This article was originally published on JodianneBeckford.com. Reposted with permission from the author.
From the title, many of you have already been in that very position. As a creative you strive on individuality and creating the upmost “original” work. But, yes there is a “but”, there are times when things just get stagnant. You freeze, your flow begins to run dry and you panic, like having to wear the same thing twice in the first week of school. Phew! I’m not the only one (excuse my over exaggerated example). As I was saying, it just happens, but there is something you can do about it.
1. Getting the old fashioned pen and paper out (blank paper to be exact) and writing down as many ridiculous ideas as possible. Seeing a visual will help spark what you might have thought was gone; it allows you to take that idea to the next step.
2. Create a physical inspiration board displaying an assortment of images and clippings from magazines. Colour is key here as well, this will help to establish a colour scheme. Pinterest is good for this as well, but I find when I do it physically rather than digitally I get more out of it.
Also read: FIVE STEPS TO DISCOVERING AND USING YOUR CREATIVE VOICE
3. Find a group of like-minded people and connect. This is probably one of the most important tips I can give. There is nothing like being surrounded by fellow creatives to spark something fresh in you, and vice versa. You may think you’re all out of ideas, but just by speaking with others you will say something that sparks something in them. That’s the thing about finding a community of fellow creatives, the possibilities are endless.
4. Go for a walk in the park or city and people watch (yes people watch). You will be surprised at how inspired you can get by just observing people’s actions, facial expressions, gestures and so on.
5. The best and last tip is spending time with a child; they are the original imaginative creators. You will be intrigued at how inspired you can get with spending time with a child, they are so full of life and have such a carefree attitude. It really is a blessing.
I hope my little tips helped, and don’t forget to always do what you love! I’ll leave you with this inspiring quote I recently heard from TEDx YOUTH.
“No one has ever changed the world, by doing what the world has told them to do.” – Eddy Zhong
By Jodianne Beckford