I was totally drained. No creativity. How can I help other people overcome their creative blocks when I’m blocked myself?
So I went on a walk. Not my usual thing. In fact, walking in Corpus Christi in the middle of summer is like asking to be burned at the stake. But I walked.
I didn’t know where I was going. I eventually found a huge drainage ditch and followed it as far as I could. I thought I’d share with you some of the more notable things I found on this walk.
1. A Plant That Could Have Been Cool
It could have been cool…but it wasn’t one of those that close up when you touch it. What a waste of multiple leaves.
2. A (Used) Pregnancy Test
Unfortunately it no longer had the lines. So I had no idea if I should be happy or not…
3. “Wilson!!!!!”
4. A Decomposed Fish Head
I was debating whether or not it was a fish head or a piece of a palm tree. I’m glad I didn’t touch it.
5. A Bag That May or May Not Contain a Severed Head
Yet again…I’m really glad I didn’t touch it. Plus…I think I’ve been watching too much Investigate Discovery.
6. Inspiration
I was completely drained. I had no good ideas. But on my lonely walk, my brain started churning away. I literally got lost in thought. I snapped out of my thoughts only to find I didn’t know where my house was.
My renewed inspiration didn’t necessarily come from all my exciting discoveries. It came more from the quiet escape from the ordinary. I felt like a kid again–curious about every shiny object. Cars were driving by wondering what mischief I was up to. I stopped every few minutes, sat down by the dirty water and typed up notes on ideas that were coming to me.
We all lack inspiration at times. What will you do to get yours back?
You should have opened the bag, it could have been full of money!
You should have opened the bag, it could have been full of money!
You have no idea how many times I find inspiration just by looking at the things around me. The other day I was trying to design a really cool building facade for a client of mine, and not finding any inspiration, I grabbed my PSP and headphones and dropped in the movie “Tron Legacy”. After 15-20 minutes looking at the complex patterns and interesting shapes I had sketched out a cool design for my client. One day I’m going to study the patterns, textures and shapes of a dead fish head and derive from it the basis for my next building design. It will be epic.
You have no idea how many times I find inspiration just by looking at the things around me. The other day I was trying to design a really cool building facade for a client of mine, and not finding any inspiration, I grabbed my PSP and headphones and dropped in the movie “Tron Legacy”. After 15-20 minutes looking at the complex patterns and interesting shapes I had sketched out a cool design for my client. One day I’m going to study the patterns, textures and shapes of a dead fish head and derive from it the basis for my next building design. It will be epic.
Strangely enough, sometimes when I’m stuck, either driving around in the car (without music or kids) or taking a shower gets the creative process going again. The challenge then is to hang onto the new thoughts until I can get them down on paper.
ya…you could get one of these for the shower thoughts… http://www.fakingcreativity.com/notepads-everywhere/
Thanks for the idea! That would be perfect.
Strangely enough, sometimes when I’m stuck, either driving around in the car (without music or kids) or taking a shower gets the creative process going again. The challenge then is to hang onto the new thoughts until I can get them down on paper.
ya…you could get one of these for the shower thoughts… http://www.fakingcreativity.com/notepads-everywhere/
Thanks for the idea! That would be perfect.