Where Ideas Come From and Why Some Stay on Hold
Lin-Manuel Miranda knows all too well how to take big creative leaps. From an initial concept for a hip-hop musical about Alexander Hamilton into one of the most revered theatrical works ever, his idea has evolved into one of the most revered works ever seen onstage. At a recent innovation event in New York he discussed his strategy for determining whether an idea warrants pursuit: strong ideas won’t remain quiet, returning with new connected thoughts to suggest further growth of it’s value; these sparks should grow over time as small sparks often dissipate leaving something deeper more worthwhile behind than smaller sparks do –
Collaboration Is Essential To Creativity
Miranda emphasizes the value of collaboration when discussing his musical adaptation of The Warriors with Eisa Davis as his collaborators, showing how great ideas rarely blossom alone. Working together helps refine an original concept, expand upon it further, and transform into something richer than it would be alone. Cooperation doesn’t lessen creativity but instead enhances it through different strengths, perspectives, and energies brought into its development process.
Trap Your Thoughts Before They Erase From Memory
Inspiration doesn’t always strike at convenient moments, which is why Miranda often jokes that his best ideas come when he can’t write them down (like while showering or walking)! To combat this he keeps notes everywhere from paper notepads in his car to notes apps on his phone to random scribbles which might later inspire larger ideas. His habit illustrates an important truth – creative people do not rely solely on memory but document thoughts early so any small detail might form part of something larger later.
Are You Waiting Until It Is Right To Act on Something Important? Don’t Panic Just Yet… Now.
Not every idea needs to be implemented immediately. Miranda noted how when offered the chance to begin work on The Warriors years earlier than intended, initially felt intimidated and didn’t feel prepared; therefore waited until his idea had matured, the moment felt right, and his perspective had grown enough for it to come alive. Sometimes waiting isn’t procrastination–rather it gives room for clarity, context, and confidence to form over time.
Stay Intrigued By What’s Around You — and Always Seek Knowledge From Others
Miranda attributes an essential factor to his creative process as curiosity. Instead of abandoning works he doesn’t enjoy, he instead asks why something doesn’t work or how something could be different – this helps refine taste as well as your artistic voice by expanding and refining both experiences and tastes. Staying open-minded to various forms of expression offers new insights which allow Miranda to craft work which feels both personally meaningful and resonant with audiences.
Miranda believes that great ideas don’t pass quickly through our minds; rather they come back often and evolve over time, inviting collaboration among creators. By paying attention to what sticks with them and keeping an open mind throughout, creators can develop more intentional, impactful work.
