At school, my art teacher drilled it into us to fill up our art books. At the time I only concluded that I needed a certain body of work to gain a certain grade, but looking back it was a profound lesson in creativity. Creating a volume of work of all types, sketches, charcoal, acrylics, rubbings, collage forced me to think in innovative ways so I didn’t repeat myself: I realised that creating a volume of work induces creativity. Creativity is a muscle that can be worked; it’s a skill you can improve on.
Two pottery teachers had two pottery classes, each teaching how to make cups. One teacher graded their class on the number of cups they could make, the higher the number of cups, the higher the grade. As long as it could hold water it counted. The other teacher graded their class based on the quality of 1 cup. That class spent time deliberating about every minute detail of those cups. At the end of the semester the teachers compared the cups. The class making lots of cups were far superior than the class that deliberated over their 1 perfect cup. Focus on the process of making volume and the quality takes care of itself.
Concept artists starting out in the games industry often get hung upon the quality of their work, fearing that each piece must showcase their full talents. they should prioritise producing a volume of work, allowing the volume to lead to quality. Take Picasso, for example. Over his 78-year career, he produced a staggering 147,800 creative pieces, averaging 1,894 per year. This output enabled Picasso to evolve through various artistic periods, each marked by distinct styles and themes. Without a substantial volume of work, Picasso wouldn't have been able to explore and refine his artistic style through these periods. Therefore, if volume is the cornerstone of mastery for the likes of Picasso, it could be for you too.
Many writers fixate on perfecting their novels, sacrificing practice and feedback in the process. It's crucial for writers to prioritise finishing their projects and seeking immediate feedback. Writing blogs or short articles allows for instant audience response, enabling writers to refine their skills based on what resonates with them and their audience. The author Nathan Barry is a notable advocate for daily writing, stating, "One little habit of writing 1,000 words a day revolutionized my career." This dedication highlights the impact consistent practice can have in your career.
In today's era of appeasing algorithms, publishing more data points in your niche often yields greater dividends than labouring over something big that remains untested. Embracing a mindset of producing volume and iterative refinement can lead to greater success in this changing time of creative professions.
In conclusion, whether in art, design, or literature, quantity does lead to quality. By focusing on the process of creating volume and embracing the opportunities for feedback and improvement, you can reach your creative potential and pave the way for greater success.
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