Creativity. Purpose. Drive.
In the world of artistic entrepreneurship, three interconnected elements—creativity, purpose, and drive—form a guiding constellation that leads the creator through the uncharted territory of innovation and personal growth. These components shape not just the work we do but who we become as individuals striving to express, connect, and transcend. Drawing from my diverse career experiences, including an interactive documentary project with the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, I’ll illustrate how these pillars inform and empower a deep generalist approach.
The Creative Impulse
Creativity is the vital force that compels us to step beyond the familiar and engage with the unknown. It’s not a mysterious, elusive quality reserved for a select few; it’s a practice—a discipline honed through years of exploration and curiosity. The brain’s default mode network, involved in complex problem-solving and imagination, becomes more active when we regularly practice creative thinking (Beaty et al., 2016). This network was my driving force when I collaborated with historians and archaeologists on an interactive documentary project focused on Iron Age pre-Roman societies in the Cantabrian mountains.
In this project, I immersed myself in data: LIDAR scans of Celtiberian hillforts, historical accounts, and the insights of experts. The process of interpreting raw data and transforming it into compelling 3D visualizations of ancient societies required an integration of imagination and research. This project brought together insights from historians like those at Astures, who delve into the rich history of the region, and the creative skills of illustrators such as Iván Cuervo, whose work in historical visualization provided invaluable inspiration. It was a testament to the idea that creativity is about making connections, asking “What if?”, and daring to envision possibilities even when the outcome is uncertain.
Cultivating Creative Habits: To nurture creativity, adopt a habit I call “contextual exploration.” This practice involves delving into fields unrelated to your own—reading about history, listening to unfamiliar music, or studying natural patterns. This method primes your mind to see connections others may miss, laying the groundwork for groundbreaking projects.
Purpose: The Anchor of Meaning
Purpose is the element that binds creativity and drive, transforming them from fleeting moments into a cohesive journey. It infuses work with deeper meaning, making every challenge worthwhile and every success more fulfilling. In the context of the interactive documentary on Celtiberian settlements, the purpose was clear: to bridge the gap between historical knowledge and modern understanding, bringing the stories of ancient societies to life. This was not just an academic endeavor for me; it was personal, rooted in my deep connection to the Cantabrian mountains and my heritage.
Even though the project did not reach publication, its purpose remained a powerful source of fulfillment. Psychological research shows that individuals with a clear sense of purpose experience greater resilience and well-being. Purpose sustains you through setbacks, allowing you to see value in the process itself. This project reinforced for me that the act of creating with intention carries its own significance, regardless of the outcome.
Finding Your Purpose: Ask yourself what impact you want your work to have. Is it to inform, inspire, or connect people with forgotten stories? Write this down and revisit it often. It acts as a compass, ensuring that your creative journey stays aligned even when obstacles arise.
Drive: The Sustained Force of Action
Drive is the energy that takes creativity and purpose and propels them into action. It’s not just about momentary motivation; it’s the steady momentum that carries you through the highs and lows of creative work. According to Self-Determination Theory, intrinsic motivation—engaging in activities because they are inherently satisfying—plays a crucial role in sustaining effort over time. My drive has always been fueled by an innate curiosity and a desire to see ideas realized, from leading Glueleg and composing original music as ALONSO to developing comprehensive learning platforms like the Digital Designer Designation.
The interactive documentary tested my drive as I faced long hours rendering 3D models, verifying historical data, and coordinating with a multidisciplinary team. The near-completion without publication was a significant challenge, but it underscored that drive is about maintaining momentum not just for external success, but for personal and creative growth. It’s the force that transforms setbacks into lessons and fuels the next endeavor with newfound wisdom.
Sustaining Your Drive: Develop a routine of intentional reflection. Take five minutes at the end of each day to jot down what you accomplished and how it aligns with your larger goals. This practice reinforces your commitment and highlights the incremental progress that fuels long-term endeavors.
The Deep Generalist Approach
In the creative world, there is often an emphasis on the importance of specialization—becoming an expert in a single, narrow field. However, being a generalist means having the ability to draw on knowledge from a variety of disciplines to solve problems, create new ideas, and adapt to changing circumstances. This doesn’t mean being superficial in many areas, but rather having a depth of understanding that spans multiple fields. Generalists are skilled at making connections between disparate domains, which often leads to breakthroughs that specialists, confined to their area of expertise, might overlook.
In my own career, the benefits of being a deep generalist have been evident. My work spans music, digital design, education, and historical research, as seen in the collaboration with the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Each field has informed the others, creating a rich tapestry of insights that allows me to approach challenges with a unique perspective. This adaptability is essential in today’s fast-changing world, where rigid specialization can become a limitation. A generalist mindset fuels creativity and resilience, enabling creators to pivot, innovate, and remain relevant.
Being a generalist empowers you to see beyond conventional paths and reimagine what is possible. It’s a practice in curiosity and synthesis, fostering a kind of creative agility that leads not just to varied work but to work that is connected, meaningful, and reflective of a creator’s multifaceted nature.
The Purposefulness of Self-Discovery and Authentic Communication
At the core of creativity, purpose, and drive is the ongoing journey of self-discovery. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it is the essence of impactful creative expression. The more deeply you understand yourself—your passions, strengths, and values—the more your work resonates with others. My involvement in exploring the lives of ancient hillfort societies wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a form of self-expression that connected me to my roots, making the project not only more rewarding but more authentic.
Self-expression enables accurate communication—not just in a technical sense, but in a way that conveys the true essence of the creator. Whether through music, visual art, or digital design, the most compelling work comes from a place of honesty and self-understanding.
Final Thoughts
Creativity, purpose, and drive are more than just abstract concepts; they are practices embedded in the life of a creator. They shape how we approach our work and navigate our careers, not as specialists confined by narrow expertise but as deep generalists capable of moving fluidly across disciplines. By embracing these pillars, we don’t just build successful projects; we craft lives of meaning, resilience, and profound self-expression. This journey fosters self-discovery, authentic communication, and the unending pursuit of connecting deeply with both our work and the world around us.