Break Templates But Hold Onto Experience
Embedded in each medium, there are sets of norms that restrain our work before we've even begun. Genres, in particular, come with distinct variations on rules... as soon as you use a label to describe what you're working on, there's a temptation to conform to its rules.
The templates of the past can be an inspiration in the beginning phases, but it's helpful to think beyond what's been done before. The world isn't waiting for more of the same. p100
- This is how I have been feeling lately with YouTube, wanting to make something different.
Rules obeyed, unconsciously are far stronger than the ones set on purpose. And they are more likely to undermine the work. p101
Every innovation risks becoming a rule. And innovation risks becoming an end in itself. p101
When we make a discovery that serves our work, it's not unusual to concretize this into a formula. On occasion, we decide this formula is who we are as an artist. What our voice is and isn't... It's helpful to continually challenge your own process. If you had a good result using a specific style, method, or working condition, don't assume that it is the best way. Or your way. Or the only way... There may be other strategies that work just as well and allow new possibilities, directions, and opportunities. p101-102
- I think this is where I'm at at the moment, where I feel as though I have a particular formula that works, but I also feel as though it's probably not the best way, even if it's the way that works best at the moment.
As you get further along in your career, the consistency may develop that's of less interest overtime. Your work concern to feel like a job or a responsibility. So it's helpful to notice if you've been working with the same pallete of colours all along.
Start the next project by scrapping that pallete. The uncertainty that results can be a thrilling and scary proposition. Once you have a new framework, some elements of your older process may find their way back into the work, and that's okay. p102
It's helpful to remember that when you throw away an old playbook, you still get to keep the skills you learned along the way. These hard earned abilities, transcend rules. p102