Looking for a quick bit of inspiration? Visit a lifestyle different than your own. Have you noticed Abercrombie and Fitch models rarely get their pictures taken while driving to work, sitting in their cubicle or cooking dinner for their kids? Those scenarios aren’t exactly inspiring. Instead, they’re photographed playing polo, splashing water on each other…
The internet meme (meem). If you’re unfamiliar, an internet meme is any concept/graphic/video that spreads via the internet. The beauty of internet memes is that anyone can make one. If people like it, they spread it. Simple. But what I love even more about internet memes: they’re proof that you don’t have to be talented.…
One of the best ways to get your creative juices going is to think in opposites. Looking for a good idea? Pick something in the room and think of its opposite. Some things are easy. A white pepper shaker? Try a black salt shaker. But some things require a bit more thought…
I run instead of walk. I type faster than I need to. I don’t stay places longer than I want to. It might appear that I’m busy. I am. But I’m not too busy for the things I really want to do. I can sit on the couch for an hour with my wife talking…
I’m not a huge video game enthusiast. But every now and then a game immerses me in its world and I become a fan. Few games have done that like the Myst games. These games transport you from our all-too familiar world to one that seems similar, but isn’t. The visuals are stunning and the…
One of my biggest sources of creative block is procrastination. If I have five hours to do a one hour job I will never feel motivated. But if I have 30 minutes to do a 1 hour job…I get it done. In fact, the product I turn out in that 30 minutes is often better…
This is a guest blog from my buddy, Josh Neuroth. Six weeks ago, I stepped out of my comfort zone to do something different. I temporarily moved from rural Michigan to Brooklyn, NY on a “workcation” and what a personal transformation it’s been. I wanted to experience urban life and everything that came with it.…
Yesterday I told you about the tough times I was having getting motived. I did a few things wrong, but I did eventually find motivation. I finally connected with a buddy on Skype and started getting my creative juices going. I got motivated. But I didn’t start creating immediately. I let it stew.
Today’s been an uninspired day. Unfortunately, this happens to be my blogging day. So it was pretty frustrating when I sat down at Starbucks to blog, and nothing came. I had my topics laid out. I had my favorite beverage, but I was totally unmotivated.
You can’t always look to other creatives to help you overcome creative block. Creative blocks can be devastating. They’re emotionally trying. Especially if you define yourself based on your ability to create. That’s why you shouldn’t go to other creatives for help. It’s like asking for marriage help from an emotionally wrecked friend, going through…