I am not a naturally creative person so I need to ‘boost’ my creativity every now and then. Here’s a quick top 10 list of sites that I visit and things that I do to get my creative juices flowing.
- Flickr Leech – I take a look through the images, I then choose one of those images as the desktop for my day. Try and not stick with a particular style and type of image every day, vary it a bit.
- NotCot – I found this site from Jon Hicks’ post about new design blogs. A quick scroll through the pictures often fills me with ideas.
- Sleep – If you’re tired, then you will probably not be creative. Get yourself a good nights sleep or go for a nap.
- Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia – Look up words/subjects related to what you’re doing. If you have children then have a look through some of their books, you’d be surprised where ideas can come from. Karen pointed out a great site in the comments: RhymeZone.
- Prints & Patterns – I am fascinated by patterns, so simple yet they can give so many ideas. via Rachel Cunliffe.
- Experiment and learn – If you’re not prepared to experiment the you’re not being creative. Try not to always stick to the same formula. I know it’s an over-used clich
re: #4
www.rhymezone.com
it’s the writing tool i use the most.
Excellent post. I agree completely with the concept of “getting away”. It really does help – but then of course you have the problem of coming back :)
Notcot is a great resource. And as for sleep….....I wish! I’ve sunk to an all new creative low recently. I’m struggling to form sentences.
I agree. Because we usually are building barriers between ourselves and creative thinking and living everyday with the passive effects of the “I’m not creative” lie. And this sure affects our lives.
Creativity isn’t a special gift – we’re all born with it. It never leaves, it’s just hiding. Look for ways you can let the two year old inside come out and play.
Thanks for the list.
modulating my brainwaves with audio brainwave entrainment or biofeedback machines always gives me a “creativity” kick
Great list!
I’m adding it to my personal creativity hack, the ‘mind jog’ folder on my Firefox toolbar.
Great list. I would have to agree with the Jonathan – my biggest problem is actually coming back. Do I really have to? Thanks for all of your (always) great content.
http://www.militarygrrrl.com