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When I was in elementary school my favorite part of the day was recess, because it meant one thing: Kickball. When the clock struck 11:3o, we knew it was time to double-knot our Skechers and change into our "sliding pants". The teacher would line us up and appoint two of us (usually the ones jumping up and down with the most enthusiasm) to be 'captains'. As a captain, it was your job... Nay, your responsibility; to choose the best team you could in order to claim victory over your opponents. And what was your prize? The highest of high stakes: your team got to be at the front of the lunchline. Being captain was a huge responsibility.
If you're in the creative business, it's important that you pick your creative team with all the care of a seven year-old kickball captain. There are several key players that help you to become the best creative captain you can be, and by identifying them in your life, you'll be eating at the front of the lunchline in no time.
The Collaborator
Arguably one of the most important roles in a creative environment, The Collaborator is always ready to brainstorm. No matter how raw or unformulated your idea may be, bring it to this person and he/she will help you mold your idea into something great. A good Collaborator is someone who is supportive, creative, and who you feel comfortable sharing ideas with. They're typically the first person you would go to with an idea.
The Mentor
The Mentor is a seasoned veteran of the creative field, someone who's opinions and ideas you respect above that of your peers. This person, apart from being a valuable resource of ideas, is someone you can go to during the inevitable writers' blocks for some creative strategy. Someone who's been in the business as long as they have can help you shake your cerebral etch-a-sketch and start fresh. They're an especially great resource if you're having trouble coming up with ideas, or want to refine your creative technique.
The Critic
Every great artist is going to face critics, which is why it's so important to have this person on your roster. There's a huge difference between a Critic and a yes-man, and it's vital that you don't get the two confused. A Critic steps in during the last stages of creation to offer an outside perspective on your work. It should be someone who you're comfortable accepting criticism from, and who isn't overtly partial to your work. Keep in mind that this person doesn't hold veto power, but instead acts as the voice of the casual observer.
The Muscle
No matter how great your idea may be, it's not going anywhere without The Muscle. This is the person who knows how to put rubber to the road. Whether it's event planning, marketing, or guerrilla tactics, The Muscle will do whatever it takes to make your idea a reality. A good candidate for The Muscle is someone that is organized, driven, and good at networking. They shouldn't be afraid to get their hands dirty, and since they're an extremely important part of the creative team, should also be allowed a say in the creative process.
Sometimes something as simple as the people you associate with can either inspire or stifle your creative energy. Can you identify the line-up on your creative team? Find out where you fit into the roster, or you might find yourself on the bench!
This week's listening recommendation: "The Flower of Rhodes" by Cavil At Rest
-Brock ><((">
