Youβre reading an excerpt of Creative Doing, by Herbert Lui. 75 practical techniques to unlock creative potential in your work, hobby, or next career. Purchase now for instant, lifetime access to the book.
Michelle Kuo says being relaxed during the creative process is really important. βItβs not pure relaxation, itβs like relaxation plus a little bit of tension,β she says in an interview for this book. βI was taking these singing classes. I really adored my singing teacher, and she used to say this thing that always stuck with me, which is: to hit the high notes you have to be relaxed. Most people tense up when they see a high note coming, but actually to hit it, your breath needs to be relaxed.β
Finding your comfort could also mean acknowledging your own progress. βThe more Iβve been painting, I donβt know if Iβll be getting better, but I get a lot more comfortable. When youβre a lot more comfortable, I think you are getting a lot better,β says Michael Saviello. βYour technique is improving even though you donβt know it.β