What defines a creative visionary? What is that spark that elevates their creativity to a new level? Perhaps the answer lies in a series of unconventional habits. Dali took systematic naps to awaken his creativity and Karl Lagerfeld had an infamous army of iPods, iPads and iPhones! Each creative mind has its own set of quirks, idiosyncrasies, and fascinating habits. From the way they conceptualise ideas to the way they execute their projects, the quirks of creatives make their art truly one of a kind. Let's explore the weird and wonderful habits of a few of history's most creative disruptors...
Rei Kawakubo
The spontaneous designer
Rei Kawakubo, the legendary fashion designer and founder of Comme des Garçons, is known for her avant-garde and conceptual designs. And yet, she creates her entire collections without ever sketching a single design! Instead, she relies on a process of trial and error, draping fabric directly on a mannequin to see how it falls and how it can be manipulated. This process allows her to create truly unique and innovative designs. Her designs, such as her "Broken Bride" collection, have pushed the boundaries of what is considered wearable and have made her a true icon in the fashion world.
Tim Burton
The master of whimsy
Tim Burton, the film director and animator, is renowned for his darkly imaginative and whimsical films such as "Edward Scissorhands" and "Beetlejuice". His love for the macabre and his knack for creating quirky, offbeat characters have made him one of the most distinctive and recognizable filmmakers of our time. Tim Burton is always carrying a sketchbook with him and constantly drawing, regardless of where he is or what he is doing. This habit allows him to continuously develop and refine his unique vision and to capture ideas as they come to him.
Ava DuVernay
The rainbow writer
Film director and screenwriter Ava DuVernay is best known for her socially conscious and visually stunning films such as "Selma" and "A Wrinkle in Time". But a lesser-known fact is that Ana DuVernay writes her scripts by hand, using different coloured pens to symbolise different characters and storylines. This tactile process helps her to fully immerse herself in the world of the story and to better understand the interconnections between the characters. Her ability to tackle complex themes and bring diverse stories to the screen has made her one of the most exciting and important filmmakers working today.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
The polymath painter
Infamous Neo-Expressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat was known for his raw and powerful paintings that often dealt with themes of race, power, and culture. Jean-Michel was rumoured to always be working on multiple pieces at once, spreading them out across the floor of his studio and constantly moving back and forth between them. This habit allowed him to constantly build upon and refine his ideas, producing a body of work that is both prolific and impactful. His works, such as "Irony of Negro Policeman" and "Charles the First", are powerful commentary on race and power, and have cemented his legacy as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
Diane von Fürstenberg
The reclining designer
Diane von Fürstenberg is a Belgian-American fashion designer whose wrap dresses have become a staple of women's wardrobes, whilst her relentless drive to empower women through fashion has made her one of the most influential designers of our time. But what you didn't know is that her collections are normally conceptualised upside down! Diane von Fürstenberg believes it allows her to have a different perspective and come up with more innovative designs.
From Tim Burton's constant sketching to Ava DuVernay’s colours, embracing their quirks allowed these artists to create works that are both innovative and timeless, demonstrating the power of individuality and creativity. So the next time you're feeling stuck or uninspired, try embracing your own quirks and see where they might take you!
