Episode 107: The Artisan Life – Seal Creativity With a KIS

It’s tempting to add features or embellishments to our art.  What we make.  But true creativity is often shown in its simplicity.  Because when you strip something down, the true quality is revealed.  On this episode, we talk together about sealing your creativity with a KIS.

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On This Episode

Rhythm of Life – My Word for 2019

Random Riffs – I Take Back What I Said

Feature Segment – Seal Creativity With a KIS

Today’s Quote

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.  –Leonardo da Vinci

Rhythm of Life – My One Word for 2019

I select a theme word at the beginning of each year.  This is based on the principles in Jon Gordon’s book “One Word That Will Change Your Life”

Some of my words in past years were Create.  And Joy.

I had a few options, and hadn’t settled on anything for 2019.  And then one day I woke up and thought I had it.  Listen to the episode to hear what I chose.

Have you come up with your one word for this year yet?  If not, why not do it this week?  Let your One Word be your North Star for however, much remains of 2019. And let’s see what unfolds.

Random Riffs – I Take Back What I Said

Back in Episode 97, I said that the Sia song “Chandelier” should be retired.

Well, after this past weekend I’m changing my mind.  At least slightly.  Because after hearing someone sing it well, I realized it wasn’t the song I didn’t like.  It was the delivery.

The same was true with brussels sprouts.  It wasn’t the vegetable I didn’t like.  It was the way they were presented.

Sometimes think we don’t like something, when it’s really the delivery or package we don’t like.  I don’t want to reject something that could be incredible because it didn’t look that way at first glance.  Maybe you don’t either.  Because sometimes the package hides the beauty inside or underneath.

The next time you experience something you don’t like, ask yourself why.  Maybe it’s not the thing at all.  Maybe it’s just the package.

Feature Segment – Seal Creativity With a KIS

Maria Callas told a young singer to eliminate vocal embellishments unless they better communicated the emotion of the song.  Creativity is the same way. It isn’t about more.  It’s about less.  Seal your creativity with a KIS – Keep It Simple.

It’s similar to what we talked about on Episode 105, except here it’s about the output, as opposed to the process.

Sadly, this isn’t how many people or companies operate.  They act as though they believe more is more.  Food companies are notorious for this.  As are software companies.  They load up on options or new versions.  It gets confusing and dilutes the brand.  Do you know that Quaker Oats now has 25 flavors of instant oatmeal?  And all of them are less healthy than the original

Contrast with the iPhone.  The design is simple.  They’ve resisted complicating it over time.

We so often try to add more, thinking people get more for their money that way.  Much of that just adds to confusion.

How can you deliver simplicity when the tendency is to expand?  How can you know how much is enough and not less than enough?

1. Keep your eyes on the purpose


2. Ruthlessly evaluate everything in light of that purpose.


3. Aim for clarity.

Finally, if creativity delivers simplicity, keep thinking “How can I deliver the most powerful and effective result?” Don’t rest until you’ve achieved best balance you can between functionality and simplicity.

Simplicity isn’t simple.  If was, everyone would do it.  Artisans practice KISing their creative work.  Because true creativity delivers simplicity every time.

What are you creating?  Is there anything that’s overly complex, confusing, or just plain too much?  How can you simplify it?  If you’re having trouble figuring out what to do, send an email to [email protected].   Or leave a comment.

Are you longing for your creativity to deliver extraordinary results?  Seal it with a KIS.

Want your creativity to deliver extraordinary results? Seal it with a KIS.
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Artisan Series

090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work

091: The Three C’s of Artisanship

092: Are You a Creator, Consumer, or Critic?

093: Where to Start as an Artisan? With a MAP.

094: What’s Your Signature Scent?

095: The Foundations of Craftsmanship

096: Follow Your Curiosity to Build Craftsmanship

097: Craftsmanship Requires Change

098: Building Craftsmanship – When it Gets Hard

099: Building Craftsmanship – Take Care of Your Tools

101: Building Craftsmanship – Be an Apprentice

102: Building Craftsmanship – Practice

103: 4 Habits That Foster Creativity

104: Time for Wonder

105: Forget the Big Bang Theory

106: Constraints Ignite Creativity

The post Episode 107: The Artisan Life – Seal Creativity With a KIS first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.