Stella Liu\'s Creative Autobiography-Sep2012

1. Creative Autobiography Stella Liu Sep1012
From “The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp
1. What is the first creative moment you remember?
When I was a kid, sometimes I ran all of sofas in the living room and pretended I was
running along the highway.
2. Was anyone there to witness or appreciate it?
My family all know this and think I was crazy but very funny.
3. What is the best idea you've ever had?
Decide come to U.S. to get my master degree.
4. What made it great in your mind?
I know I will be very regret if I didn’t make this decision. This is probably will change my
life.
5. What is the dumbest idea?
I acted like a hairstylist and did cut my brother’s hair for a bit when I was five.
6. What made it stupid?
His hair looked so weird that my parents found out the minute they saw him.
7. Can you connect the dots that led you to this idea?
Imagination, unlimited imagination
8. What is your creative ambition?
Why not? There is nothing stop me, and I do not even think it is a wrong thing when I
did that.
9. What are the obstacles to this ambition?
I won’t do this anymore because this is somehow kind of dangerous!
10. What are the vital steps to achieving this ambition?
When you decide to do something, just go for it.
11. How do you begin your day?
Watch news, check my message. Most of time, I already plan my next day schedule
before I go to bed.

2. 12. What are your habits? What patterns do you repeat?
Must be read some blogs and news everyday/Workout/ Plan my whole week schedule
on weekend.
13. Describe your first successful creative act.
Plan birthday party for my mother during a trip. My brother and I acted like we forgot
her birthday and asked my father bring us to buy her a cake (secretly).
14. Describe your second successful creative act.
Named a very stupid nickname for my best friend in college and all of my classmates
called her with this nickname for four years.
15. Compare them.
Both of them all reminded me some sweet memory. You will never know how things
going before you do it.
16. What are your attitudes toward: money, power, praise, rivals, work, play?
Money is essential for life.
People won’t truly respect you only because you got the power.
Work hard then play hard.
17. Which artists (creative people, creative leaders) do you admire most?
• William J. Cunningham- Fashion photographer for The New York Times, known for
his candid and street photography.
• George Lois- An American art director, designer, and author. America’s master
communicator.
• Sanford (Sandy) Bredine- An instructor in the marketing communications program at
IIT.
18. Why are they your role models?
“They weren’t shooting for anyone but herself. I wish sometimes I approached things
that purely.” This is a quote from an article which just perfectly describe my thoughts.
My role models knowing exactly what they are doing. They are just keeping faith and go
for it.

3. 19. What do you and your role models have in common?
Once I realize things I want to achieve, I will do my best and keep going and going.
20. Does anyone in your life regularly inspire you?
Andrew Kao, my best friend since I was 15. My parents and grandma.
The way they think, act, all inspires me all the time.
21. Who is your muse?
My muse changed all the time. It could be a photo, a word, even a song.
22. Define muse.
Once you see a thing or a person you will feel inspired immediately and these things will
lead you to some great ideas.
23. When confronted with superior intelligence or talent, how do you respond?
I will stay calm and try my best to let them knowing my ideas as well.
24. When faced with stupidity, hostility, intransigence, laziness, or indifference in
others, how do you respond?
Same answer, I will share my thoughts and discuss with them. Always be humbled.
25. When faced with impending success or the threat of failure, how do you respond?
Face it. Stay calm. Stay cool.
Find out the reason and get ready for the next challenge.
26. When you work, do you love the process or the result?
I love the process. I’m not a kid anymore which means I can accept the outcome even it
is not what I wish. For me, the whole process is the most important part and I am enjoy
it.
27. At what moments do you feel your reach exceeds your grasp?
My first class in grad school, I was wondring if I can handle this due to I don’t really get
what professor was saying.
28. What is your ideal creative activity?
You must be have 100% confidence and believe your idea is really awesome. It is the
one.
29. What is your greatest fear?
Family and friends lose faith in me.

4. 30. What is the likelihood of either of the answers to the previous two questions
happening?
Family and friends will support about things you would like to do, and all you have to do
is to trust yourself. No one should pay responsibility for your dream.
31. What is your idea of mastery?
Have fully confidence about what you are doing.
32. What is your greatest dream?
Be an editor. Inspire people.