We arrived at the most interesting part of our Inspiration Month! Many have asked, and of course I came up with the answers…What is my processes for creative thinking?

As I said in the first part of this post, at first it’s important to understand the source from which it comes. When you’re aware of it, you can enjoy it and then develop unique techniques for creative thinking. This is called Methodology.

So here’s a little of what does the trick for me:

Treating inspiration as a research: Just like learning any new topic, I research and study it. To find and retain my inspiration, I work exactly the same way. In the end, it all comes back to organization and methodical work.

Exercise:  Like most things, perfection requires practice and persistence. By physical training, we are strengthening the muscles of the body. Inspiration — which originates in our minds — is not unlike a muscle. In order for us to use it, we have to strengthen and train our brain as well. And just like in any other workout, when I find a source of inspiration, I make sure that I am exposed to the same source regularly, making it a habit and cultivating the things and places that excite and fill me with serenity and inspiration.

Games for the mind:  Personally, I try to walk in different ways each time to the same place. Because as I said before, to find and maintain our inspiration we have to train the brain!

Music:  Especially when it’s just a melody, music affects me the best. I let the feeling of the day lead me, rather than the lyrics of the song. For those who already know me, my tastes are trance, classics rock, etc.

Erosion of Inspiration:  Sometimes I catch myself saying things like “I’m tired”, “I need some quiet-time to think” or “I need a vacation”.  In those situations I realize that these are subconscious cries to find new inspiration, which leads me to the next method…

Breathe, Pause and Me-Time:  This is the most important part. No need for additional explanation.

Focus:  Sometimes it helps to look at something and just let the mind run free and think. Take for example a cup of coffee, the most routinely thing of our day. Sit in front of it for a few minutes and you’ll see that without any effort, your mind can lead you to new realms.

Go ahead, try for yourself with this picture:

Accept the Different:  If I dislike a particular something (or someone) I make sure to learn and read about it.  If it is in my consciousness, I prefer to look for inspiration in unexpected places. This has the power to change thoughts and ideas.

Perspective Change:  When I’m working on an illustration or a painting, I take the paper and look at it in the mirror. If I can see it from a different angle, that’s how I know the illustration is good. Think about garment design. I fantasize how it will look on a hanger or on the body and it immediately fills me with inspiration for photography. The scenery, the atmosphere and colors. Along with the style, the hair design and make-up just pop up in my mind themselves. So how do you see something from a different point of view?

Road Trip Anyone?  Yep, even long trips can act as a Muse. You know what it’s like when you’re in the car and looking out the window, just getting carried away with your thoughts? That’s exactly what I mean. There’s something about that nature filling the horizon that makes me dream and wonder about my future life, or even childhood memories. All of this can bring me right back to the present and fill me with inspiration.

Methods like these help inspire me and lead me straight to product development. But that’s a subject for another post. You didn`t think I’d disclose all my secrets at once, right?

To sum things up, be aware of the things around you. It can be the simple things we see every day.  Once you have identified the inspiration, be sure to expose yourself to it consistently, cultivate it and turn it into a habit. Let it fill you with joy and vitality which will color your life.

I told you mine, now it’s time you tell me yours! What kinds of methods do you use?

P.S: don’t be shy.  There are plenty of tips, contact me for additional information, whether it’s to share or to get to know the photographers that took the beautiful pictures in this post.