About the author
Roy Sharples is the Founder, President and Chief Creative Officer of Unknown Origins on a mission to unlock everyones creative potential.
Manifesto
Manifesto
Inspire Action Through Connection:
Books That Build Understanding and Broaden Perspectives
Abstract
Since the first human crawled deep into a cave to make art, creativity has flourished among rebels and risk takers, mavericks, and visionaries.
However, if creativity thrives among outsiders, how can it be nurtured inside large organizations? How can one build a team that works together to solve real problems while leaving room for individual inspiration? How can one ignite the creative spark without burning down the building?
Roy Sharples draws on decades of experience at the vanguard of business innovation and a deep affinity for applying an artistic instinct to explore these questions, offering novel solutions.
Building on a broad survey of the misfits who defined the modern world, from Dada to Elon Musk and Bauhaus to Acid House, he explores what makes the creative mind tick. He also examines the conditions that nourish creativity in organizations of all sizes, from artists to corporations to civilizations.
The result is a manifesto for harnessing inspiration and unleashing the creative power we all have inside.
Contents
CHAPTER 1: PHILOSOPHY IN THE BEDROOM
Creativity is the spark that reveals unseen worlds, a compass guiding you toward a vision that's uniquely your own. It matters because it disrupts monotony and breathes life into spaces where conformity reigns. Aspire not to mirror those who inspire you, but to stand with them, influential in your distinct style and structure. Constraints and principles form the canvas on which your authenticity is painted, defining what you are and, just as importantly, what you are not.
CHAPTER 2: THE MODERNISTS, MAVERICKS, AND MISFITS
True artists are the perennial outsiders—the rebels whose mission is themselves. These visionaries are the architects of change, subverting the ordinary to enrich lives and advance society. Creativity, when sustained, becomes the ultimate differentiator. Those who rise above norms inspire others to do the same, setting the standard for ingenuity.
CHAPTER 3: POP CULTURE REFLECTS TIME
Pop culture is the mirror through which eras reveal themselves. It binds society, entertainment, politics, fashion, and technology into a narrative that provokes change and bridges experiences across time and space. Standing on the shoulders of giants means learning from the past, avoiding reinvention, and propelling your creative journey forward with grounded wisdom.
CHAPTER 4: CREATIVE SOCIETIES
Societies act as crucibles for creativity, birthing movements that enable individuals to reach their fullest potential. When cultures embrace the imaginative spirit, they create a backdrop where fulfillment and joy are not the exceptions but the norms.
CHAPTER 5: CHAOS TO CULTURE
Creativity flourishes in environments where risk is met with embrace, where DIY culture thrives, and where social ecosystems are designed to foster expression. With real-world examples from industry leaders, discover how individuals, teams, and organizations cultivate creativity without fear, transforming chaos into a culture of creation.
CHAPTER 6: AESTHETICS IN LOVE – THE CREATIVE PROCESS
The path from idea to realization follows three essential phases: Dream, Make, Do. Through the insights and stories of creative industry veterans, explore the journey that transforms fleeting thoughts into tangible works of art. Understand the keys to success, and learn how to navigate the pitfalls that lie in wait.
CHAPTER 7: LEADING WITHOUT FRONTIERS
Creative leadership is built on a foundation of values, principles, and dynamic competencies. Follow the five archetypal stages of leadership—Fledgling, Journeyman, Expert, Innovator, and Artist—and grasp the skills needed to inspire and cultivate creativity within teams and organizations. Equip yourself with a manifesto for leading beyond limits, where creative freedom meets excellence.
Reviews
Author
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Roy Sharples
Roy Sharples is a champion of creativity and innovation, blending bold ideas with strategic vision to transform businesses, technology, and culture. As the founder of Unknown Origins, he inspires creators to break boundaries and combat unoriginality through storytelling, product innovation, and strategic growth.
With a career spanning startups to global corporations, Roy has driven influential product innovations, built iconic brands, and scaled ventures to be market leaders. He is the author of Creativity Without Frontiers who believes creativity is the driving force of human progress and the key to shaping the future.
