types ‘see’ more details of the thing they are visualizing right off.
• Creative leadership is often NOT a winning formula
  • Creative people are usually perceived as worse leaders.
  • It is usually second movers/fast followers that end up defining the genres and really cashing in. They usual execute better and game styles are not well protected under IP law.
  • Creative approaches are more risky than known genres – you MUST expect a high failure rate
• Creativity does buy you a following – which is critical in the current market where people now follow the game makers/personalities more than the game or studio itself.