Reinvent Yourself: Make Art (3/7)

Yesterday, we breezed through a discussion on ‘generosity’. The premise was that we could acquire experience and recognition by contributing ‘for free’. Since it doesn’t cost money to play, we have the ability to give before we get. A fledgling public speaker could organize free seminars, and a new author could offer sample eBooks for free.

Previously, I have given arbitrary examples of Twitter users, bloggers, and others who have become known for ‘something’. Today, we will briefly consider how to create distinctive ‘content’.

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Are you passionate about something? Do you wish to become known for a particular cause? We must face the facts: with billions of people on the planet and millions in Nigeria – it takes a ‘lot’ for your message to stand out (if it gets out at all). Digital media gives us an opportunity to get heard – for free in many cases – but our messages must stand out or they will drown in the clutter!

We must learn to make art.

Art is anything original. It is not necessarily a painting or a poem.It is something any of us can do. It is the opposite of trigonometry – it doesn’t follow instructions, a manual, or a boss’s orders. If you interact with others,you have the platform to create something new – something that changes everything. That is art!

What do Denrele Edun and Patrick Obahiagbon have in common? Art! Denrele has turned his dressing into a piece of art and Obahiagbon turns every sentence into an exercise in creativity! If you walked into a party, you would instantly spot a Denrele! If you listened in on a debate, you would notice an Obahiagbon the instant they started to speak! Why? They MAKE ART! (Space constrains me, but you may apply this to everything original).

Here is where I have another problem with school. School is set up to encourage conformity. If you step out of line, the system pushes you back to the center. Show signs of creativity, originality, or genius, and well-meaning parents and teachers will line up to get you back in line. BUT that is why art is so powerful! Where everyone else clutches to conformity in the center, you will stand out immediately you create something original.

Art is risky, and we’ll talk about the risks tomorrow.

Sound off below if you have questions, or 'case studies' that require explanation.

PS: Excerpts and paraphrases from Seth Godin's manifesto are reproduced in Bold print.