Collaboration – working together with other people on a common task – becomes a threat to the creativity, ability and artistry of the individual.
Except when it doesn’t.
Pastor Chris Vacher
Over the years I have seen the benefits of collaboration far outweigh the pitfalls to the point that there’s almost no creative work that I do – song writing, service planning, sermon series brainstorming – completely on my own. Collaboration has become so vital to my creative process that I almost can’t imagine it happening any other way.
“Well… that’s because you’re just not that good!” you might say. And you might be right. Except no great artist in the history of the world has ever been a completely ‘solo creative’, flying under the shadow of darkness and then suddenly revealing his or her greatest work to crowds of admirers. Painters, sculptors, and yes, even Steve Jobs have had apprentices, co-labourers, patrons and employees who have helped inspire them to create even better work.
Here are three ways that collaboration increases creativity:
- Collaboration makes the final product better.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we can make something better than me. What we do together will always be better than what I can do on my own. Our ideas, our talent, our inspiration, and our abilities working together will result in a better-finished product than if I had been left to my own devices. Obviously there is a caveat here: process. The process to get from inspiration to completion has to be there or we’ll have a bunch of passionate artists throwing their ideas into a mishmash mix of mess. Process involves the steps of creativity and also the personality of creatives. Each person has something to offer as well as the right time to offer it. If you bring together the right people and the right process, look out! The finished product of creative collaboration will always be better.
2. Collaboration makes me better
Working with other artists always pushes, encourages, affirms, shapes and refines my creative abilities. As a songwriter, I’ve found that working together with other songwriters helps me see where I’m on the right track and opens my eyes to some things I should work on. Planning a large event like a Christmas Eve service with other creatives can confirm some of the ideas that I have, and bring new ideas to the table that will challenge me to be better. Never once have I left a brainstorming session, a song co-write or any other kind of collaborative creative experience and felt like it was a waste of time. Creative collaboration always makes me better.
3. Collaboration makes others better
As we mature we become more and more aware that our creative collaboration is not just about the finished product, and it’s not just about me. Part of our responsibility as artists is to develop, encourage, cheer on and actively develop other artists. Whatever your level of creativity or skill, someone at some point – a teacher, a mentor, a worship leader, whoever – took time to intentionally pour into you…and part of that legacy is the opportunity to pour into others. Collaboration allows others to be better in many of the same ways that collaboration makes me better. Within the context of relationship and creativity we are able to show new ways of thinking, demonstrate new skills and provide a safe place for artists to explore their ability in a new way for the first time. Don’t overestimate this. Any artist with a desire to be part of creating great work will understand that investing in others will always have the greatest return – and collaboration is an incredible way to see that happen.
So next time the opportunity for collaboration within a creative setting becomes available, say yes! You might be afraid, you might be intimidated, you might even be insulted, but the reasons to say yes to collaborative creativity always outweigh the reasons to say no.
Visit Chris’ blog at chrisfromcanada.
