By Autumn Roadruck
For those who depend on their creativity for a living, you’re not alone. Sometimes I wish I was more creative OR at least know how to avoid those big blocks that lodge in my creative stream. I have put together a list of my top 5 tips to cultivate your creative process. That mean keeping the stream of creativity over-flowing so there are no blocks.
Now let’s talk about that. Here are five ways to get started:
1. Find inspiration on Pinterest
Pinterest is a visual discovery tool. Users bookmark images on inspiration boards. Images usually have a URL which directs users to recipes, crafts, DIY’s and more. I personally use Pinterest to drive my audience to my blog, BUT I also have a board for blog inspiration. It is the board I use to make images, install new widgets or when I need a motivational boost in my day.
2. Find a new muse, friend, or hero
Creative people need muses. Those muses could be friends, lovers, or heroes. If you’re hitting a road block in your creative processes change-up your personal inspiration sources. It’s like when you meet a new friend, and everything just clicks. You’re obsessed with each other, and you can’t get enough of their light, you just want to soak it up with every fiber of your being. Almost like being in love. But you’re cultivating your inner creator.
3. Doodle or get a coloring book
Adult coloring books are all the rage. Why? Because they work. Coloring has been shown to excite your imagination, arouse your senses and inspire creativity. As a bonus it’s a soothing activity that calms you and instantaneously reduces stress levels.
4. Change where you look for it.
If you’re constantly surfing Facebook or Twitter for inspiration, try going to the library, and find a book instead. Instead of clicking around without really knowing what you’re looking for, or getting distracted by Facebook updates (we’ve all be there), try putting down the laptop & go to a fabric store. Look at things with color, life, and other physical creations. For me, I go to an office supply store. For some reason pens & notebooks just get me going.
5. Keep a notepad by the bed
I cannot tell you how many time I have stellar ideas in the middle of the night. I figure, its such a great idea I will remember it the next morning. Next morning comes and it’s gone. Dreams are great places to find inspiration, but there is also more space where creative ideas seem to be more accessible. Moral of the story is keep a pad of paper by the bed. You never know when it’s going to happen. After all luck favors the prepared.
I hope these tips gave you some solid ideas on cultivating your creative powers! I honestly think that if you do all of these things well, you will definitely grow your stream of creativity. Also, keep in mind that you’re not alone, everyone has a creative block.
BIO
Autumn is a creative strategic partner for small business owners, solopreneurs, and creatives helping them by mapping out where they are, where they want to be, and the process to get there. They can then follow the map to get to their desired results, or hire her as a guide and I’ll work the steps with them, making things happen according to schedule. Follow me on twitter @AAutumnroadruck OR check me out on Facebook facebook.com/ARoadruck