The last few on not censoring yourself inspired me to write this post. Back in the days when I was a graphic designer in the advertising/communications field, we would have brainstorming sessions for new projects. We would have to repeat the rules about 10 times each session because someone would say, "that's stupid," or "don't write that one down!" That breaks the first rule – anything goes – NO CENSORING! You gotta get the bad ideas out somehow!
Here's a quote from the great Chuck Jones about creating art:
Here's a quote from the great Chuck Jones about creating art:
Switch out ‘drawings’ with ‘ideas’, or any creative endeavor.
Here is my list of Brainstorming Rules written in deference to the Movie Fight Club, and the Rules of Fight Club:
Rules of BRAINSTORM
- 1st RULE: You do not censor ANY ideas in BRAINSTORM.
- 2nd RULE: EVERY IDEA gets written down in BRAINSTORM.
- 3rd RULE: No Judgey Judgersons! If someone says 'that's stupid' or 'don't write that down' BRAINSTORM is over for them, and escort them out of the room. (This includes your inner voices!)
- 4th RULE: Only 15 minutes for each BRAINSTORM. (If nothing comes out of it, take and break and come back to it.)
- 5th RULE: In BRAINSTORM, quantity trumps quality. The more ideas, the better.
- 6th RULE: Build upon other ideas. Take an idea you wrote down and add to it.
- 7th RULE: Sketch you ideas out. If you just thought 'but I can't draw' please leave the BRAINSTORM. (Back to 3rd RULE of BRAINSTORM!)
- 8th RULE: Wild ideas are welcome. This is the time to think of the wildest ideas you can imagine! Having toys and puzzles around may help get your juices flowing.
Good luck with your ideas!
