Sometimes I wonder why I even got in the business where everyone expects you to design things that always appeared fresh, witty, and could always relay a clear message. I hate the predicament of being totally stuck for inspiration, feeling almost brain dead and yes once again what in the world ever made me want to be a corporate creative. Then there’s the part where you have to get creative just to overcome the creative block itself. It can feel like being stuck in a hamster wheel. At least I can take solace in the knowledge that I’m not alone in the struggle, but still it does nothing for you creeping deadline. There is the light at the end of the tunnel though, that we all eventually do get over the massive mountain we call our creative block.
This post can relate to pretty much any artist, photographer, writer, dancer, etc…..I go could go on. I think it’s safe to say that everyone has been at one point in their career, been enveloped by a block of some kind. This post is for sharing some of my strategies or techniques that let you get away and your brain breathe!
- Destroy your computer – (ok not really) I spend over 60+ hours working on a computer. I find myself staring at it so hard I even go cross eyed! Seriously you have to get up & get away. If you’re like me & you have a desk job, I escape by either picking up a book or drinking tons of water, just so I have an excuse to get up every 15minutes! Lol
- People watch – Seriously go sit at a cool little café or coffee shop & just people watch. You’ll realize all the little things in life are very beautiful. It’s the little things that inspire a lot of us to go out & do the BIG things!
- Write – I wouldn’t consider myself a writer at all. I was the kid that wanted all the pretty picture books & the teenager that wanted all the magazines just for the editorial photo-shoots. I’ve forced myself out of this box to start writing more. Even if my grammar sucks, or I feel it with slang, who cares…it’s my voice & my message.
- Listen to new music – Oh this one might be my favorite. I love getting lost on music blogs & exploring new artists. A couple of my favorite websites for that is pitchfork.com & indieshuffle.com.
- Watch good movies – watching movies inspires my photography. It’s always inspiring to notice the details & the crazy camera angles. Makes you start think about how you can change your eye or develop a more creative eye by paying attention to some of the great directors & the angle they capture with the camera.
- Meet another artist – Find yourself a fellow artist. Creatives come in many shapes and colors, and they often run in packs. If you can find one, it may lead you to others. Collaborate with artists. Send them your positive vibes & except theirs. Combination is creation.
- Beware of the sofa & bed – Seriously I’m a sucker for sweat pants & pillows. Everything in moderation. The physical world is ultimately the source of all inspiration. So like James Brown would say “get up off that thang!!”
Here’s a little new music for this lovely Friday!
“Ryan Hemsworth puts his spin on the beautiful “Pull Me Down” record by Mikky Ekko. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter has been gaining attention for his music even moreso after writing (and being featured on) “Stay” on Rihanna’s Unapologetic album. Signed to RCA Records, Ekko’s latest single “Pull Me Down” was originally produced by Clams Casino. Clams’ sound already suited Mikky’s R&B tales of love and heartbreak, but Hemsworth revitalizes the record by quickening the tempo and adding catchy new melodies.” Check out it below!
[audio: https://blog.kristencurette.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Pull-Me-Down-Ryan-Hemsworth-Remix-EM1112.mp3]Below is some visual inspiration from my blog www.poorartists.tumblr.com
