Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels...
What Steve Jobs can teach us about breaking the mold!
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ― Steve Jobs
In a world where convention often overshadows creativity, the words of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and a pioneer in the technology industry, resonate profoundly. Jobs was not just an entrepreneur — he was a visionary who transformed the tech landscape with innovations that redefined how we communicate, work, and create. Under his leadership, Apple became a symbol of innovation and design excellence. His approach was never about adhering to the norm but about seeing beyond it, challenging it, and ultimately changing it.
In one of his most memorable quotes, Jobs celebrated the unconventional: “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels...” This tribute to the outliers mirrors the journey every artist and creator undertakes. As part of this tribe of visionaries, you share the same potential to see the world not just for what it is, but for what it could be.
In this edition of The Intentional Artist, we dive into how this ethos can inspire and guide your creative path.
Let’s get started…
The Power of Different Perspectives
Jobs’ ‘crazy ones’ see the world through a unique lens. Think of Picasso, who challenged the art world with Cubism, and Virginia Woolf, who redefined narrative in literature. Their refusal to conform opened new ways of expression and thought.
Your creative journey can mirror these examples. Every time you create, you have a chance to shift perceptions and challenge the status quo. It’s a privilege to open new windows of thought and understanding through your art or creative output.
Breaking Rules and Respecting Artistic Integrity
Artistic rebellion isn’t about rejecting rules but discerning which ones to challenge to enhance your vision. Georgia O’Keeffe’s vibrant flowers weren’t just art — they were statements of freedom, embodying her unique vision against her era’s expectations.
Reflect on the ‘rules’ in your field. What feels limiting? How can breaking this rule liberate your creativity and allow your true voice to emerge?
Embracing the Misfit Within
Misfits and outliers pave the way for new ideas. Their strength comes from their uniqueness. Embracing what makes you different — your background, perspective and style — is a powerful statement of individuality.
Think about what sets your work apart. Your unique traits are not just quirks — they are the essence of your artistic identity.
Transformative Power of Art
Jobs believed that those ‘crazy enough to think they can change the world — are the ones who do.’ Your art has the potential to influence, challenge norms, and inspire action. It’s more than just art; it’s a catalyst for change.
Consider the issues that move you. How can your art contribute to these conversations? Your work can be a powerful voice.
Fostering a Community of Rebels
Walking the creative rebel path can be isolating, but you’re not alone. Connecting with kindred spirits can empower and spark collective change.
Look for opportunities to connect with other creative minds and build a community of changemakers.
Celebrating Your Inner Rebel
Choosing your unique creative path is an act of courage. Celebrate every step where you’ve stayed true to your vision. These moments are milestones in your creative journey.
Action Steps for the Intentional Artist
Reflect on Your Art: Spend time contemplating how your work can challenge norms and provoke thought. Consider how your unique perspective can add something new and valuable to the world of art.
Experiment with Breaking Rules: Select a specific convention or technique in your field that you feel is limiting. In your next project, intentionally break this norm. Observe how this rebellion opens up new avenues of creativity and expression.
Embrace Your Uniqueness: Make a list of the qualities that distinguish your work from others. In your upcoming projects, focus on amplifying these traits. This could mean exploring a theme no one else has, using unconventional materials, or presenting your work in novel ways.
Art for Change: Identify a social issue or cause that resonates with you. Create a piece of art that addresses this issue, aiming to inspire thought, conversation, or action.
Connect with Fellow Rebels: Actively seek out and engage with other artists who challenge the status quo. This could be through social media, community art projects, or local workshops. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can be incredibly enriching and motivating.
Celebrate Your Rebellion: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate the moments where you chose authenticity over conformity. Share these experiences with your community, as they can inspire and encourage others to embrace their unique paths.
Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels. May your art continue to light the way forward in a world that often values conformity over creativity.
That’s it for today. If you found this content helpful, I’d love to hear your thoughts below in the comments.
Artfully yours,
Chris
PS… If you’re enjoying The Intentional Artist, will you take a few seconds and forward this edition to a friend? It goes a long way in helping me grow the newsletter (and support more artists).
And if you want to be an even better friend, you can give the gift of The Intentional Artist by clicking the button below. Please let us know if you choose this option so I can send over a bonus as a thank you.
And finally, I’d love your input on how I could make The Intentional Artist even more useful for you! So please leave a comment with:
Ideas you’d like covered in future editions
Your biggest takeaway from this edition
I do read and reply to every single one of them!
I read Jobs’ biography some time ago and have since thought very highly of his genius. He was a visionary and successful by figuring out what people wanted and needed before people even knew they wanted and needed it. The same can be true for art. Move people with the unexpected but something they have a need to return to and find meaning in.
The transformation my art creates is purely through attempted enchantment. A momentary shift of thought that hopefully takes the viewer someplace quiet, quirky and meditative.