"Having a set, popular formula does inhibit you"

Adhering to a set, popular formula in any artistic or creative endeavor can constrain the possibilities of genuine expression and innovation. George Shearing’s observation reflects the paradox faced by many creators: while formulas often arise out of what resonates with audiences and what has proven successful, their very predictability can place strict boundaries around creativity. Once a formula becomes enshrined as the “right way” to do things, it can pressure artists to replicate, rather than originate, thus narrowing the range of experimentation and risk-taking.

Within music, for example, formulas may dictate certain progressions, rhythms, or lyrical themes that reliably garner attention or commercial success. However, for musicians and composers like Shearing, such frameworks can quickly become cages. The expectations tied to a formula may force consistent self-replication, resulting in work that loses vitality and freshness. Over time, the pressures to conform may lead not only to a stifling of the artist’s growth but also to a stagnation of the art form itself, as repetitive patterns are endlessly recycled at the expense of originality.

There is a comfort and security in following a well-trodden path, but it is often the willingness to depart from formula, to challenge the popular method or sound, that leads to significant breakthroughs and memorable, lasting works. Audiences and critics may initially resist unfamiliar forms or ideas, yet history repeatedly shows that innovation thrives outside of prescriptive boundaries. Creative inhibition, then, is not just a personal struggle but also a broader cultural issue: the more an industry or field leans on safe formulas, the less room there is for surprise and evolution.

Ultimately, freedom from formula is often necessary for true artistic maturity. The courage to challenge expectations, make mistakes, and risk failure paves the way for new ideas and deeper expression, ensuring that art remains a living, dynamic force rather than a mechanical routine.