Like many of us who didn't grow up in her era, my first glimpse of Grace Jones came when I saw her acting in the Eddie Murphy comedy Boomerang. It wasn't until years later that I understood just how much of a cultural icon she was and still is. From modeling to performing, everyone from photographers to celebs like Beyonce, Madonna, Lady Gaga, etc., has built upon the innovative, creative visions Grace Jones produced throughout her career. From her calculated cubist/androgynous look to her wild and sometimes strange behavior, she is a true embodiment of self-expression, confidence, artistic intelligence, and forward-thinking that we can learn and grow from when it comes to our creative endeavors.
Without further ado, here are three quick tips to jumpstart your creativity inspired by the force of nature that is Grace Jones.
Motion Creates Emotion
Studying and learning are paramount, yet it is useless if you don't take action and apply what you know. Indecision and hesitation will keep you in a creative rut. Don't just be a walking Wikipedia page; get out and make a move with whatever ideas you may have. Have fun, play around, reassess, and start building some momentum.
Stretch Your Mind
Take up new interests that allow you to see different and have a fresh perspective. Learning something new and challenging will stretch your mind and create new pathways in your brain. Like the muscles in your body, regular "exercise" for your mind will improve brain function and help you solve those complicated creative problems in and out of working projects. You never want to be boxed in by tradition and dogma. There is never only one best way to approach or do something creatively. Albert Einstein said it best "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it."
Think and Dream Creatively
When you believe something is possible, your mind will begin figuring out ways to achieve it. Eliminate the word impossible from your vocabulary and give your all with something you love. You never heard of a flower not wanting to blossom as beautiful as it possibly could or a sequoia tree not feeling like growing to its highest potential. Let the source of whatever flows through us all shine its brightest through you.
