On being creative.

Creativity.  This word is immense and often thought of as a magical power we all want.  Austin Kleon broke it down in this manner…

It’s actually a pretty good estimate of the necessary tools that should be in a creative’s tool belt.  Why just the other day, I had the opportunity to practice the last point “A willingness to look stupid”.  Thankfully, my fellow cohorts at FYC laughed only for 15 minutes (not 30) and then we decided to incorporate my lack of knowledge in the Mac world as a weekly learning tool.  Score one for creativity!

As a design boutique we have been quickly immersed  (this is where curiosity comes into play) in all things creative.  Here are some of the best suggestions that we use and we kindly wanted to share them with you:

• Get out! Take a walk, go for a team lunch break, ride your skateboard or our favorite one…feed the meter.  Sometimes the best way to be creative is to take a break and let your subconscious mind do it’s thing.
  
• Have a drink.  We prefer whiskey or tequila.  It just makes us a little bit more loose.  Think Mad Men style
• Look to others.  Imitation is the best flattery.  Here are some sites that inspire us…
  • www.core77.com
  • www.behance.net
  • www.tutorialblog.org
  • www.youthedesigner.com
• Talk about it. Have an idea brewing or problem that needs solving?  Talk to your friends, your loved ones and even your NOT so loved ones.  Sometimes having an external sounding board, gives you a fresh perspective or a nudge in the right direction.  And the more you ask the greater the variety of approaches.
• Stay informed. So much changes on a day to day basis.  The best way to be  creative is to stay informed.  Use a reader, watch the news, listen to NPR, subscribe to people on twitter…whatever your preference is, just do it.

Being creative can be magical.  Start exploring this world today.  Grab your wand and be creative!