It’s hard to find inspiration…unless you know where to look. Of course, that “place” is different for everyone.
The other day I was asked to create a summer camp display board. I had just finished the summer activity guide and my creative juice bucket was empty.
I said to the director that I needed some inspiration.
“How long will that take?” she asked.
Really?
Creative inspiration is really a mindset that you need to get yourself into. Sometimes it happens organically by just diving into a project.
Other times you need to go and find it, put yourself into the right environment.
I have seven things I can do that will get me there.
- Go to the Ocean. I can walk along a boardwalk or pier, or park at a lookout and in time I will be inspired. Oddly enough, walking in the sand will have the opposite effect on me.
- Take a Shower. The warm massaging water is my muse. I come up with more ideas due to the daydreaming I do in the shower than any other place. Unfortunately, It’s not a great place to keep paper and a pen.
- Using Mind Maps. I love creating mind maps on paper or online. They really help me organize my thoughts, and when my thoughts are organized I have room in my head for more thoughts.
- Taking a Walk. Just going for a walk will do wonders for inspiring creativity, especially if they are evening walks during the fall when the air is crisp and cool.
- Taking a Hike. Same as above, but on a trail.
- Going for a Drive. Taking a long drive is great, especially if it’s along the coast or a lightly traveled mountain road.
- Listening to the Right Music. Though I love Top 40, Pop, Alternative, UK Dance Hits, 70s Rock and anything 80s, it’s light jazz that helps me get into that creative place in my head.
Where do you find inspiration?
