Today's topic is about where to find inspiration. It's often hard to pull yourself away from the computer screen when a deadline is nearing, but I {like so many other creatives} have found that the most inspiration comes from beyond my office walls. Below, my top five. Have any that you'd like to add or share? Would love to hear 'em.
1. A Museum Visit
There are a number of great museums around Los Angeles, and something about the solitude, quiet and range of work being showcased tends to get my creative juices flowing. I'll sometimes pop by just to see one particular exhibit (an entire museum can often be a bit overwhelming) and enjoy it in it's entirety, taking notes and making sketches. Sometimes vintage textile designs can inspire patterns for a logo design, or the color palette of a modern painting can inspire a whole brand story. I've realized over time that inspiration isn't necessarily so literal.
2. Meeting with Fellow Freelancers
I've been lucky enough to cultivate a group of friends around town that are also freelancing and going through the same ups, downs and challenges. It's been a tremendous help to be able to call them up or meet them for coffee to bounce ideas off of or ask for advice. Likewise, they've always got something exciting up their sleeves which inspires me to do better, try harder, and think outside the box in terms of my own business.
3. Being Outdoors
I make sure to start every morning with either a hike or a jog, less for the exercise and more for the stress relief. I force myself out of bed knowing I'll be sitting behind a computer for the next twelve or so hours which seems to make it a bit easier. With nothing around to distract me, I use this time to clear my head, observe my surroundings, and take cues from the largest source of inspiration: nature.
4. Photography Blogs
Something about photography has always moved me; I suppose it's the idea of a moment being captured in time that will never exist that exact same way again. I'll often be inspired by the light, the subject, the colors or the emotion of a photograph. Some of my favorite photographers' work to thumb through lately are Daniel Seung Lee, Olivia Larrain Heiremans, Debbie Carlos and Maria Rita.
5. Taking Classes
I think continuing education is crucial to the success of a creative, far beyond the years of graduating from college. This is an industry that is constantly evolving, and without keeping one ear to the ground, you can easily miss out on developing the skills that make you employable. There are a million ways to learn these days, whether it be online courses, website tutorials, community college classes or weekend workshops, and I think any opportunity to hone a skill related to your field of work will only add to your repertoire in the long haul. Taking classes are a surefire way to keep you inspired and passionate about your chosen career path.
Have a topic you'd like featured? Shoot me an e-mail! Until next week...
Love the list....I'd add riding my bike and being with animals.
ReplyDeleteI love reading suggestions like this. It's hard to keep inspired. I'll add watching movies to finding inspiration. I hardly watch TV anymore or watch a movie and usually when I need a bit of a break from the internet I watch a movie and watching each frame carefully.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, that's a great one too!
DeleteGreat list of inspiration. The inspiration of a museum visit is something I only recently discovered, but it's fast becoming one of the best ways for me to get my photography mojo back.
ReplyDeleteNice list. There really aren't much opportunities for continuing education where I come from (not much short courses, and I'm not yet decided on grad school), so I rely on self-learning.
ReplyDeleteBlogs are also an awesome source of inspiration. I've been going through several creative blogs like yours and it's helping get my mojo back. ;)
Definitely! Glad to hear it. :)
DeleteA million times yes to #5!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI love #5 (just like everyone it seems...must be sth to it :)
ReplyDeleteFor me, having lunch outside, in the sun if possible, is like plugging in a charger.
Most of the time, I prefer spending it alone too. Just my food, my thoughts. Sitting in a park, watching people, enjoying the breeze. Only for a wee hour and then it's back to work, but with a spring in your step.
That list is an inspiration by itself! I have a good night's sleep, I find myself having the best ideas coming right the second before I fall asleep or even mid-sleep (weirdo?!)
ReplyDelete12 hours a day? You should start with one hour behind the computer and then spend 12 hours or so being outdoors ;)
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