In 2018, he released a major research film about the nature of creativity.
Those who transformed the spheres in which they worked discuss creativity: Stephen Hawking, Angelina Jolie, Quentin Tarantino, David Bowie, the Dalai Lama and Vivienne Westwood.
The project website is worthy of special attention: it contains facts about everyone who starred in the film and their answers to the question about creativity.
The project website contains facts about everyone who starred in the film and their answers to the question about creativity.
The project is voiced in 2 languages: English and German.
Books to Help You Unlock Your Creativity
Books for the Curious Mind
These books are like puzzles—challenging, thought-provoking, and designed to expand your thinking. Whether you’re looking to improve decision-making, boost creativity, or understand how your mind works, these reads are must-haves for your library.
1. “Brilliant” by Edward de Bono
- What It’s About: This book introduces tools and methods to enhance decision-making in both professional and personal life.
- Why Read It: Learn how to think more effectively and make smarter choices.
2. “CrossFit of the Brain” by Igor M. Namakonov
- What It’s About: A practical guide to solving problems through action. It teaches you to think on your feet, come up with original solutions, and argue persuasively for your ideas.
- Why Read It: Perfect for anyone who wants to sharpen their problem-solving skills and thrive under pressure.
3. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
- What It’s About: This book explores the two systems of thinking—fast (intuitive, emotional) and slow (logical, deliberate)—and how they influence our decisions. It also delves into cognitive biases like overconfidence and planning errors.
- Why Read It: Gain insights into how your mind works and learn to avoid common thinking traps.
4. “Rice Storming and 21 More Ways to Think Outside the Box” by Michael Michalko
- What It’s About: A comprehensive guide to creative thinking techniques. It’s packed with strategies to help you generate innovative ideas from scratch.
- Why Read It: If you want to become a master of creativity and innovation, this book is your ultimate toolkit.
Why These Books Matter
- Expand Your Thinking: Each book offers unique perspectives and tools to challenge your mind.
- Practical Applications: The lessons are actionable and applicable to real-life situations.
- Boost Creativity and Decision-Making: Whether you’re solving problems or generating ideas, these books will help you think smarter and more creatively.
Key Takeaways
- “Brilliant”: Master the art of decision-making.
- “CrossFit of the Brain”: Solve problems quickly and effectively.
- “Thinking, Fast and Slow”: Understand the quirks of your mind.
- “Rice Storming”: Unlock your creative potential.
Books for Writers and Artists
Whether you’re a writer, artist, or creative thinker, these books offer inspiration, techniques, and insights to fuel your craft. From developing creative thinking to understanding storytelling structures, here’s a curated list of must-reads:
1. “I Want More Ideas” by Steve Rowling
- What It’s About: A treasure trove of over 100 techniques and exercises to spark creative thinking.
- Why Read It: Perfect for anyone looking to generate fresh ideas and overcome creative blocks.
2. “Exercises in Style” by Raymond Queneau
- What It’s About: A single, mundane story is retold in 99 different styles and genres, from botanical to philosophical to slang.
- Why Read It: A masterclass in storytelling versatility and creative experimentation.
3. “The Ideal Novel” by Max Fry
- What It’s About: A playful exploration of how stories end, written for readers who can’t resist skipping to the last page.
- Why Read It: A unique take on narrative structure and the art of storytelling.
4. “The Technology of Creative Thinking” by Mark Meerovich and Larisa Shragina
- What It’s About: Practical methods to stimulate creativity and enhance conscious control over the thinking process.
- Why Read It: Ideal for anyone seeking to boost their creative output in any field.
5. “Understanding Comics” by Scott McCloud
- What It’s About: A deep dive into the art and science of comics, answering questions like What is a comic? and How is it created and read?
- Why Read It: A must-read for comic creators and anyone interested in visual storytelling.
6. “Morphology of a Fairy Tale” by Vladimir Propp
- What It’s About: A groundbreaking analysis of the structure and patterns of fairy tales, first published in 1928.
- Why Read It: Essential for understanding narrative frameworks and storytelling traditions.
7. “The Runaway Species: How Human Creativity Remakes the World” by David Eagleman and Anthony Brandt
- What It’s About: A profound exploration of human creativity, innovation, and the drive to create.
- Why Read It: Combines neuroscience and art to explain how creativity shapes our world.
8. “Create Your Own Universe” by the MacLeod Brothers
- What It’s About: Insights into the creative process from experienced animators and screenwriters.
- Why Read It: A practical guide for anyone struggling to create something new and original.
Why These Books Matter
- Inspiration: Each book offers fresh perspectives and tools to ignite your creativity.
- Skill Development: Learn techniques to improve your craft, whether you’re writing, drawing, or storytelling.
- Understanding Creativity: Gain insights into how creativity works and how to harness it effectively.
Key Takeaways
- “I Want More Ideas”: Over 100 exercises to spark creativity.
- “Exercises in Style”: A masterclass in storytelling versatility.
- “The Ideal Novel”: A playful exploration of narrative endings.
- “The Technology of Creative Thinking”: Practical methods to boost creativity.
- “Understanding Comics”: A deep dive into visual storytelling.
- “Morphology of a Fairy Tale”: Unlock the secrets of fairy tale structures.
- “The Runaway Species”: Understand the science and art of creativity.
- “Create Your Own Universe”: Learn from seasoned creators.
Books for Business, Education, and Marketing
These books are essential for entrepreneurs, educators, and marketers looking to innovate, solve problems, and stay ahead in their fields. From creativity and product development to cultural economics, here’s a curated list of must-reads:
1. “One Plus One” by Dave Trott
- What It’s About: A collection of provocative stories and mental experiments designed to expand your creative thinking and idea generation.
- Why Read It: Perfect for anyone looking to stand out and think differently in business and marketing.
2. “When Coffee and Kale Compete” by Alan Klement
- What It’s About: A guide to creating and selling products that people truly want. It focuses on helping companies increase profits, reduce costs, and stay competitive.
- Why Read It: Ideal for entrepreneurs and product developers aiming to understand customer needs and market dynamics.
3. “Sprint” by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
- What It’s About: A step-by-step guide to developing and testing new products in just five days.
- Why Read It: A must-read for teams looking to innovate quickly and efficiently.
4. “CRAFT/ed” by Vasily Lebedev and Daria Ilishkina
- What It’s About: A resource for educators and creators seeking new formats, ideas, and opportunities in educational projects—whether in-person, online, or hybrid.
- Why Read It: Essential for anyone involved in designing or improving educational programs.
5. “Cultural Codes of the Economy” by Alexander Auzan
- What It’s About: Explores how culture—values, beliefs, and behaviors—shape economic outcomes. It examines how factors like history, religion, and climate influence a country’s economic success.
- Why Read It: A fascinating read for those interested in the intersection of culture and economics.
Why These Books Matter
- Innovation: Learn how to generate ideas, create products, and solve problems creatively.
- Practical Tools: Gain actionable strategies for business, marketing, and education.
- Cultural Insights: Understand how cultural factors influence economic and business success.
Key Takeaways
- “One Plus One”: Boost creativity and stand out in your field.
- “When Coffee and Kale Compete”: Create products that sell.
- “Sprint”: Innovate and test ideas in just five days.
- “CRAFT/ed”: Revolutionize educational projects.
- “Cultural Codes of the Economy”: Understand the role of culture in economic success.
Films About Creativity and Creative Industries
For Artists and Filmmakers: Must-Watch Films and Series
These films and series offer inspiration, insight, and a fresh perspective for artists and filmmakers. From exploring the minds of visionary creators to reimagining iconic stories, here’s a curated list of must-watch content:
- 1. “The Mind and Art” (2019)
- What It’s About: A documentary exploring visionary artists, from Flemish Renaissance masters to Surrealists and Outsider Art (Art Brut) creators. It traces the movement’s origins in Victorian mental hospitals to its recognition in top galleries and museums worldwide.
- Why Watch It: A deep dive into the minds of unconventional artists and the history of outsider art.
- 2. “What If…?” (TV Series, 2021–2024)
- What It’s About: This animated Marvel series reimagines pivotal moments in the lives of iconic characters, exploring alternate realities and outcomes.
- Why Watch It: A creative exploration of storytelling and character development, perfect for fans of narrative experimentation.
- 3. “Koyaanisqatsi” (1983)
- What It’s About: A groundbreaking documentary by Godfrey Reggio, featuring mesmerizing visuals by Ron Fricke and a haunting score by Philip Glass. The film uses time-lapse and slow-motion techniques to depict the relationship between humans, technology, and nature.
- Why Watch It: A visually stunning meditation on modern life and the power of cinematic storytelling.
- 4. “Exit Through the Gift Shop” (2010)
- What It’s About: A fascinating documentary about Thierry Guetta, an eccentric Frenchman who attempts to document the elusive street artist Banksy. The film blurs the line between art, documentary, and satire.
- Why Watch It: A thought-provoking exploration of art, fame, and the commercialization of creativity.
Why These Films and Series Matter
- Inspiration: Discover new ways to think about art, storytelling, and visual expression.
- Creative Techniques: Learn from innovative filmmaking and artistic approaches.
- Cultural Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of art movements and their impact on society.
Key Takeaways
- “The Mind and Art”: Explore the history and psychology of visionary artists.
- “What If…?”: Reimagine iconic stories and characters.
- “Koyaanisqatsi”: Experience the power of visual storytelling and music.
- “Exit Through the Gift Shop”: Reflect on the nature of art and fame.
For Designers: Must-Watch Films and Series
These films and series offer a deep dive into the world of design, showcasing the creativity, techniques, and philosophies of modern designers and artisans. Whether you’re a designer or simply curious about the field, these are must-watch resources.
1. “Abstract: The Art of Design” (TV Series, 2017–2019)
- What It’s About: This Netflix series explores the work and creative processes of leading designers across various fields, from graphic design to architecture. It delves into their inspirations, techniques, and the messages behind their work.
- Why Watch It: Gain insight into the minds of top designers and learn how they approach their craft.
2. “Design & Thinking” (2012)
- What It’s About: A documentary that explores the concept of design thinking and its application in business, culture, and society. It features interviews with designers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.
- Why Watch It: Understand how design thinking can drive innovation and solve complex problems.
- Where to Watch: YouTube
3. “Takumi: A 60,000-Hour Story on the Survival of Human Craft” (2018)
- What It’s About: This documentary follows four Japanese artisans—a Michelin-starred chef, a paper-cutting artist, an automotive craftsman, and a carpenter—as they dedicate their lives to mastering their crafts.
- Why Watch It: A celebration of craftsmanship, dedication, and the human touch in an increasingly automated world.
- Where to Watch: Streaming Platforms
Why These Films and Series Matter
- Inspiration: Discover the creative processes and philosophies of world-class designers and artisans.
- Skill Development: Learn about design thinking, craftsmanship, and innovative techniques.
- Cultural Insights: Explore how design and craftsmanship shape culture and society.
Key Takeaways
- “Abstract: The Art of Design”: Learn from the best in the design world.
- “Design & Thinking”: Understand the power of design thinking in solving real-world problems.
- “Takumi”: Appreciate the value of craftsmanship and human skill.
For Musicians: Must-Watch Films
These films offer fascinating insights into the music industry, creativity, and the art of borrowing and reinvention. Whether you’re a musician or a music enthusiast, these are must-watch resources.
1. “Everything is a Remix” (2010–2012)
- What It’s About: This documentary series explores the concept of borrowing and reinvention in the music industry. It covers everything from cover songs and reinterpretations to the rise of hip-hop and the transformative impact of sampling.
- Why Watch It: Gain a deeper understanding of how creativity builds on existing ideas and how innovation reshapes music.
- Where to Watch: Streaming Platforms
Why This Film Matters
- Creative Inspiration: Learn how musicians reinterpret and build on existing works to create something new.
- Industry Insights: Understand the historical and cultural impact of practices like sampling and covers.
- Broader Perspective: Reflect on the nature of creativity and originality in art.
Key Takeaways
- “Everything is a Remix”: Discover how borrowing and reinvention have shaped the music industry.