Editor’s Note

IT'S OFTEN SAID that creativity thrives in an unrestricted, free environment, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. For example, that oft-used instruction during a brainstorming session to “think outside the box” rarely leads to my best ideas—if anything, it stifles my creativity. What is the “box” I’m supposed to be thinking outside of anyway? The options are so vast I feel like a little kid in a toy store who’s been told by a well-meaning relative to choose one thing and then ends up in a puddle on the floor, overwhelmed by choice.

Architect Frank Gehry, known for some of the most incredible buildings in the world, including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain, has said that his work is inspired by limitations and constraints. I couldn’t agree more. I’m at my most imaginative when I’ve got guidelines to work within. Having a clear boundary pushes me to be more creative in order to develop a concept or an idea, whether it’s executing an ambitious project with a limited budget or finding a storage system at home that my teenagers will actually use.

Harnessing the ability to be creative in limiting circumstances is crucial right now, both personally (I have come up with more dinner ideas than I ever thought possible) and professionally (Zoom meetings with a bad connection are the sole and absolute cause of my eye twitch, but we’re making it work). The constraints that have come with the pandemic can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to navigate your career, but they also provide an opportunity to do things differently. In our work guide, “Zoom Times” (page 62), we tackle how to thrive with these new restrictions; it’s more important than ever to be actively networking, for example, even if you’re behind a computer at home most of the day. We also have other creative inspiration for you this month, from boundary-breaking makeup to accessories that will pump up your fall wardrobe. Can’t wait for you to dive into this issue.