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Lessons on Creativity Drawing from David Bowie's Prolific Artistic Journey

Commemorating David Bowie's 70th birthday on January 8, 2017, as well as marking a year since his passing, we honor his extraordinary talent as an artist: From my childhood, Bowie's musical genius has left a lasting impression.

Four Insights into Creativity Drawing from David Bowie's Prolific Artistic Legacy
Four Insights into Creativity Drawing from David Bowie's Prolific Artistic Legacy

Lessons on Creativity Drawing from David Bowie's Prolific Artistic Journey

In this guest post, Maja S. Todorovic, an educator and writer based in The Hague, Netherlands, shares insights from the late David Bowie's illustrious career that can inspire us all to embrace our creative potential.

David Bowie, the enigmatic musician and cultural icon, passed away a month prior to the date mentioned, leaving behind an indelible impact on the world of music and beyond. His influence extends far beyond the realm of music, touching upon the creative process in general.

Maja S. Todorovic, who first encountered Bowie through his role in the movie Hunger, found her admiration for his music and artistic work growing over the years. She recalls Bowie as a patient colleague and an open-minded individual, willing to listen to others' opinions.

Bowie's career was marked by unexpected moves, such as retiring the Ziggy Stardust persona, which allowed him to reinvent himself time and again. This fearless approach to experimentation and risk-taking is one of the key lessons we can learn from Bowie.

Lesson 1: Take Risks and Experiment Boldly

Bowie's work, including the song "Space Oddity," pushed the boundaries of conventional music, exploring storytelling, sound, and imagination. His daring approach to experimentation serves as a reminder that creativity often thrives in the face of adversity and uncertainty.

Lesson 2: Constant Reinvention

Throughout his decades-long career, Bowie continuously reinvented himself artistically and musically, adapting to and shaping evolving cultural trends rather than sticking to one style. This adaptability highlights the importance of staying open-minded and willing to embrace change.

Lesson 3: Cross-Disciplinary Innovation

Bowie did not limit himself to music; he ventured into acting, pioneering digital music distribution, and even launched an internet service provider. This interdisciplinary approach enriched his creativity and illustrates the value of exploring different avenues to fuel our creative spark.

Lesson 4: Protect and Nurture the Creative Spark

Workshops inspired by Bowie emphasise the importance of sustaining creativity and leadership by protecting the energy that drives innovation. Bowie seemed to value ongoing creative renewal and resilience, demonstrating that creativity is not just a fleeting moment but a way of life.

These lessons illustrate how Bowie’s legacy teaches the importance of boldness, adaptability, interdisciplinary exploration, and creative resilience for sustained innovation.

As we look back at Bowie's career, we are reminded that creativity is not confined to any one field or discipline. It is a force within us all, waiting to be allowed to flourish by being more open-minded and willing to step-back from the outcome.

Maja S. Todorovic can be found on Twitter and Facebook, where she helps people find their writing voice and experience creativity through their own words.

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