Brand Storyteller & Creative Director Copy
6 ACTIONS TO TAKE THE NEXT
TIME YOU HIT A CREATIVE WALL
Blog Post June 2022
Six Ways to Get Your Creative Ideas Flowing Again
The harder you try, the more you struggle. The creative ideas just aren’t happening today, and you’re running out of time. What are some ways to shake things up and find a fresh approach so the ideas start to flow again? Here are six actions you can take to seed the clouds of your next brainstorm.
1. Change Your State
Get out of your office or studio—or wherever your thinking has become stagnant. It doesn’t really matter where you go as long as you change your environment. A new sensory experience can help you process ideas in a new way. Go to Starbucks, a movie, or an art museum—someplace inspiring, or simply somewhere different. Creativity is more likely to return when the process stops feeling like work.
2. Escape with an Audiobook or Podcast
The last time I upgraded my iPhone, my customer representative talked me into upgrading my package to include a pair of Beats headphones. They’re not the best for music, but I discovered audiobooks and podcasts, and they changed my life. I was hooked. There are many podcasts about creativity. Two worth exploring are *The Creative Life* by James Taylor and *Lightning Bugs: Conversations with Ben Folds*.
3. Go Down a Rabbit Hole
Following one curiosity into another can lead you somewhere unexpected. If your search leads to a dead end, check out my favorite band, OK Go. They became famous for a viral video choreographed on a series of treadmills. As fun as it is, that famous treadmill video is only the beginning of what makes their work interesting. I love their fresh sound, and their videos are equally innovative. Also check out their TED Talk. Their work consistently reminds me how far a simple idea can be pushed.
4. Clean Up Your Workspace
Sometimes doing simple, low-pressure work helps you decompress. Sifting through old boxes and piles of papers might remind you of an old idea you had. When the pressure is off, you never know what might bubble up creatively. If you’re still stuck, redecorate or reconfigure your room.
5. Revisit Old Workbooks and Journals
This might be the time to recommit to an old goal or idea. With some time away, you may return with a fresh take or solution. If you don’t jot down your ideas in a journal or sketchbook, it’s time to start.
6. Go Old-School. Hit the Books.
Yes, sometimes creativity can come from something tangible, like an actual book. Stepping away from a screen changes the pace and gives your mind room to wander. A book you can underline, dog-ear, or leave open on your desk can become part of the creative process rather than just another piece of information passing by.
As a parting gift, here are links to some of my favorite books—some in print and others in audiobook form. I hope browsing this list sparks a new idea—or even a full brainstorm.
Good luck!
Chris Fleck
Recommended Books and Audiobooks
- The Man Who Tapped the Secrets of the Universe
- The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connection, and Courage
- How to Live a Good Life by Jonathan Fields
- Jim Henson: The Biography* by Brian Jay Jones
- Born Standing Up* by Steve Martin
- The War of Art* by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc.* by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace
- Caffeine for the Creative Mind
- Creative Sparks* by Jim Krause
- The Glass Half Full* by Felix Dennis
- Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to Be the Artist You Truly Are
- Jim Henson: The Works—The Art, the Magic, the Imagination
- Jim Henson’s Designs and Doodles: A Muppet Sketchbook
- The Gashlycrumb Tinies* by Edward Gorey
- Graphic Design and Visual Communication
- What Logos Do and How They Do It
- Book on preparing for Christmas