Ask Adam Savage - A Caution Against the 'Comparing Mind'

I'm Adam Savage, and I'm here in my cave answering some questions from Tested patrons, specifically about my shop infrastructure and working habits. An End of the Trail Outdoors and Arts patron wants to know, "They say you recently started making cosplay items again after almost 10 years, I never know exactly how I'm going to design something, I just pull out materials and start making." This is a great question, and it's one that gets at the heart of my creative process.

I do use a combination of pre-planning and improvisation when designing and building projects. It's not entirely clear-cut whether one method is better than the other, and I believe that both approaches have their place. In many cases, I do a lot of pre-planning in my head before starting a build, but this can vary depending on the specific project and the materials I'm working with. For example, when I was building my latest cosplay project, I did a significant amount of research and planning beforehand to ensure that everything fit together seamlessly.

However, even with all that planning, there are still times when I find myself making changes or adjustments as I go along. This is where the iterative construction process comes in – I do a lot of mental construction before starting, but I also make sure to keep an eye on things and be willing to make changes if necessary. It's not always easy, and it can be frustrating at times, but I find that this approach allows me to create something truly unique and interesting.

One thing that's worth noting is the concept of "comparing minds." This is a mindset that I think we're all familiar with – we compare ourselves to others, whether it's in terms of our accomplishments or our skills. But when it comes to creativity and innovation, this can be a real problem. We tend to look at what other people are doing and try to improve upon it, but the truth is, there's no way to replicate someone else's experience. Each person has their own unique perspective and approach, and that's what makes things interesting.

I remember Bill Hicks once saying something that really stuck with me – "You are the less competition you have." This isn't about comparing ourselves to others; it's about embracing our individuality and finding ways to express ourselves in a way that's authentic and true. As a maker, I've learned to appreciate this approach, and I try to cultivate a mindset that's focused on my own creative process rather than trying to compete with others.

Of course, this doesn't mean that I'm completely immune to the urge to compare myself to others. We all have our flaws and insecurities, and it's natural to wonder how someone else is doing compared to us. But when it comes to creativity and innovation, I think it's really important to focus on your own experience and approach rather than trying to measure yourself against others.

That being said, I do appreciate the fact that there are so many talented makers out there who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. It's inspiring to see people like you, from Tested patrons like End of the Trail Outdoors and Arts, who are passionate about creating something unique and interesting. Your questions are always awesome, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and insights with you.

If you're interested in becoming a Tested patron and getting access to exclusive content and perks, the information is available in the comments below. Until next time, stay safe out there, and keep on making!