Creativity runs through our veins here at CLS. It’s who we are and it’s what we do. We’re a team of writers, graphic designers, social media stars and marketers. Together we live and breathe imaginative marketing solutions for our clients.
But here’s the thing, we’re human too! And sometimes tuning into that cosmic creative energy of the universe is somewhat overwhelming. Creative block is real and it happens to the best of us.
How then, do we open-up our creative channels and get back to work? After a team debrief and discussion this week, we’ve come up with what we think are the best ways to get your creative juices flowing:
Visit your favourite café or coffee shop:
A change of scenery works wonders, and as simple as this sounds, a visit to your favourite coffee shop can really lift your spirits and inspire your creativity. There’s a reason why creatives love living the laptop café life:
- The ambient buzz of a café is at just the right noise level to invigorate but not disturb your creative mind.
- To avoid distractions that you might get when you’re working from home – a sink full of dishes or a laundry load that needs sorting.
- Coffee!!
- Wi-Fi! Some cafes will bestow you with their secret Wi-Fi password.
- Yummy food to nourish your hungry bellies, delivered to your table so you can focus on your project without the need to think about anything else.
“Going to a coffee shop and having your surrounds inspire you.” says Chrissy.
Essentially, visiting your local cafe will stimulate your desire to create because a) coffee cures lots of things and b) the sights, sounds and smells of a lively yet familiar setting are both comforting and invigorating.
Step away from your work desk or laptop
Is there anything more frustrating than sitting at your computer, waiting for an idea to come to you? If you’re at this point, you’ve likely reached your creative block. What do you do?
“I have my best ideas when I’m not trying to have ideas,” says Claire.
Walk away from your desk and do something less taxing. Studies have shown that if your body is busy doing things your mind will be free to think clearly. Top tasks to inspire your creative mind:
- Take a shower or bath “I often get my best ideas in the shower,” says Claire. And she’s not alone. When your mind is relaxed, you are more likely to look inwards. This is when your best ideas come in to play. “Chilin’ in the bath does it for me,” says Katarina.
- Go for a walk. There’s no need to go far. A simple walk to your local café will be enough to allow your mind to wander, which in turn spurs your creativity.
- Answer your call to nature. Let Mother Nature guide your creative mind. Jump in the car and drive to your nearest beach, forest or park. “Being in nature, away from the city inspires me,” says Clare.
- Meditate. “I feel creative after meditating and especially in Savasanaafter practicing yoga”, says Clare.
- Take a nap! “Ideas come to me when I’m in bed trying to sleep!” says Kristy.
- Talk things through. Why not talk about your ideas with loved ones, friends or colleagues? “Sometimes just talking about the project out loud can spark new ideas,” says Tori.
Immerse yourselves in the creativity of others
Let the power of other creatives’ spark your own imagination. The best ideas may come to you when you are influenced.
- Reach for a book. “I read a few pages of a book. Enid Blyton or Roald Dahl are my faves,” says Chrissy.
- Check out your favourite artists’ websites or socials. “I keep up with artists around the world who use different mediums and varying styles” says Clare.
- Visit your local art gallery. “When I’m feeling flat or uninspired, I spend a whole day visiting my favourite art gallery to immerse myself in the works of global artists,” says Erica.
- Watch a movie. Could be your favourite film or maybe watch something new.
- Play your favourite video game. Let your fingers guide you to another word through your video game controller.
- Listen to, or play music. Listen to your go-to Spotify mix or soundtrack. If you are musically minded, playing your own music can work wonders too. “I play guitar and keyboard mostly, but I also dabble in the venova and ocarina as well,” says Tom.
Still feeling a bit stuck? Check out our Creative Little Soul Scents. These pint size essential oil roller balls are designed as the perfect pick me up and your secret weapon for when you need a little liquid creativity to get you going. Order yours here.
