Rich 'N Roll

“We should not be taught that we must wait for inspiration. On the contrary – action will always create the spark.”

– Widsom for the Young Musician‘s spin on a Frank Tibolt quote –

You know those days where you feel like you just can’t come up with anything “revolutionary,” new, fresh, dynamic…? Be it music, design, photography, writing, or what have you, I feel like everyone gets in creative slumps, and I’ve had one too many recently. In efforts to revive my own creativity, after much thought and many a struggle, and in the hopes of helping others out, I’d like to share my newly-formulated two-part solution. So here goes:

1. Get inspired.

2. Make it grow.

“Create The Spark”

Getting inspired feels great. It can be anything from that rush of emotion and energy where everything just comes to you at once and you need to get your ideas out RIGHT NOW… or, something as simple as a random thought that pops in your head, slowly starting the flow. I believe that inspiration is the key to Creativity.

So, how does one find inspiration?
As the quote suggests… ACTION !

Notice the verb “find” in that question. Inspiration rarely just comes to you! Even if it does, often you’re doing something that put you in a state of mind to receive the inspiration. The great thing is, if you’re open enough and willing to receive it, inspiration can come from anywhere at anytime.

Here are some actions that generate inspiration:

• Browse the internet. (StumbleUpon is great for this!)
• Gather examples.
• Go for a walk.
• Explore some nature.
• Talk to someone.
• Listen to (new) music.
• Watch a movie.
• Read something.
• Write something.
• Travel somewhere new.
• Try something you’ve never done.
• Learn new techniques in things you enjoy. (for me: guitar, computer software, photography…)

Sometimes, too, it’s as simple as living your daily life with a critical, observant eye. Instead of letting everything pass you by, stop and look at the little things, or try look at the world differently.

You can go out to actively seek inspiration in these ways… or, inspiration can (and often) will come to you when you aren’t really looking for it, when you’re just doing the things you enjoy. I’ve noticed, however, that many times I feel the spark of inspiration are at inopportune times to record it (riding on a subway, going for a run, at work, etc). So, here’s another thing I’ve learned:

Always be prepared to record ideas!

• Have a little notebook handy.
• Bring a mini-tape recorder.
• Bring a camera (or camera-phone).
• Make a quick acronym so you’ll remember.
• Text or e-mail yourself.

So next time you’ve got Creator’s Block, or just need some fresh ideas, try getting out and doing something! You never know where it will lead you. If you have more ways to generate inspiration, I’d love to hear them!

Until next time… ROCK ON!