Creative Triggers are EVERYWHERE: Links to Get Started
It’s been close to a year now since I first became interested in creativity research, and honestly, my brain is overwhelmed with all the information I’ve tried to take in. Do you ever do that? Find a passion for some topic that is so strong you just have this itch to learn EVERYTHING about - and you want to learn AND know it as quickly as humanly possible? Only your human brain can’t quite catch up to that itch and that passion?
Well, anyway, that’s the way I’ve felt about creativity. My backlog of articles saved in the “Creativity Research” folder on my computer is a fine example of my desire to know it all, and know it all NOW. I’ll never catch up to the passion. Every time I make it through a few files, I find more to take their place on the “unread” list.
Even though I’m nowhere close to having all the answers when it comes to creativity, I’ve learned so much. So much, that I might even label myself “a connoisseur of creativity.”
Cutting Creativity Down to Size
While exploring the world of creativity research, I think the single most intriguing piece of information I’ve encountered is the idea that creativity is something that exists in everyone. It’s not a rarity or gift that only a special few are blessed to receive. Creativity is everywhere.
Back in April, I wrote a two-part post about squashing the idea that someone “just isn’t a creative person.” We can all be creative souls. Creativity requires nothing more than open-mindedness, letting go of our fear of being wrong and the willingness to act.
Somehow we’ve all gotten the impression that in order for something to be considered “creative,” it has to be this huge, life changing concept. Really, creativity takes nothing more than a simple idea. James Webb Young refers to an idea as “nothing more or less than new combination of old elements.” Well stated, Jimmy.
Everyday, I keep myself open to creative possibilities. I read, I browse, I explore, all in search of inspiration for all the creative outlets that are part of my life. I wander in and out of the endless creative passageways I encounter, keeping my eyes peeled for a chance to create my own unique combination of the elements that greet me.
I challenge you to greet tomorrow with your eyes wide open. Be vulnerable to the creative triggers all around you. They are always there. It may take us some time to easily acknowledge their presence, but if you are truly open to the experience, it will happen. Don’t get frustrated if you find yourself struggling to recognize creative opportunity at first. I’m happily sharing some of my favorite triggers to get you started.
Blog Post Perfection
- Write Just One Thing and Write It Well - If you don’t read any Leo blogs, it’s high time you start.
- 8 Ways to Reclaim Your Childhood Creativity - I could read this LifeDev post 1000 times over.
- How to Avoid Prematurely Killing the Next Big Idea - Perfect for any of you “creativity beginners.”
- Whining, Blue Smoke and the Mechanics of Getting Unstuck - I go back often to re-read the paragraph about whining.
- Keep The Creative Juices Flowing - Tips For The Freelance Artist - Great advice even if you aren’t a freelancer.
- 5 Things That Become Easier When You Wake Up Early - I love this one because I’m a morning person anyway. It’s when I do my best writing.
- The Rise of the Creative Class - Richard Florida, you are my hero! His “creative class” concept is something I continuously referred back to for the huge collection of articles I wrote for BOOM Jackson.
Crafty Cues
- Amanda’s Scrapbook Room - I envision the other side of the pearly gates looking something like Amanda’s room.
- Lots and LOTS of Scrapbooking Links - Lists like these are why I believe the “I’m bored” excuse is a lame one.
- Page Maps Galore - These are inspiring for much more than just scrapbook layouts.
- Tutorial: Freezer Paper T-Shirts - I haven’t tried this yet but I am DYING to play around with it.
- Shabby Princess - A pioneer site in the world of digital scrapbooking.
- Donna Downey and Ali Edwards - my absolute FAVORITE creativity gurus. I could gush and gush about how inspiring both of these ladies are for me.
Just A Few More in Case You Need Them
Comments
8 Responses to “Creative Triggers are EVERYWHERE: Links to Get Started”
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IMHO one of the biggest “myths” out there is that creative people are just born that way.
However, if I’m reading your post correctly, you’re saying creativity is something you practice. The more you practice, the better you become. I hadn’t thought about it before, but I’d have to agree.
Thanks for the post!
You are absolutely reading correctly.
The myth that you are born creative comes from the simple fact that most of society has a very narrow view of what “creativity” is. Every soul in this world uses their own form of creativity everyday - they just don’t realize when they are doing it.
Hey Kristen - ended up your way after seeing your comment over at Men With Pens.
I too am fascinated with creativity - especially in the form of writing, advertising and marketing.
You might check out these blogs for frequent doses of juicy creative nuggets:
The Dieline: http://www.thedieline.com/
Andy Nulman’s “Pow! Right Between the Eyes”: http://powrightbetweentheeyes.typepad.com/pow_right_between_the_eye/
Hugh MacLeod’s “Gaping Void”: http://www.gapingvoid.com/
Cheers!
@Cale - You must have known I was craving some new blog reading. Appreciate the links. I added all three to my reader and look forward to checking them out. Thanks and cheers as well!
Impressive list!
Both one of my friends and I have had trouble with getting the spark going; it’s good to see someone knows how to deal with that preemptively. Thanks for the advice, and I’ll be sure to keep reading.
@Ravyn - Glad you found me! I’m always thrilled at the chance to help someone else get inspired. Welcome!
hey kristen,
you etsy name grabbed my attention, since my name is shortened “kris” also =) and i’m in jackson, ms too.
enjoyed visiting your etsy shop-you have lovely goodies, and just thought i’d drop you a note.
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