Planning vs. Spontaneity

I have long been an advocate of planning. Preparation. “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success” said Alexander Graham Bell. But the arts, perhaps more than most other fields, rely on inspiration, fluidity, improvisation and spontaneity. Without a certain amount of planning, a project of the slightest complexity will fall into chaos very quickly. But without enough spontaneity, art turns into process and pedantry. How do we balance the two?

Creative individuals often thrive on the disorganized and the slightly chaotic. Just before tipping into the abyss they will have an epiphany. They perceive the smallest amount of planning to be profane, trusting the ether to provide them with inspiration when it is needed. Unfortunately, this leads to a lot of blank stares during important moments. Too often the inspiration never comes. Preparation is the match that can start a fire. Without it we are waiting for lightning to strike.

I recently saw a documentary about filmmaker James Toback called The Outsider. Toback is a notoriously spontaneous writer and director, often waiting until the day of filming to decide in what direction the movie will go. He lets his actors improvise liberally to fill the characters with personality and realism. What he ends up with are shockingly natural and raw performances.

I don’t think that the arts could exist without a healthy dose of spontaneity, improvisation and inspiration. But there is a powerful place for being prepared. Planning is the groundwork that should be laid to take full advantage of the inspiration. Like setting out a rain barrel to catch the rain.