Derek McLane: On Creativity
Marianna
Do you have a routine for entering into a creative headspace?
Derek
Usually, I have clear the practical things out of the way—pay some bills, make the phone call I am dreading most, check off enough of my to-do list so that I won’t be distracted. And then try to relax and say ‘what is your fantasy design? What would you really like to go see?’ And start there.
Marianna
Do you have any habits you've built for yourself to foster creativity?
Derek
I draw relentlessly. And have trained myself not to become too attached. I find drawing a bunch of stuff and setting it aside for a few days is a good technique. When you come back to it, you often see all sorts of ways to make it better.
Marianna
Where do you think ideas come from?
Derek
Everywhere. From other ideas; from turning constructs upside down, or looking that from reverse—either metaphorically, or literally. In other words, looking at a story from someone else’s perspective. Or taking a sketch and mirroring it and seeing what that reveals. Ideas come from other people’s artwork. And from things that happen randomly.
So many things that are in process are sources for ideas. Construction sites; rough sketches; film sets; backstage—all the workings are sources of ideas.
Marianna
What does creativity mean to you?
Derek
Making a new or emotional way to look at something.
Marianna
When do your best ideas hit you?
Derek
Often in the middle of the night, during insomnia.
Marianna
Do you use a process to come up with ideas?
Derek
Throw out a series of bad ideas. Bad ideas sometimes lead to good ideas.
Marianna
What sources of inspiration do you use to foster creativity in your work?
Derek
People, conversation, and images. Paintings, artwork. Looking at other ways to approach a problem.
Marianna
How would you describe your creative process?
Derek
Draw. Think. Draw. Draw some more. Discuss. Then draw some more. Repeat. It’s mostly just hard work. Inspiration is rare and can’t be controlled. Work can be.
Marianna
How do you make sense of chaos in your life?
Derek
Lists. I make lists of things I need to do. And then I make a schedule of when I plan to work on them. I rarely stick to the schedule, but at least it no longer seems chaotic.
Marianna
Why do you think people get stuck on problems?
Derek
Because they aren’t working on enough different things at once. If you are only trying to solve one problem, it can be a trap. Your own inability to think of solutions blocks your mind. If you are trying to solve 5 or 10 at once, you are less likely to feel stuck by your mind’s limitations.
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About Derek McLane:
Derek McLane has designed over 350 productions on Broadway, off-Broadway, international and regional, and television. A few of his award-winning designs include:
DRAMA DESK AWARD 2020 MOULIN ROUGE!
ART DIRECTORS GUILD AWARD 2019 The 90th OSCARS
EMMY AWARD 2017 HAIRSPRAY LIVE!
TONY AWARD Best Scenic Design of a Play 2009 33 VARIATIONS
EMMY AWARD 2014 The 86th OSCARS
DRAMA DESK AWARD 2011 ANYTHING GOES
ART DIRECTORS GUILD AWARD 2014 + 2015 The 86th & 87th OSCARS
LUCILLE LORTEL AWARD 2007 THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE
TONY AWARD NOMINATION Best Scenic Design/Musical 2011 ANYTHING GOES
TONY AWARD NOMINATION Best Scenic Design/Musical 2010 RAGTIME
TONY AWARD NOMINATION Best Scenic Design/Musical 2006 THE PAJAMA GAME
DEREK'S UPCOMING & CURRENT SHOWS INCLUDE:
Broadway: MOULIN ROUGE, MJ the MUSICAL, A SOLDIER’S PLAY + ALMOST FAMOUS
TO READ MORE ABOUT DEREK'S DESIGN PROCESS visit:
2018 Oscars | Playbill.com | Broadwayworld.com | CurtainUp.com