Think
We’re victims of an entertainment culture. There is always something to watch, listen to or read. Even this blog could be considered entertainment—amusement. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of (1) sleep, (2) work, (3) amuse.
Outside Inspiration: Denny Weinman
Today I ask Denny Weinman to share some of his outside sources of inspiration. These are things outside of his creative discipline that he gets inspired by.
Limit Yourself
There’s a popular philosophy that says creativity needs to be unrestrained. But you need limitations to create your best work. Limitations keep your work grounded and accessible. Limitations force you to think more creatively. Take Dr. Seuss’ beloved book, Green Eggs and Ham. This book is the fourth bestselling children’s hardcover book of all time. But it only has 50 words in…
Silence
The world is a loud place. The noise can get numbing. Zombies are numb. And zombies aren’t creative. When you find yourself numb—or experiencing creative block—it’s important to change things up. So why don’t you try shutting down the noise for a little bit to allow your brain to think?
Perspective and Angles
Watch this video: [tentblogger-youtube M5POy9iKtPA] How does this chopper fly without moving its blades?
Appreciate Your Inspirations
Rest in peace, Steve Jobs. I won’t eulogize him or praise him. Every blogger who’s touched an iPod has already done that. But Mr. Apple’s passing got me thinking. The hour the news broke, my Twitter stream was filled with Apple logos and appreciation for Steve. It continued for hours. Everyone was showing their gratitude…
Community Pool: Anthony Roe
One question. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learn about creativity? Anthony Roe answers: “Step out of your comfort zone to do something different. There’s not always a mold to follow, sometimes you have to be the one to make it.”
Purpose
Brilliant artists ask questions. More importantly, they ask, “why?” Why am I writing this song? Why am I designing this graphic? Why am I dancing? Art without purpose may be fun to look at it. But it doesn’t make a lasting impact. Purpose is the fuel that transports creativity from “pretty” to “life changing”.
Read a Book You Wouldn’t
Sometimes our creative blocks come from narrow thinking. We live in a very broad and spacious world. But when we get too focused on one aspect of the world, we get tunnel vision. It’s easy to fill our minds with business principles and see nothing else. Or we fill our minds with bands we’re wanting…
The Daily Block
A bit of encouragement today. Did you know I get creativity blocks almost daily? Believe it or not, this blog was created more for me than for you. No offense, but when I write, I write things that I need to hear. I don’t write things I necessarily hope you hear.