What creativity is trying to tell you: Jonathan Tilley at TEDxStuttgart

The creative process is as individual as it is universal. And yet there is a secret that creativity itself is yearning to tell us. Since the age of 9, Jonathan has performed as a singer, dancer, actor, and gone on to other creative ventures such as a playwright, director, choreographer, author, and voice over artist. Many different titles, one common thread: Creativity. He shares pivotal life experiences that define creativity for him and shows how you can tap into your own creativity on a daily basis, in whatever space and time you have.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@AspenBusinessConnect]

This is a wonderful interpretation of how to honor your creative space. I am throwing myself out there with my creative expression and I'm not afraid of falling down.

[@WahidFayumzadah]

Man, this guy is the best and most entertaining presentor I have ever seen, so much to learn from him!

[@floritica]

Finally a talk on creativity that honors the subject with intelligence, skill and grace, bless your talent Jonathan Tilley, thanks for inspiring!

[@jonathan-tilley]

Flory Sanabria Thanks Flory!

[@thompsonapproachacademy]

He's very good. Indepth. So many words I am having difficulty expressing how much this video lesson ' has helped me

[@himerobine]

"Embrace the F-word Faillure".That's when you're able to be creative ^^ One of the greatest speech !!

[@jonathan-tilley]

himerobine Thanks for your great feedback!

[@de31bansal]

A very inspiring speech. Just like meditation, creativity comes from inside. We have got to feel it. Just like Bruce Lee said in a movie that martial arts need to be felt, creativity too.

[@pedrosso0]

I have no idea what that means, what does it mean to feel a skill? A feeling and a skill are two different datatypes, how do you convert one to the other?

[@lisajeanl3196]

Thank you so much Jonathan! So true! I'm an artist - painter, and really relate to the sacred space. Thank you for the inspiration. I feel like your encouraging talk helped to refocus and remind me of who I am!

[@jonathan-tilley]

Anytime Lisa!

[@ImTash]

I've been banging my head against a creative block for the last 6 months - Johnathan, your enthusiasm and joy has given me the first little sparks in 6 months and hope that my creativity isn't lost after all. As a professional creative to another I'm sure you totally understand how terrifying that prospect can be! Thank you!!

[@heatherkitching780]

Thank you so much for this Jonathan! Every day after work I have recently started giving myself an hour to dedicate to feeling inspired. Today I found your talk and, man, was it perfect! I love your way of presenting your ideas, your energy, your humor, all of it. Mission accomplished! Thank you.

[@mazalart]

Jonathan, Thanks for the push! I just hit the "send" button, and out an emailing to 600, with my newest paintings. Now I just have to stop listening to those noisy voices in my head asking "What would the 'Art World' say?" And like you, learn to get down on the floor and crawl like a cat, without being too self conscious. (I have respect for your courage - for sharing your "quirky" humanity with us.)

[@jonathan-tilley]

AWESOME! So glad you did a big send out! That's amazing. Glad I could help.

[@nasseralanazi7438]

What happened with your business?

[@moonbunny1chuk964]

@@nasseralanazi7438 Seriously? I hope you have looked him up by now! If not, enjoy. I know I have! 😊

[@jeffreywendel7076]

Chanan mazal Just like you I’m going to finish and send my music to the world

[@frodoggbooboo]

Writing a KZbin comment is creative. Thanks for the sacred space and permission to share this, KZbin.

[@willdiveinbali]

this is one of those videos that you save/favorite and keep coming back once in a while. thanks for all your positive energy Jonathan!

[@jonathan-tilley]

willdiveinbali Thanks so much for your comment. It means the world to me.

[@yoshikinakayama8397]

I just admire the speaker for such extraordinary skills of presentation.

[@ThreadheadTV]

Amen! It is in our soul's DNA to create and this is the exact wording I've used on my channel. We create because we were made by our Creator - made in His image. Good stuff because it is also putting yourself in a vulnerable place to share with the world - always possible rejection. But when focussed on creating to bless others, it gives boldness & strength. Keep creating & blessing, Jonathan! Love the encouragement around sacred space too.

[@jonathan-tilley]

Threadhead TV Thank you so much for your lovely comment. That means the world to me. Have a wonderfully creative day!

[@ThreadheadTV]

Please keep us all posted about the progress of your play & when we can see it. :)

[@steaminista1819]

Jonathan!! My amazing dear friend… It is so wonderful to see your singular spirit and insights streaming out from across the great divide. Your words make me think of the sacred space in which you and I and our kindred were blessed to be able to flourish as young artists. 'Where thoughts become things…' I adore and miss you and am thrilled to see you shining as always!

[@jonathan-tilley]

STEAMinista Thank you so much. That means the world to me coming from you. Loads of love and light to you!

[@JamieHumeCreative]

Sacred Space...that space emanates from within. I've been saying this for years. Great talk. Thank you. We are all connected.

[@TheFlyguy31]

I was about to switch off my pc tonight and thought fuck it, these video's are useless. Not until i saw Jonathan give his talk about creativity. It was brilliant. To me, the timing to watch this video was perfect; it was a synchronicity; i learned so much I had to write it all down. Now i've got hand cramp! Thanks Jonathan :)

[@jonathan-tilley]

Michael Knox You're very welcome Michael! I'm glad I could inspire you:-)

[@Hannah-ls7xb]

Creativity is the voice of the soul, and the soul needs a sacred space to express itself.

[@seangorgone4184]

Thank you to ALL the speakers, presenters and the EVERYONE that contributes to facilitating US to be INSPIRED to expand and be more of themselves!

[@maheshp1374]

A sacred space would definitely make more champs. Accepting ourselves while making mistakes and picking up ourselves with spontaneity makes it more interesting. Thank you sharing this information in a structured manner.

[@carinchanning3396]

Jonathan! You are such a soul brother! RIGHT ON! I am a Rest & Creativity Encourager (therein lies that sacred space!). I am always talking about creativity as universal and also utterly unique (individual). I loved your talk and I'm with you all the way!!!! I would love to look you up for more wonderful sharing. Thanks!!!!

[@jonathan-tilley]

Carin Channing Hi Carin! So glad you liked my talk! Yes please reach out and we can chat!

[@Angels-3xist]

Beautiful. Powerful. Inspiring. When people speak and try to move others, this is the kind of thing I think we’re hoping to hear. One day when I was very depressed before Christmas a family member asked me what I wanted and I told them I wanted the light behind my eyes to come back and if this is what they had said, it would have. Giving that light to others. There is no better gift.

[@incognito3620]

Aside from the creativity aspects of this video, the most important take away is when he mentions “ mistakes” I am an artist. I have been a painter over 40 years and I would know a fraction of what I know had I not made…..mistakes. Thousands of mistakes. Eventually getting better until today, if I were to make a mistake now, I can use it to my advantage, I know how to correct it. There is no creativity without risk. Risk garners mistakes. Mistake move you forward. Never fear making mistakes. They are your friend. Thanks for this video.

[@phixphixation7261]

This is exactly what I needed to hear right now! Thank you Jonathan Tilley.

[@nataliagarcia8563]

Such a beautiful talk!!! Just perfect in terms of message, speaking, performance & images! Thanks for sharing, all you say about creativity could not have been better defined.

[@vlab1229]

Thank you so much. I learnt what is creativity. I need a sacred place to think, dare to face mistakes and share it with others

[@leratoelias793]

Awesome presentation. Tough crowd

[@ey902]

As soon as he said "Turn up the lights and let's connect a bit" I said "Hey, someone has been listening to Dr Brene Brown" and wouldn't you know it... Great perspective on creativity!

[@amcheatham]

Nice!

[@jonathan-tilley]

Yes I'ma big Brene Brown fan. Glad you noticed:-)

[@Rest321]

Thank you for sharing, this really helped me a lot. I am going to work on a story today. I hope I'll be able to share my creativity with this world too. (24 May 20)

[@Rest321]

I'm here again. This time I'm thinking about editing a video.18 July 21

[@Rest321]

I keep finding this video again and again😅 ... I lived well today. 16 June 23😊 If future me sees this.. I want to tell you that I am doing very good, and it's ok to start again and it's never too late to start again and it's ok even if it's your 1000000000000th time to start again😂 . It's ok. I love you. I love me. We are loved.

[@yukikotakemoto1158]

Thank you Jonathan for this talk. I cried the whole time I was watching.I needed to hear this for so long.

[@janereynolds1059]

Jonathan!!!!! You are amazing! Came across this by accident whilst painting! Big hug! Love Jane Phantasma! ;)xxx

[@anthonyphilpot6178]

Anybody else who wants to learn more about creativity I recommend a book called..the creative fight. But very excellent presentation about the topic nonetheless.

[@jnny7182]

Anthony Philpot thank you

[@winbern_BK_Bernard]

That areal creativity talk wow! i could even feel and love creativity didnt know 17 minutes were over that fast

[@JJacob]

Fabulous speech! I love the "share it with the world" part. Sometimes that can be the hardest part for me besides "permission". I am always creating something, but often I'll only allot enough time to create for work and everyday survival and not just for fun. Thanks for the permission slip! ;)

[@MsGnor]

Bless him ... what a cute man! xx thanks for sharing

[@jonathan-tilley]

Thanks MsGnor. Glad you enjoyed my talk.

[@LuffyTsuki]

I loved this! It was very inspiring, loved the real life examples, and the different ways you engaged the crowd, with your questions, and your emotional involvement with your presentation! This was very easy to follow along with, and understand, and the visuals were also really great. Thank you! :)

[@WhatAboutOP]

Excellent work, Jonathan. What really got me was when you told the story about a friend of yours who was circling the ring of the tire and then fell in, only to improvise afterwards rather than fold. That is, in a sense, the way I create and edit many of my photographs. That is creativity for many of us. Thank you for this talk :)

[@jonathan-tilley]

Clever Sangalaza You're very welcome. I'd love to see some of your photographs. Do you have a website where I can check them out?

[@WhatAboutOP]

Jonathan Tilley Sure! I store them all on my Flickr. Here you go :) flickr.com/photos/gearheadcjay/

[@jonathan-tilley]

Clever Sangalaza Great pics!

[@WhatAboutOP]

Jonathan Tilley Thank you! :)

[@natukundadorothy2895]

Thank you so much for this. I just kick started Writing Poems daily, I've been passionate about it all this while & finally got the courage to "Create". I'm truly inspired & will utilise this information the best way I can. Now my latest dream is to publish an anthology by me!. From Uganda!

[@kristinenguyen9393]

I consider myself very creative, sometimes too much so. I feel as though I need a mentor/teacher to help harness my creativity into real things.I am an adult college student and have learned that there is a lot I don't know! I refuse to not be creative with my work so that something new may evolve for the University. I just love your analogy on creativity, "Creativity is like the wind;you can't see it but you can feel it". Thanks for sharing!

[@mikewillis33]

Creativity is humanity

[@gladesgoddess]

Absolutely the most moving, creativity motivation I've heard. Thanks Jonathan.

[@jonathan-tilley]

Susan thank you so much. That means a lot.

[@gladesgoddess]

:-)~~ mean it!

[@reelactorsrealanswers]

HOW did you learn this? I know . I heard your story. DEEPLY MOVED. But I am amazed at how you explain it. Creativity has no boundaries!!!

[@pauldoerflingerMarcoPolo1947]

Quel optimisme et encouragements pour la créativité de tout-un-chacun ! Super 👍

[@makigott19]

he's really engaging!!! I am captivated by that modulation he;s truly inspiring :D thanks!!

[@jonathan-tilley]

Thank you so much!

[@drgregoryhaus]

Creativity is me wanting to pop that balloon with my mouse pointer.

[@sailingmongoose]

pheww , I wasnt the only one....

[@timmytoms__]

OMG SAME. 😂 WHAT A CUTE

[@sethtaylor8286]

This was truly amazing! I've been having a hard time getting in the flow of the moment with my creativity. At times when I catch a glimpse of it and complete a project, I stash it to get stale. You have inspired me to get up and change my sacred space and to unleash the results into their next owners spirit. Thanks for the kick in the butt, Jonathan! ^_^

[@jonathan-tilley]

Seth Taylor You're very welcome!

[@raghusudhir3641]

Creativity comes to me when my child comes to me and says, "Papa, there is a task to be accomplished for you on such a such topic. " Within the given time frame work something special is created for my child to grasp and practice imitation. Generally my such creativity gets praise and prizes in my child's class.

[@tingjiang2412]

No matter what will happen, people always can create something new, don't be afraid. Just Do it.

[@DontYaTalkSIlly]

I guess its time to tidy up my room haha

[@nataliemoore9427]

This was incredible, so engaging and inspiring. Thank you for giving me permission to spread my love, art, creative expression wherever and whenever to whoever... The world longs to see us unfold what lies within.... Thanks for kick ;) !

[@vijayarya9528]

Thank you all very much

[@Mestr3]

He is alone in the room.. What a great actor..

[@larryleehensel1016]

Just in case no one has made this correction (and it’s an important one). Gian Carlo Menotti wrote “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” not Mendelssohn.

[@timvanderstraeten2555]

“Everything you touch turns into gold”

[@Bonobo3D]

Inspiring talk, beautifully presented, lovely ending!

[@ExistNNature]

Be creative, don't be ashamed of the worlds criticism. If it will bring you joy it can damn well work on others.

[@shesonjose9247]

Its a great talk ....came from a creative mind which tried to present a pray for creativity............

[@davefoerstner924]

My singing teacher shared this with me so I could get more inspiration. I need help with learning to write lyrics, and this video helped me know where to start and what to do. Thank you!!!!

[@carmensierra3935]

Absolutely wonderful talk! by far my favorite Tedtalk and I personally will download this and listen over and over as a reminder to nature my own creative garden. thank you

[@annavannoni]

Everything stated here in this video is spot on, and I always have my 'KreativeOn!' I've known this as a child when I first picked up a pencil to scribble on the page!

[@paolabueso]

I love this talk so much! Thank you! 🙌🙌🙌

[@psawyer871]

Just brilliant! Compelling and inspiring speech!

[@marekjustus]

Unbelievably touching and inspiring... one of the greatest speeches I’ve ever watched and listened to! :)

[@msnasteuck]

this is simply wonderful! thank you Jonathan :)

[@mgbethechange]

One of the best talks I watched in Ted. Guess I catched it at the perfect time of my life :)

[@jonathan-tilley]

Thanks for such a compliment. I wish you much success in your creative endeavours.

[@vijayendranathkabadi4909]

This is addressed to TED X Please invite people who have worked very hard to achieve their dreams but failed and share their experiences which can be an eye opener to many.

[@lisengel2498]

Thank you - what a powerfull talk of creativity -

[@cherylcarlson3315]

Watched it while drop spinning alpaca fiber and getting ready to wet felt a slipper as way to avoid evaluating the writing that wants to be born from 3 yrs languishing. Thanks Jonathan.

[@seedsoul1]

Great job Jonathan, very inspiring.

[@KenyaWright]

Inspiring!

[@Anj1196]

amazing speaker, very inspiring speech and style of presenting. Love it :D.

[@vijayendranathkabadi4909]

Good speech Jonathan 🙏

[@shamdaddy23]

Jonathan, your creativity journey is inspiring :-)

[@jonathan-tilley]

Thank you so much. You inspire me too!

[@DeepikaPanchal-GoI]

Thanks Jonathan, you inspired me!

[@salahalbrahim739]

Very inspiring, and creative!

[@johnnydamien6805]

He's an extremely creative person, indeed.

[@jonathan-tilley]

Thanks Johnny.

[@radiorosienashville]

That was so inspiring ! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@julspaul1]

wow !!! that was so beautifully inspiring for me !!

[@yahalife]

Great Talk!! Creativity doesn't wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.”Bruce Garrabrandt

[@candylagatierra]

Amazing! Thank you. You're such an inspiration.

[@jonathan-tilley]

Candy Lagatierra Thanks Candy! You inspire me too!

[@jenniferspain1202]

Wonderful speech!! I am a 3rd grade public school teacher. I am preparing a power point on "Creative Thinking" to present to my school and to one of my college courses. Would I be able to incorporate this video within the presentation?? Very insightful!!

[@mariagabrielapena5187]

This was beautiful to watch! I loved it.

[@jonathan-tilley]

María Gabriela Peña Thanks for the compliment. Glad you enjoyed!

[@2225ram]

Best ted talk ever!

[@chelsiepheenix5036]

what a beautiful human

[@RkKing1]

Perfect.!!!

[@weili1963]

Creativity from artist is different from engineer. But there are some common elements

[@brendadrew834]

Excellent ...BRAVO!! And thanks for sharing....much appreciated! Can relate as a professional artist/musician/composer who is birthing a new folk opera which has been performed publicly 20 years ago, but need to advance it to a higher venue! Have given birth to three daughters and I think giving birth to art and getting it out into the world even harder! lol

[@b071681]

Very Cool! And Up Lifting. Thank You!!

[@jonathan-tilley]

Thanks for watching Brandi. Glad you enjoyed!

[@sis4205]

he is so amazing

[@dottorpira]

i can't tell why, but my creativity tells me to beat up this guy.

[@Yippiejey]

LOVE!!

[@markapuron4132]

💛Thank you 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💛

[@johnathanwilliams275]

Great video on creativity

[@pauldoerflingerMarcoPolo1947]

Magnifique invitation à la créativité !

[@masum1731]

I love your voice 🥰

[@kgoumenakis]

awesome.top notch!!!well done!!

[@jonathan-tilley]

thanks!

[@notimportant9360]

He has such a cute voice!!

[@lyralebosada483]

I love this. Tnx for inspiring me.

[@wendyheldt9256]

Perfect seminar! I Wish I was there listening to it :) well done

[@jonathan-tilley]

Thanks Wendy, That means a lot.

[@readingswithjenna9714]

We are All actors on the great stage.

[@trueessence13]

genius !!!😍😍😍