giveaway week: creativity
Posted on 29. Jun, 2011 by Princess Lasertron in giveaway
This week I’m doing a different giveaway every day based on a daily theme. Today’s prize will be a package with some supplies and materials to inspire you to create something yourself. Maybe it will be a kit, or a collection of inspiring photos, or a CD of new music. Or something different…it’s all just for fun. Comment below to enter and win!
Top 5 ways that I love to gather new inspiration:
1. Ask a friend who I haven’t caught up with in a while out to lunch or tea or a midnight snack.
Hearing about what others are doing and succeeding at is motivating for me, and having another mind to work through my creative dilemmas with makes me feel freer and unburdened. I just love to listen to others who I admire and later reflect on what I can learn from them.
2. Imagine myself as my own reader/customer/friend/etc and ask myself what would make me happy to read or do as a consumer of my own content.
Does that make sense? Sometimes I close my eyes and visualize myself reading a magazine, and try to fill in–in my imagination–what would be on the pages. A recipe? A tutorial? An inspirational story? About what? What am I looking for as a consumer? This week I have two tutorial deadlines for other publications and I came up with the ideas using this process.
3. Look online and find something happening in my community that I would never normally go to.
Things I’ve gone to in the past for the first time: An Omaha Community Playhouse production, a Chamber of Commerce networking event, a blues show at The Slowdown, the Omaha Farmers Market, a foreign film at Film Streams, Slowdown pub quiz
Things I want to try in the future: A poetry slam, an art opening at The New Blk, an Ok Party comedy show, a show at the Kent Bellows Studio, storytime at the library
4. Look at pictures of workspaces on Pinterest or Flickr, and then rearrange or redecorate or reorganize something in my studio to emulate something in another space I admire.
Cleaning and starting fresh in a place that is physically different than the workspace I’m used to tends to put me into creative overdrive.
5. Give myself permission to give up–temporarily.
Clearing my mind and mentally releasing myself from the pressure to preform or impress sometimes opens the window for a great idea to breeze right in.
What unconventional things do you do when you just need a fresh idea?
When was the last time you found yourself at a loss for inspiration?
What did you do about it? Did you learn anything?
Food for thought–you can weigh in or just say hi. Comment to win a package of something inspirational.
xo
meg
97 Responses to “giveaway week: creativity”
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Carly Morgan
29. Jun, 2011
11:30 pm
Pinterest always inspires me…
Mariam
29. Jun, 2011
11:18 pm
Sitting down and playing the piano inspires me to be creative in other aspects of my life–probably because I so rarely take the time to play anymore, so when I do, the pieces are familiar but the thoughts I have while playing seem ‘fresh.’
Jenny
29. Jun, 2011
11:00 pm
Sometimes I just need to engage in completely indulgent, superficial escapism. Overdosing on sun and cheese both seem to work wonders.
Jill
29. Jun, 2011
10:28 pm
I love covering with other creative minds. I love to feed off of creative energy.
Laurie
29. Jun, 2011
10:27 pm
When I need inspiration, I write backwards in cursive… lets your mind wander a bit , it’s rather doodly, and it’s fun!
Tina C.
29. Jun, 2011
10:00 pm
When I’m low on creativity and/or inspiration I turn to blogs (like yours!), pinterest, or I go out somewhere inspiring – a park, a museum, the ocean. Sometimes I look at blogs or read a book that aren’t in what I would normally consider my field of interest, and that usually is where I hit gold – something that I may not have otherwise thought of inspiring me does.
Jessica
29. Jun, 2011
9:59 pm
I think that I’m currently so overwhelmed by sources of inspiration that it’s making me lose confidence in myself because I haven’t put anything into action.
Amy @ The Nifty Foodie
29. Jun, 2011
9:56 pm
A variety of things give me inspiration…a good walk outside, reading blogs, listening to music, and now, Pinterest is a big one!
Cory
29. Jun, 2011
9:28 pm
this is me wanting to win things!
kim
29. Jun, 2011
9:10 pm
love your ideas!
Karen
29. Jun, 2011
9:06 pm
As cliche as it sounds, going out for a walk or some sort of excersize always inspires me to get stuff done! Having a meeting with an old friend always does it as well….photography websites get me in the artsy mood too
Katie
29. Jun, 2011
8:46 pm
I generally have three options that I use to get the creative juices ‘a flowing…..
1. go running — endorphins or some nonsense, it works I tell ya!
2. Stand in front of my fabric shelves and ponder the awesomeness that could result from so many pretty patterns.
3. pinterest!
If none of those work it’s time to take a nap or watch some trashy tv and drink a glass of wine!
Kat D.R.
29. Jun, 2011
8:20 pm
When I slow down and just decide to quit stressing and relax a bit, my mind functions better, and I feel more inspired. Taking it easy and mellowing out allows me to focus more freely on things around me and soak in details I may have otherwise not even noticed.
Kristin
29. Jun, 2011
8:04 pm
When I need inspiration I tend to wander into my local yarn shop. Seeing wall upon wall of yarn, in every color and texture is such a comfort. It’s a reminder that all the supplies are there, I just need to pick them up and experiment.
The last time I was at a loss for inspiration was a few months ago when my father past away. When I wanted to be distracted, I tried to read, but couldn’t concentrate. So, instead I knit. It was repetitive and soothing. In some ways, I think it helped get me through those saddest, coldest months. For that, I’m so thankful.
Renee
29. Jun, 2011
8:04 pm
I keep a notebook of ideas that I come across from the internet and blogs..so much inspiration and so little time!
WhitneyMae
29. Jun, 2011
8:03 pm
I read/browse my friend’s blogs. Many of my friends are photojournalists and I’m a reporter who happens to take pictures. I’m always amazed at how other people see things and find new ways to tell stories. When I see a big, beautiful project they’re working on, it inspires me to get off my ass and start working on one of those ideas I have tucked into the back of my planner for a rainy day. Make like the rainy day is today and do what you’ve been putting off!
Jessica
29. Jun, 2011
8:00 pm
The last time I was at a loss for inspiration was… well, right now. I’m a painter and I have had NO inspiration lately.
Liz
29. Jun, 2011
8:00 pm
I usually go to sleep and recharge my batteries. When I wake up in the morning and look at something with fresh eyes, I usually have better ideas and a more positive outlook at what I’m working on!
Monica
29. Jun, 2011
7:48 pm
I’m in a creative drought at the moment. My usual go-to is the Morning Pages from The Artists Way. I find that 3 minutes of mind-dumping on the page will reveal a nugget of inspiration somewhere bewteen page 2 and 3. PS – I do the Morning Pages at 11:30 at night because that’s when I’m most awake!
Monica
29. Jun, 2011
7:49 pm
PS – That was supposed to be -30- minutes. Typo!
Amanda A
29. Jun, 2011
7:30 pm
When I need inspiration, I browse around the library. Grabbing a new (to me) book clears away all my mental buildup. Especially effective when I read about a subject I normally wouldn’t, such as the history of forensics in New York City or anything outside my professional interests.
Lisa
29. Jun, 2011
7:16 pm
I take a hot bath or drive alone in the car. If I’m in the car, I need to have everything turned off — no music or talk radio (which is my addiction). I just think. I usually come home with a crazy long list of things I want/need to do!
Jen
29. Jun, 2011
7:12 pm
Etsy. I wander aimlessly around etsy for inspiration.
Laurie
29. Jun, 2011
7:12 pm
I go for a drive. Seeing people walking around, or looking at the beautiful mountains really inspires me.
jenny!
29. Jun, 2011
7:05 pm
I tend to go out and buy stuff that I think would help me do something neat, like buying scrapbook paper to cut circles out of and polka dot my walls. Then a week later, I decide that’s boring and we rinse and repeat.
Gillian James
29. Jun, 2011
7:03 pm
I get inspired by going to the art gallery, blog-hopping or just starting- just doing something, anything.. and waiting for the spark that sets me off on a tangent
Samantha L
29. Jun, 2011
7:02 pm
Whenever I am short for new ideas I literally hibernate. I shut my phone off, tell my husband to spend the day/night hanging out with his buddies and just spend the day on me. During that time I give myself a pedicure, or lay in the sun on the living room floor and stare at the ceiling, practically anything to pamper myself. Once I feel like I’ve paid enough attention to my needs my mind is normally refreshed and I can start off fresh! (c:
Julia Anderson
29. Jun, 2011
6:53 pm
PInterest totally inspires me! I have gotten so many new and fun projects accomplished because of that site! Whoa Hoo!
Lyn
29. Jun, 2011
6:50 pm
I get out my materials for whatever project I have in mind, shuffle things around, and start doodling. It only works if I’m free of other distractions and well rested.
Heather
29. Jun, 2011
6:35 pm
I feel so uninspired right now! I’m trying to write a paper on a potentially interesting topic, but the sources are not working out quite like I thought they would. I’m taking the night off and grabbing froyo with a friend!
Bec
29. Jun, 2011
6:07 pm
I’ve had a big project that I’ve been truing to be inspired about for a while. I had an idea but was missing the way to get to the outcome I wanted. I was walking around the store the other day and all of a sudden, spray adhesive unlocked the key and I’ve been happily surrounded by canvases, newspapers, and paint ever since. Sometimes it is the random light bulb moments that keep you going!
amie
29. Jun, 2011
5:59 pm
go for a run early in the morning!
Bianca G
29. Jun, 2011
5:20 pm
I am in a creative slump right now but I think it’s because I have lots of things going on. I have been making time to get some crafting in but between doctor’s appointments, packing and trying to find a place to live it’s been an interesting summer so far.
Karli Brooke
29. Jun, 2011
5:18 pm
I love #1! I might have to try this.
megan v
29. Jun, 2011
5:05 pm
Meg I love your ideas! I love thinking about news ways of approaching the creative process. It can really be refreshing!! I love re-organizing/re-decorating one small space in my home/studio to feel really refreshed. Once it looks new and improved, it lifts my mood and makes me want to dig into my work some more!
Alison
29. Jun, 2011
5:01 pm
I love reading blogs for inspiration from others…and Pinterest, my new addiction. I also take new and interesting classes at our local Arts Centre!
heather b.
29. Jun, 2011
4:52 pm
I make cards for friends & family. The best compliment I’ve been given, a few times, is that they had no idea I made it. It is my go to when I want to create. I want to write more poetry, though. Make it a daily thing & cut down on technology. I am jealous of/inspired by my bff who makes incredible pottery/draws & paints/makes block prints/makes the best mix cds ever. I have art in my brain but my hands don’t know what to do!
Claire
29. Jun, 2011
4:47 pm
Learning something new usually inspires me. When I’m stuck, I like to read a random page on wikipedia, flip open a book I haven’t read in a while, or read an article in the New Yorker or another long-form essay magazine. The love of learning is a valuable thing!
Laura
29. Jun, 2011
4:43 pm
I have a couple things I do if I’m feeling uninspired. Probably pretty conventional though.
Sometimes I force myself to sit down and write something – anything! – or get out with my camera and take some photos of something – anything! – just to get the juices flowing. And sometimes some pretty great stuff comes out of those moments!
Sometimes I surf the web looking for photos or blog posts or music or anything that makes my heart flutter. It can be a great jumpstart and you never know where the internet will take you.
And sometimes just going for a little walk around the craft store gets that excitement about creating something new bubbling inside me.
I’ve also learned, though, to sometimes just let it go and accept my “rut”, knowing that inspiration is likelier to strike for me if I’m not frustrated about it.
Kitty
29. Jun, 2011
4:31 pm
I love checking out etsy for great ideas! That is my great way to get inspiration!
georgia rowe
29. Jun, 2011
4:17 pm
Looking at blogs including yours gives me inspiration. (Fingers crossed- I never win comps)
xx
Amy W.
29. Jun, 2011
4:02 pm
For my job, I keep an ongoing list of ideas I come across on the internet and when I am feeling like trying something new, I consult my list for some inspiration.
Camille
29. Jun, 2011
3:52 pm
Hi!
I find inspiration mostly in nature. The last time I was lacking inspiration was back in April. I decided to go walk around hobby lobby until I found something I felt up to doing. I ended up buying sale picture frames and spray paint! 
ashlie
29. Jun, 2011
3:50 pm
I’m also a big Pinterest addict! I love to just search for random things and see the awesome things people make! I also love to scour yard sales and thrift stores to find some piece of treasure that’s just waiting to be cleaned up!
Andrea
29. Jun, 2011
3:45 pm
I definitely have a lot of number 4 and 5 going on.
My inspiration usually comes after allowing myself to take a chill pill, relax and forget about everything. Doing so usually leads to laid back surfing on the web and finding beautiful things people have made a) that I’d like try to make b)just give me an idea. BAM. I’m ready to get back into the groove.
I love this topic!
Pamela
29. Jun, 2011
3:42 pm
I love pinterest. It is a mine for projects and spaces that are so inspiring. When I need a boost I usually clean. Sometimes the amount of stuff that piles up as discard from a project can be intimidating but putting it all away is a playground for what to do with it next. I love reading about the way you work. It’s an inspiration to me.
Jana Sutter
29. Jun, 2011
3:36 pm
I think creativity can be loose or purposeful. Sometimes, if I want to start working on a new song, I think very purposefully about what kind of song I want to write and why. Starting from a logical place gives me direction when starting with a blank page is intimidating.
Kristine
29. Jun, 2011
3:25 pm
Thrifting/estate sales. Works every time because I love wandering around old houses, looking at the way people have laid out their rooms and lived their lives.
BTW–save the library storytime until after the summer–it is bananz all summer long with all the older kids out of school and not nearly as cozy/comfortable for little ones. Learned this the hard way when Kiddo was 1!
Kelly
29. Jun, 2011
3:24 pm
This is a great post! One of the things I did just today to inspire creativity was to look at some of my past work. Sometimes I forget how innovative the work is, and looking at it with “new eyes” gives confidence that the present and future will be inhabited by the creative spark.
Mary B.
29. Jun, 2011
3:05 pm
My things probably aren’t that unconventional, but they work for me when I need a re-fresher or to clear my head.
Get close to a body of water. In Kingston, this means Lake Ontario to watch the kiteboarders and stack rocks.
Go to the dollar store and make myself a loot bag. Stickers, pompoms, candy, barrettes, crayons…anything that catches my eye.
Go to the children’s section at the library and read picture books.
Make myself (and anyone else who is around) a nice cup of loose leaf tea using my good tea set.
Head to Value Village or the Salvation Army and have fun dreaming of ‘recyclart’ projects.
Take the bus and people watch. This is especially good in Ottawa, on the longer cross-town routes.
HiLLjO
29. Jun, 2011
3:02 pm
I grab my big ol’ button jar and start running them through my hands, thinking of things I could make with them all. That really makes me unstoppable.
I accredit it to the quantum communication between all the heirloom buttons touching each other.