Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else."

Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso Painter
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
Sometimes, creativity has a mind of its own. You start with a spark, a tiny concept, and before you know it, it's transformed into something completely unexpected. That's what this quote is getting at. You might have an initial plan or vision, but as you work on it, things evolve—often in surprising and wonderful ways.

Let’s take a step back and think about an artist, say Picasso. He famously said this during a discussion about his creative process. He'd start with a rough sketch, just a basic idea. But as he added lines and colors, his work would take on a life of its own. It’s like he followed the brush instead of leading it. This approach is a hallmark of many creative geniuses—they embrace the unpredictable nature of their work. They don't rigidly stick to the original plan; instead, they allow the process to guide them.

Imagine you’re working on a novel. You start with a single scene in your mind: a couple having coffee. But as you write, you discover more about the characters. Maybe one of them has a hidden past, a secret that changes the entire direction of your story. Your simple scene about a coffee date evolves into a gripping tale of mystery and redemption. You didn’t plan it that way—it just happened as you explored the characters and their world.

So, how can you harness this idea in your own life? Start with a plan, but be open to change. Don’t cling too tightly to your initial idea. Let’s say you’re launching a small business. You begin with a clear concept: selling homemade candles. But as you interact with customers, you learn they’re more interested in DIY candle-making kits. Adapting to this new demand could lead your business to success you hadn't initially envisioned. Flexibility and openness to change are key.

Think about a time you had a project that didn't go as planned. Maybe you were organizing a family reunion. You had everything mapped out perfectly, but then the venue canceled last minute. Instead of panicking, you found a new location—one that turned out to be even better. The event was a hit, and everyone had an amazing time. Your initial idea morphed into something else, something maybe even more special.

In everyday life or big projects, it’s all about starting with a vision but being ready to pivot. Don’t be afraid to deviate from your original plan. Embrace those unexpected turns—they might lead you somewhere incredible. Just like Picasso, begin with an idea, but don't be surprised when it turns into something you never saw coming. That’s the magic of creativity.

So, next time you set out on a new endeavor, remember: your starting idea is just that—a start. Stay flexible, be curious, and let the journey surprise you. You might end up somewhere amazing.
Related tags
Artistic process Change Creative thinking Creativity Idea development Innovation Inspirational Progress Transformation
MORE QUOTES BY Pablo Picasso
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon