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California State University, Northridge

Questions to Ask Creative Individuals

Composed by Students in Psychology 344 - Fall 2006

CREATIVE PERSON: Brian J. Terwilliger, producer and director of the film One Six Right

How do you define creativity? Creativity is having a vision - thinking outside the box - making your own path - being different - experimenting - taking risks - being willing to fail.
Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Why? Yes, everyone is creative in their own way.
How did you find your creative niche? I grew up liking to build "things" (i.e. model airplanes, arts and crafts, etc.). The process of creating something, start to finish, then taking a step back to appreciate it, have others appreciate it, and have it last forever - became very gratifying - filmmaking is just that to an extreme - it can be shared, and often affect, people all around the world.
Do you think creativity is innate or learned? Explain. Definitely innate. You can teach an artist technique, but not passion, inspiration, or imagination.
Who or what experiences have inspired your work? Filmmakers that tell stories that affect me emotionally.
Have you always wanted to do what you are doing? If not, what made you decide to start? I originally wanted to be a professional pilot - then decided to become a filmmaker after taking a video production class in high school followed by a positive experience of being an intern in the film biz.
Does spirituality and culture play a role in your creativity? Explain. Not in any specific way.
How important is education to your creative process? Education, albeit not needed formally or through schooling, is critical to learning the skills needed to perform any job well.
How do you deal with creativity blocks? They are very frustrating. I think the best solution is to walk away, literally and physically, take a break, and come back to it fresh. However, I don't always do this when I should!
What part of you do you share in your creative endeavors? It's an emotional outlet.
Have you had to overcome obstacles (physical, financial, social, etc.) in your creative world? Explain. Obstacles will always be there - on all levels of any job. Overcoming those obstacles make the end result that much more rewarding.
Do you believe that it is important to be accepted by others as being creative or is just doing what you love to do enough to justify your work? Explain. Absolutely the latter. Creativity is subjective. Though you may hope others like your work, if you satisfy your creative desires, then you've succeeded. If you follow your own vision and make your best work, chances are it will be recognized as a passionate expression and will likely be embraced for that, if for no other reason.

WEB PAGE CREATOR: Stanton Young creator of different web pages

1. How do you define creativity?

Creativity is anything that you can gain an idea from. Most designs come from a form of other design that you may like. Creativity for me comes from inspiration. Most of the creative stuff I design is usually based upon films or specific movie trailers I may have seen. One example is the movie "Kill Bill" I love the film and the music and used it to inspire the name of my design company and the website. http://www.crazy88productions.com

2. Do you believe that each person has the capacity to be creative? Why?

Yes! I believe that as long as we have blood coursing through our vains, we have the ability to make personal choices in life and the ability to think. Creativity comes in many ways, almost all great idea's have come from someone els's un-realized idea.

3. How did you find your creative niche?

Well, the rap industry wasn't to friendly to my carreer, so I figured I might as well get into something I love. 3D animation. However, through the course of the two years of school "PLATT College" 1997 -1999 I ended up falling in love woth Graphic Design and eventually forced into HTML and web design. Loooooong Story.

4. Do you think creativity is innate or learned? Explain.

I believe creativity is definatly innate. Drawing and design is something you are definalty born with. If you can't draw...you can't draw..I do believe that if you are born with the gift of Drawing or design you can learn how to be better at it. Just like singing. Look at American Idol, Some of those people don't have a lick of singing experience and it shows.

5. Who or what experiences have inspired your work?

Not really a who...more like what. I have to say the Movies have played a huge part in everything that I design in life. I have been going to movies almost 3 times a week since I was 5. My mother is a member of the Hollywood Foreign press assoiciation, and has been taking me to screenings since I was a littl toddler. That's how I got my inspiration and love for movies as well as sparked my creative idea's

6. Have you always wanted to do what you are doing? If not, what made you decide to start?

As I said, When Rapping wasn't taking me anywhere, I decided to get a Job. I always loved drawing since I was a kid, and found out that graphic design was the way to go.

7. Does spirituality and culture play a role in your creativity? Explain.

8. How important is education to your creative process?

Not much. I honestly belive that if you are talented and you work your butt off you will succeed. In the Graphic design or web world I don't believe a degree will really help you out. I do believe that school can definatly help you enhance your creative side, but it's not the end all be all of getting a job. It's more of your actual skills and proof of concept. The artists in France at the Monte Mart probably never went to school for there art, but they sell paintings none the less because they are naturally talented.

9. How do you deal with creativity blocks?

I usually go out and have a cigerette. Almost every time I come back I have figured out the problem. No lie. That is really how I solve problems. It's weird, Fresh air and few moments away from people really help.

10. What part of you do you share in your creative endeavors?

My Sci Fi side. I like to design with a very futuristic sci fi side. Most of my stuff is inspired by movies like "Mission Impossible", "Alien's", ect.

11. Have you had to overcome obstacles (physical, financial, social, etc.) in your creative world? Explain.

Not at all. My parents fully supported me until I got my first offical corporate job.

12. Do you believe that it is important to be accepted by others as being creative or is just doing what you love to do enough to justify your work? Explain.

Well, I believe the only person you should really care about is yourslef. I know it sounds clichй, but it's true. Yes, when you go for a job, you definalty seek the approval of the possible employer, or a client. That's just a givin. But if you don't get the job, it doesn't mean you aren't talented it just means you weren't right for there purpose. You must have confidence in your self and work or else you will be eaten alive. That's what pushes people to go into business for themselves. In the end, all I know is I get paid to do something I love. The day I don't enjoy my job or work I will retire for good. I will never do something I don't like ever again.