I'm an art school graduate. My Alma Mater, the University of Fine Arts in Berlin, has given me an unshakeable belief in the creativity of humans, in general, and my own, in particular. Let me explain why I think that the skill of drawing could be essential in business.
"Creativity is intelligence having fun."
Can the famous quote by Albert Einstein be reversed? Creativity= intelligence+ fun equals Creativity- fun= intelligence?
The question is: Can creativity spark intelligence?
Science says, yes. In the experience economy, we are talking about customer journeys, user experience, direct feedback and a variety of other topics in marketing, data analysis and strategy. It is a challenge for managers to activate the right hemisphere of their brains and to get playful and experimental.
Why is creativity an essential asset to have in the future?
On a day, not too far away from now, Artificial Intelligence is going to resolve many challenges better than we do. The rapid automatization in business puts the focus back to those leadership skills, which can't be reproduced or copied by AI.
Creativity is a talent to work with your brain in a manner that sets us humans apart from robots. It helps to save someone's working place in the future.
It synthesizes a lot of data collected by memories, feelings, data analysis and forecasts into a strategy and an outcome. Robots still have obstacles to do that.
You might have heard of algorithmic music. That is music where the computer is the DJ and the composer.
But how to start?
There are fantastic success programs which teach absolute beginners to make sketches like a pro. A mood board and a mindmap are excellent media to come to an idea. And ideas are essential for success in business.
Drawing and sketching by hand is a great process to unlock creative potential. It has as the most significant feature that there is not such a thing as an "Undo" command. Of course, you can work with an eraser, but that is not the same.
Apple wants us to be creative.
It is clear that influential companies like Apple want everybody to become creative. The user interface, Apps like ProCreate and the advanced filming and camera tools of the latest iPhone generation make it easier for people who are not previously educated to step into creative production.
With digital drawings, you have an Undo command. The famous artist David Hockney converted to be an iPad artist even at the age of seventy. He produces large-format paintings, consisting of many layers, with many steps back- and forward.
Making a sketch means inspiration for others
I always find deep relaxation and the feeling of achievement when I make a drawing or a sketch. It is an ideal experience for perfectionists like me to be satisfied with half a status not finished. An unfinished drawing or painting is, in fact, more inspiring for others. When we are sketching, we are entering a state of communication with others. Others can contribute, their imagination is triggered, and they understand what you want. Imagine how much money could be saved by corporations! If only the communication between leaders and executives was inspiring, and the message was clear to everybody.
Using visuals and figurative language
Visual associations and figurative/ metaphoric language impress others deeply and are memorable. Once you close this page, you might remember the eyes of the lion rather than the entire text you were reading. This is how it works.
Have a look at my drawings.
Which one of these sketches is your favourite?
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