The Creative Wind Tunnel
In the world of creativity, there's something called the Creative Wind Tunnel. Ryan Tedder, the songwriter behind hits for artists like Beyoncé, Adele, and his band OneRepublic, uses this term to describe the phenomenon when creators get tunnel vision and start thinking their work is perfect, losing touch with reality.
When you're in the Creative Wind Tunnel, you can’t see your work’s flaws because you’re too caught up in it. This can stop you from making something truly great.
The Creative Wind Tunnel usually happens when you've been working for several hours straight, and the solution is simple: take a break.
After you’ve finished a draft of your project, walk away from it. If you can, sleep on it. At the very least, take a 20 to 30-minute break. Do something different—make a call, eat lunch, or chat with a friend. This clears your mind.
When you come back to your work, you’ll see it with fresh eyes, hear it with fresh ears. Often, you'll notice right away the rough edges that need to be fixed. Sometimes, you might realize you need to start over. But often, with a few tweaks, you’ll see that your work is on the right path.
This idea isn’t just for songwriting; it applies to any creative work. Whether you’re writing a book, designing a logo, or planning a project, taking breaks helps. Our excitement can cloud our judgment, so it’s important to step away and clear our minds.
Many successful creators use this method. For example, Stephen King suggests putting a manuscript away for six weeks before looking at it again. This break helps him see his work more clearly. Designers also recommend taking breaks to keep their perspective fresh.
Adding this habit to your routine can improve your work. It takes discipline to pause, but the benefits are worth it. By taking breaks, you let your mind process your work, leading to better insights.
The Creative Wind Tunnel reminds us to balance being deeply involved in our work with stepping back to evaluate it. By using Tedder's advice, we can make our creative process smoother and our work better.
Next time you’re deep in your creative project, remember to take a break. Clear your mind and come back with fresh eyes. Your best work is waiting.