My wife and I were at our favorite hole in the wall Chinese restaurant over the weekend, and the two of us enjoyed a wonderful, quiet dinner. After we were through the waitress brought over the basket of fortunes and let us pick our fortune cookie.
This is the part where most places mess up. The receiver of the fortune has to pick the cookie, or you won’t get the fortune destiny has bestowed on you.
My fortune read:
Don’t expect to find one right way to make yourself more creative.
Now for those of you who shun the idea of fortunes from fortune cookies… Shame on you! Don’t you know that monks are working hard in their mountain top temples typing on little typewriters just to get you your fortune.
Anyways, back to the fortune. This really got me thinking.
How often do designers block their creativity in by following their normal path of inspiration? It is good for all of us to find new avenues of creativity. Stop being a creature of habit!
Now this one comes easy to me. When I’m focused on a task that is all I think about, much to the chagrin of my wife. Take the simpler tasks in life and relate it to what you are working on. If you’re eating toast think about how that toast relates to what your working on. Crazy? Yes, but it works.
Being creatures of habit we put blinds on. If you don’t believe me take a look around at the cobwebs on your ceiling. You didn’t realize they were that bad, did you? It is important to strive to put on new eyes from time to time and take a new look at your surrounding.
Think like a child. It is amazing how differently the little ones see the world than us big people. If you have trouble doing this just hang around kids. It’s contagious. Just don’t forget to wear your play clothes.
If all else fails, get away from the front of the computer, go outside, and let out a primal scream. The neighbors may look at you funny, but I’m sure they already do. Relax for a bit and tackle the problem from a different angle.
What are your recommendations for finding new avenues of creativity?
PS: My lottery numbers from the fortune are 9, 27, 33, 30, 29, 14. I expect you to share half the winnings with me.
 |
 |
 |
 |
I really enjoyed this post. I always think it’s great when little things like a fortune in a cookie can inspire a post or in this case a new way to look at creativity. I always think that artist can find their inspiration in all sorts of things and it just puts a smile on my face when others realize it too. thanks for sharing your ideas. I think they are really good ones. At least they made me smile and want to go get my play clothes.
[...] The Many Paths to Creativity | WebDesign.fm (tags: design inspiration creativity) [...]
I agree with your post and know when it is time to get away. Taking a break can open your mind and let those creative juices flow. Great post!