“Put Your Weird Stuff Into Your Work” to Make Your Creative Work Better
Most kids start out weird. They have not learned to behave “properly”, are not born with a sense of etiquette, and do not know how to “fit in.” Along the way, many of us give up on it. However, if you want your creative work to stand out, start bringing your weird back into your work.
As author and designer James Victor notes, many of us have great personality traits, but are afraid to use them in our work for fear of appearing strange. We want our work to be better and more personal, but we also want to fit in and not get into trouble. As a result, our work may suffer:
As a teacher, I often see from my own experience how my students are afraid of their oddities. Inevitably, I have to pull one or two of them aside and point out to them that they are funny, smart, and adorable. After the praise, I get serious and further note that their work is neither funny, smart, nor charming. This is the perfect “A-ha!” moment.
Fearing to expose themselves, they excluded WHO they were from their work to make it fit and look normal (read: completely professional and seriously gentle). My very loud lesson: “Put your weirdness into work!” Sometimes all we need is someone to give us the courage and permission to be weird professionally. After all, if everyone likes your job, it doesn’t bother anyone.
Obviously, if your job involves spreadsheets and a lot of math, being weird and silly about it probably isn’t the best. However, in most other areas, a little oddity can be useful. If you think your job could be better, take a chance. Touch the part of yourself that your childhood version had, and see if this strange kid does have good ideas after all.