As a creative, I’ve often found myself grappling with the unspoken rules that seem to govern our craft. These predefined rules can feel like an anchor, preventing us back from fully expressing our original ideas. Who sets these rules? No one really knows, but for some reason, we find ourselves adhering strongly to them, limiting our capabilities and shrinking our potential.
This concept became fully realised while I was listening to Beyoncé’s newest country album. In Track 12, “SPAGHETTI”, Linda Martell says, “Genres are a funny little concept, aren’t they?” This simple statement reveals a profound truth: genres, like many other constructs, are just another set of rules that can confine us. Many artists feel compelled to stay within the boundaries of their designated genre, fearing the unknown or the judgment that might come from exploring new territories.
But Beyoncé, the icon, defies these constraints. Her venture into country music is a testament to her eagerness to challenge these set constraints. She explores new sounds with research and a genuine passion for learning, showcasing how beautiful and successful breaking free from these invisible rules can be.
In my current read, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin, the chapter titled “Rules” delves into this very idea. Rubin writes, “Holding every rule as breakable is a healthy way to live as an artist. It loosens constraints that promote a predictable sameness in our working methods.” This resonates deeply with the notion that rules, by nature, are limitations. They box us in, suppressing our creativity and preventing us from exploring the full spectrum of our abilities.
Creating something unique in design requires us to let go of these rules. It demands that we challenge our assumptions and methods, allowing ourselves the freedom to experiment and innovate. Rubin encourages this mindset, stating,
Think about the last time you faced a creative block. Chances are, you were confined by some invisible rule, whether it was a self-imposed limitation or an expectation set by others. Breaking free from these mental shackles can be liberating. It’s like opening a door to a room you never knew existed, filled with endless possibilities and uncharted territories. This perspective encourages a healthy approach to creativity, one that values experimentation and learning over perfection and predictability.
Usually in design, rules often manifest as trends. We see what’s popular, what’s working for others, and feel compelled to follow suit. But true innovation comes from stepping away from these trends and daring to be different. It’s about trusting your instincts and allowing your unique perspective to shine through.
Consider the pioneers of design and art. They didn’t achieve greatness by adhering to the rules; they did so by breaking them. From the abstract paintings of Picasso to the deeply personal and symbolic works of Frida Kahlo, these creatives made their mark by challenging the status quo. Frida Kahlo, in particular, used her art to explore themes of identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society, all while breaking away from traditional forms and methods. Similarly, the Bauhaus movement revolutionized design by combining crafts and the fine arts, challenging the existing standards and promoting a new way to create functional yet beautiful designs.
This mindset can be applied to any creative field. Whether you’re a writer, a musician, a designer, or an artist, breaking free from the rules can lead to some of your most profound and impactful work. It’s about embracing the unknown and allowing yourself to take risks. It’s about viewing each project as an experiment, where failure is simply another step towards success.
Imagine if we approached life with the same curiosity and boldness that Beyoncé applies to her music. What if we questioned these self-imposed boundaries and allowed ourselves the freedom to explore new territories? We might discover talents we never knew we had, achieve goals we never thought possible, and experience a richness in life that we’ve been missing out on.
As creatives, we owe it to ourselves to break free from the constraints that limit us. Let’s take a cue from Beyoncé and Rick Rubin, and dare to explore the uncharted territories of our craft. By doing so, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, where our true potential can shine.
So, the next time you feel confined by invisible rules, remember that you have the power to break them. Challenge your assumptions, test your methods, and embrace the unknown. You might just create something extraordinary. After all, the world is full of possibilities waiting to be explored, and the only real limit is the one we set for ourselves.