The question

Do you rely on inspiration or discipline to make work?

Originally asked

The Creative Independent, to working artists, its interview series

A repeated Creative Independent tension, asked as inspiration, muse, discipline, ritual, or the requirement to show up.

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Others on this question

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Spencer Bailey Journalist and editor; co-founder of The Slowdown; host of Time Sensitive
And that’s a fine balance. It’s something I’ve really struggled with: slowing down and letting go of that urgent feeling of creative energy that’s bubbling up within me at all times; this urge I have to create, this endless urge. When I let go of that, it’s almost like a form of peace washes over me, where I’m so much more relaxed and at ease with whatever project it is I’m doing. If you become too all-consumed by a project, it becomes hard to actually see beyond that.
Recorded The Talks, published interview, 1 January 2025 source ↗
Louise Glück Poet; winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Literature
Well, I hate the word, but it’s true that something sometimes visits and other times doesn’t. I wish I felt otherwise, but I feel as though there has to be some catalyst, some inspiration. All of a sudden there’s a phrase in your head. Where does that thing come from? I don’t know, and because I don’t know, I don’t know how to have more of them.
Recorded Academy of Achievement interview, Washington, D.C., 27 October 2012 source ↗
Peyton Manning American football quarterback
You’re talking about going back to as a freshman in high school. Every day from August until — the season is growing in pro ball — but August to December. Practice is at this time. It’s 4:00 to 6:00 in high school, it’s 2:00 to 4:00 in college, and it’s 1:00 to 3:00 in pro ball, but that is your routine.
Recorded American Academy of Achievement interview, 22 June 2007 source ↗
Derek Sivers Founder of CD Baby; author of Anything You Want
It's not focus, it's an intensity of desire.
Recorded Dan Riley, podcast transcript, Keep Talking, 26 February 2025 source ↗

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