Create through Evolution, not Revolution
One small change to a previous design is creativity
A while ago I wrote about how creativity begins with limitations. I learned that from Hank Gilpin, while at his shop taking photos for a Fine Woodworking article many years ago. On that same trip, I also learned a second valuable lesson about creativity. Actually, I’d say that the second insight I gained from him is far and away the one that has helped me the most. Hank and I were looking through some of his sketchbooks, and he showed me several pages of endgrain “tiles” he’d drawn. If I recall correctly, the tiles represented end grain veneer patterns he was considering for a piece of furniture.
I asked Hank how he was able to come up with so many variations on end grain. His answer unlocked “creativity” for me. He said that all he did was draw a first end grain tile and then asked himself, “What’s one thing I can change about it?” He made that change and drew a new tile. He made one change to the second tile and drew a third. Repeat that process over and over and before you know it you might 20 or 30 different tiles. More importantly, you’ve been creative.
Today, I’ll explain how Hank’s process enabled me to improve as a designer, and also provide some guidance to help you take your first steps towards improvement as well.