My Creative Process for Training

On Tuesday, a client asked me about my creative process.

How do I come up with all my trainings and campaigns.

I'm not sure it's the most efficient way, but it works for me.

Here it is.

It's kind of like an elastic band.

I have an idea and I run with it as fast and as far as I can go.

Usually, sketch up some stuff.

Often visuals to represent an analogy or metaphor I'm using to communicate in idea.

They are often way out there and I can feel the stretch of the elastic that tells me I may be going too far.

But it's in that zone that I usually get my best ideas.

Sometimes I'll spend a little too much time there creating a whole storyline, graphic, or even music to convey my thinking.

But then, have to look back to the starting point.

The starting point of the student.

"Meet them where they're at!"

How are they coming into this training?

What level of expertise, and understanding do they have of the topic and will they understand my perspective?

So the elastic band draws me back.

It's a useful exercise because it allows me the freedom of thought so I can really stretch but then it's my job to create the bridge.

For instance, in this image, I sketched ALL the different aspects that would form the elements of the Client CODEX. (image above)

I then overcomplicated them, by listing out all the steps and everything I thought people would need.

I then culled it back and removed anything that was fluff.

NEXT, spending nearly a day just illustrating the visual of the Blacksmiths workshop because it's an analogy that means a lot to me.

After all the effort, I reduced it more, scrapped the illustration, and formed a much simpler framework that's memorable, more teachable, and more accessible for those who haven't been blacksmithing for the last 7 years.

So while the analogy of working metal is a beautiful overlay, transforming your business, clients, and self...it's not going to serve the audience at this point in their journey.

They just want to know the steps to get great clients, fast.

I even bought a leather bound book that I was going to put the CODEX inside, but when I mocked up the idea in the visual you can see.

I realised people would think I was selling a virtual book!

Well, that's not going to work.

My final step is always the Logical Lindsey test.

My, now fiancé, Lindsey, is very good at talking me down from a ledge.

Cause I can get VERY excited about an idea.

"I don't get it..." means I'm too far in the weeds.

So the elastic pulls back until there is a 'simple' SNAP!

Simple of good. It's teachable and memorable when you add the right hooks.

Not all of my campaigns land.

I've come to terms with that because it keeps my soul in the work.

So I continue to 'create'.

I create to connect my heart and my artistry to the work.

And I create for the one in one hundred that blows up and has a massive impact.?

I stretch for the exercise and the inspiration and the search for a little spark of greatness.

And from time to time, it really does happen.

Daily creation may not be for everyone, but this is a big part of my Professional Lifestyle.

And I love it!

Stay Passionate!

~ Russell.