Elements of Creativity

Creativity is made up of three basic elements: Action, Connection, and Deviation. This can be remembered with the simple pneumonic, do, glue & skew.

A Definition of Creativity
"Creativity is the act of connecting things in unexpected ways." ~Jason Theodor

This definition contains the three core Elements of Creativity. The act of creation, the connection of things (thoughts, ideas, objects), and the deviation of how they fit together unexpectantly.

Action
Action, the act of creation, the practice and hard work behind the scenes, is the foundational element of creativity and far more important than originality. Without action, nothing gets made. This simple fact is the most overlooked in all definitions. Creativity is something you need to work for and work at. For some it may come easier than other, as with other natural talent, like sport. But without constant practice it may be a natural talent wasted.

Connection
Connection, the bonds of creation, the meaning that strings together the parts that matter, is the interstitial element of creativity.

Deviation
Deviation, the unique expression of creation, is that drop of original blood, that step off of the well-marked path, the stone's throw beyond the status quo.

Magic
The Fourth Element is sometimes referred to as Magic, due to it's elusive qualities. It is more of a feeling, and less tangible than the other elements. It is the subjective and personal 'gut feeling' that the work or art or artist in question is somehow hyper-relevant. Something is clicking an a way that supercedes the elements, that is a sum far greater than its parts.