Given my observations at SXSW earlier in the year, I have a better appreciation for the power of inclusion — we’re all potentially capable of being “creative” in some shape or form. The democratization of digital media creation and distribution is certainly helping to enable that return to inclusion.

SXSW 2007: Digital Storytelling Phenomenon
http://dhdeans.blogspot.com/2007/03/sxsw-2007-digital-storytelling.html

Perhaps more high schools or colleges should offer an open “Introduction to Creativity” class that reinstates the notion that freedom of expression is innate to the human condition. Apparently, many dormant “makers” really need that essential reminder — as thoughtful words of encouragement.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I like that you’ve taken an alternative approach to presenting your data - in some ways the “digital toaster” approach that purpose-built software gives us can be freeing; you put the data bread in, you get useful presentation toast out. But, that is only true if you only want or need “toast.” Taking a step back from the simple options presented is often a more challenging road, but ultimately more rewarding for people who have a specific vision that can’t be met through tried-and-true methods.

I am of the opinion that the term “artist” is fairly limiting for many people mentally, and carries a certain amount of baggage for most, but that the term “maker” gets right to the point. This helped me create an underlying foundation for the approach I’ve suggested… if you have to produce something, you are a “maker” and there is a great deal of accumulated wisdom to be shared among makers of various stripes. Writers, painters, sculptors, architects, graphic designers, inventors, welders, race fabricators, cartoonists, engineers, theoreticians, even statistical data miners… these are all makers in my book. These are people who generate new artifacts of hand and mind, without whom the world would be somewhat less interesting. “Fiat res” as it were.

Where before there was nothing (or perhaps other, less developed “somethings”) now there exists something. Moving from state to state requires energy, and where makers all face a common barrier (namely “how do I make this thing?”) makers also have generated many solutions to these barriers over time. I think once makers realize that they share this kinship with other makers, it opens up their world to a flood of new possibilities. I think you are certainly aware of this, having taken a multidisciplinary approach to a well-known task.

And yes, I could write about this forever. I tried to cover a lot of ground quickly, but this topic is wide and deep - I’m glad you enjoyed what I was able to provide. You’re certainly welcome to share your insights as a maker in the comments if you’d like, as I have by no means exhausted the subject.

Thanks again! - J. Dock

Thank you for sharing these insights via your three-part series of posts. I’ve seen Salvador Dali paintings up close at museums in both the U.S. and Spain — which is so much better than via books or prints.

The ability to tap into his vivid imagination made him a true master of his art form. For those of use who write about technology and business, it’s difficult to make a connection with artistic creativity — but not impossible.

I’ve been experimenting with creating video vignettes from stock footage — instead of the more typical PowerPoint format to present statistical data. The results have been encouraging.

Happy Holidays to you, and the other folks at Pluck. I’m grateful for the opportunity to include my blog within the BlogBurst network for another year, and have my posts syndicated by your publisher customers.

David H. Deans
Digital Lifescapes
Austin, Texas