Creationships - Collaboration in the Arts & The Art of Collaboration

    I daresay that all great artistic creations are collaborations, even if they are born through only two hands. Amongst the many invisible elements swirling behind a finished product, you will find influences of other artists, key phrases or techniques from teachers, inspiration from music, muse, or other ethereal sources, and feedback or help from friends and colleagues.

    These and other forces (central, of course, being the imagination and skill of the artist) come together in the act of creation. Though the result may be a product of one, the process is a weaving together of many. For example, the book that ends up on a shelf bearing the name of an author, has benefited from the input of source books and editors. The music on the radio is a collaboration of musicians, vocalists, producers, and mixers. The movies we watch are a baffling collaboration of a long list of contributors.

    I point all this out to remind us that art is hardly ever a solitary activity and that this is a good thing. I am not trying to challenge the ownership an artist feels for a creation, but to illuminate the web that contributes to all processes and products. For, in acknowledging this, it is easier to take the next step toward transcending the need to own and thus be ready to be a good partner for a creative collaboration.

    A "Creationship" is a relationship based on creating. It is the result of two or more people synergizing their energy to bring novelty and beauty into being. Similar to a romantic relationship (whose union results in a human child), a creationship comes together from a different kind of attraction (though not necessary less compelling) and its union births non-human children such as CD's and plays. Because they are juicy and fulfilling and contribute not to overpopulation but to innovation and inspiration, I think that creationships may be one of the cornerstones of a positive future.

    Synergy is the principle at play behind these collaborations. Just as the strength of steel was a surprise result of its components interplay with one another; the results from a synergy are more than the sum of the parts. 1+1=3. In simple terms, you can create things with others that you simply could not have accomplished on your own.

Anything is Possible in Collaboration

    The wonderful news is that through the right creationships, you can do anything you can dream. The tricky part is that it may not be so easy to find the right people for your project, because this model often requires that we transcend our personal agendas and surrender to something greater.

Creationships thrive best when there is:

• Mutual attraction among the participants of the project
• An alignment of passion and vision
• Similar levels of ability and commitment
• Excellent communication (make sure you are on the same page and never let expectations become unspoken assumptions)
• A sense of synchronicity and rightfulness (if it is meant to be it won't require forcing from any party)
• A maturity of motivation (not just about ego/status) or working toward a great cause
• Willingness to share the work and the credit/fruits. (e.g., a spirit of dedication and generosity)

Integration Exercise:

    List your greatest Artistic Dreams as numbers one thru three.

    Then on another page make three columns. In the left column , write the skill sets and resources that are needed to really make the dream happen. In the middle column, factor in all that you bring to the table, and in the third column, write the ingredients that are missing. Equation: what is needed - what you have = what still needs to be manifested.

    Once you have this equation laid out clearly, let yourself imagine one or two other key people who have the perfect pieces to complete the puzzle. Get as specific as you can about them and what they offer. Focus on one of these people at a time as a sort of manifestation exercise and see if you can (use your law of attraction powers to) bring them into your life to collaborate with you on that big vision.

    Also, ask yourself if you were sitting across from a match for your desired partner for this creationship, are you prepared to articulate the vision (either verbally or visually through promotional materials) in a very compelling way? If not, what legwork can you undertake so you are prepared to present your vision in an irresistible way?

    Audette Sophia is a multi-disciplinary artist and certified coach specializing in helping creative entrepreneurs synthesize their offerings into dynamically successful career strategies. She is also an author, educator and branding/promotional consultant.