Art Quote by Michael C. McMillen
“As a kid, I wanted to be an inventor and realizing that being an artist is like being an inventor because you create problems for yourself and you solve them and you create things that weren't there before. That's awfully simplified, but that's how it is.”
About This Quote
Source Artist statement: Exhibition catalog, 2019
Inventors and artists share a process of creating problems and solving them, generating novel works.
In simple terms: Inventors and artists both create and solve problems.
Key Takeaway
Embrace problem‑creation as a creative catalyst.
Themes
creativity
innovation
art
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
creative
When to use this quote
- studio practice
- product design
- teaching
- collaboration
Key Concepts
design thinking
problem solving
Questions to Reflect On
- What problems can you intentionally create?
- How does solving your own problems inspire others?
A Different Perspective
Risk of over‑complicating simple ideas.
