Creativity Is A Science by Allen Gannett

ALLEN GANNETT is the founder and CEO of TrackMaven, a marketing analytics platform whose clients have included Microsoft, Marriott, Saks Fifth Avenue, Home Depot, Aetna, Honda, and GE. He has been on the “30 Under 30” lists for both Inc. and Forbes. He is a contributor for FastCompany.com and has an upcoming book The Creative Curve, on how anyone can achieve moments of creative genius, coming out in June 2018 from Currency, a division of Penguin Random House. He was also once a very pitiful runner-up on Wheel of Fortune.

Podcast Highlights:

• Consumption - you need to immerse yourself in the subject
• Imitation - copy the talented people before you to get a better feel for the subject
• Creative Community - surround yourself with smart creative people to develop truly creative ideas

Contact Allen:

• LinkedIn
• The Creative Curve Book

Summary

Introduction

The document is a transcript of a conversation between Umar Hameed, an expert in changing human behavior, and Allen Gannett, the founder and CEO of TrackMaven, a marketing analytics service. Gannett is also the author of the book "The Creative Curve."

The Concept of the Creative Curve

Gannett introduces the concept of the "Creative Curve," which he describes as the relationship between familiarity and novelty in creative works. He argues that the most successful creative works are those that strike a balance between these two elements. They are familiar enough to be relatable and novel enough to be interesting and unique.

The Role of Hard Work and Practice

The conversation then shifts to the role of hard work and practice in achieving success. Gannett refers to the "10,000-hour rule," a popular theory that suggests it takes about 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert in a field. He emphasizes the importance of consistent effort and practice in mastering a craft.

The Importance of Timing

Gannett and Hameed discuss the role of timing in success. Gannett suggests that timing can sometimes be more important than talent. He argues that being at the right place at the right time can significantly impact one's success, especially in creative fields.

Creativity Is A Science

Gannett shares some insights from his interviews with successful creatives. He notes that many successful creatives have a strong support network that helps them through their creative process. He also mentions that they often have a "consumption advantage," meaning they consume more content in their field than their peers. This consumption helps them stay informed and inspired.

Advice for Aspiring Creatives

The conversation concludes with Gannett sharing some advice for aspiring creatives. He suggests that they should focus on consuming a lot of content in their field, practice their craft regularly, and build a strong support network. He believes these steps can significantly increase their chances of success in their creative endeavors.