Each month, we'd like to ask our MoxieBox community to come together to support one another. This month, the conversation is about ‘How we find ideas.’
Can we turn on a creative mindset like a light switch, or do we need to wait for the best ideas to appear?
Are we gifted with ideas from the ether, or do they uniquely come from within us? What do we need to do to find new ideas?
These questions have been mulled over in artist circles, cultural discussions, and among individuals stuck in a rut.
As an artist working across many fields, I often hear creatives remark on how they've either found an amazing new idea–or how they can’t think of anything at all. I know we’ve all dealt with this pendulum of motivation, whether needed for a work project, a personal question, or an art piece.
Together with the MoxieBox Community, let’s explore what works best for each of us!
I’ve asked artists from our design team and independent artists via social media ‘How they get ideas.’ I've also researched methods from creative icons for consideration.
Are the masters utilizing methods that we can access, too?
Albert Einstein was known to sleep 10 hours every night. During his additional daily naps, he found immense creativity in the liminal space between consciousness and dreams. He would hold a spoon in his hand, and when it dropped, he knew he was in the right mental state.
Elizabeth Gilbert, known for her creative studies and practices shared in this Ted Talk and in her book Big Magic, believes creating space and time to “invoke the muse” will allow the genius to flow through.
Beyonce, famous for her genre-bending, culture-changing, and innovative music style, describes her creative process as experimentation. She’ll try new instruments and play with sound–creating up to 100 different songs before paring them down for a curated album.
It’s clear that making space and time for the creative process is essential for these artists to welcome new ideas.
We all have our own methods of “invoking the muse,” but from a bird's-eye view, the same trends seem to be helpful for everyone: Environment, Activity, Conversation, and Influence.
Here’s what the MoxieBox community thinks:
Jennifer East, MoxieBox’s Creative Director, loves to decorate her office and home with objects and themes that kickstart her creative flow. “I am inspired by the world around me. I can’t live with just white walls. I need color, texture, and more for inspiration.”
Changing your environment can often provide refreshing sensory input. To get into my creative flow, I sometimes take myself on walks or treat myself to a coffee at a local cafe. Nature makes me feel extremely present, and coffee shops allow me to stay curious about my environment.
Getting out into the world and intentionally seeking experiences can help us find new perspectives.
Jean-Angelo Perea, a painter, keeps the quote by Benjamin Franklin in mind, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” Jean-Angelo says, “Trying new things and gaining new experiences is how I find my ideas.”
Savannah Webb, a writer and costume designer in the community, says, “Music, by far, tops the list… but I also think watching the perfect movie for the mood of your art can put you in a great spot!”
These artists find their inspiration from observing other’s work and trying their hand at it:
“I personally get a lot of inspiration from seeing other artwork, especially in a style I had never conceived of before. Nature also inspires me - Travis Spake, painter & photographer
“I find a lot of my inspiration through other artists that I look up to. I try to try elements that I enjoy from each of them and create my own style.” - Diana Custance, textile artist & hairstylist
“Seeing other people’s art and attempting to mimic it or make something new is a great way to get my mind started.” - Michael Dinh, sketch artist
Collin East, one of MoxieBox’s key artists and animators has spoken about how conversation, brainstorming, and dreaming together makes him feel the most inspired.
And on the note of dreaming, our Education Coordinator, Räna Nestrud, says she pulls her ideas from dreams. Perhaps she is tapping into the same source of creativity as Einstein?
So if you feel you have hit a wall, or may never amount to the spark of idea you once had–think again. You have the capability to open up your mind once more. Maybe a new environment, song, walk, or nap is just what you need.
Do you have a beloved method you use for creative inspiration? Add a comment below!
We love hearing your voice–and your ideas are a key part of our community.
Keep Dreaming,
Anna
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