Who's up for some weekend inspiration? October 7, 2016 17:29 4 Comments
This last month or two has been rather heavy on admin and not as much random creative productivity as I'd have liked! So this weekend I've decided to consciously look for inspiration. Here's the plan...
1 I'm going to a museum
The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising to be precise. While I'm there I'm going to be looking for colour combinations that I wouldn't have thought of, and checking out the feast of vintage fonts.
2 I'm hanging with creative friends
I took up crochet last week and my crochet buddies are coming to hang out. I'm really looking forward to chatting ideas! What's a good second project? I'm thinking a laptop case. What do you think I should crochet?
3 I'm quitting multitasking
Has anyone been listening to Oliver Burkeman is Busy? I love a podcast and this BBC mini series has got me thinking about the effect of being busy on my creative output. After listening to these bite size reflections on modern busy-ness, I've decided to quit pretending to multitask and instead focus on flow. In practise, this means I'll be locking myself away with my sketch book and a sewing machine for 6 hours at a time... and no I will not hem your trousers while I'm there!
4 I'm looking back
Do you keep a sketch book, or a notebook? What about Pinterest, or a scrapbook? I do a bit of all of those, and when I'm a bit lacking in inspiration I find looking back at ideas I toyed with but never developed can kindle a creative storm. Moodboards are having a moment and I'm filling up a book with ideas ripped from magazines for the next time I need inspiration.
5 I'm going for a run
Oh how much do I not feel like pulling on those trainers, but I really believe that exercise and making have a similar thing going on. The brain stretches itself around in a different way when you're actively doing and it seems to open my brain to lateral thinking. So this weekend I'll be running up that hill.
What do you do when your brain isn't exactly full of ideas? I'd love to know your tricks!
Comments
Sonia Bownes on October 14, 2016 00:40
Alex, Wisley is a great idea, I even find the little patch of unkemp trees by the side of our main road great for reminding me to look carefully for the little details.
Angela, I’m not sure where you are but we had a shed/office/studio put in by Skinners sheds and it’s wonderful! As cosy as the house and full of light.
Candace, great to see you and sorry for the ongoing bombardment of wardrobe upcycle suggestions! Mood boards are great!
Angela on October 9, 2016 18:46
I’ve been dreaming of creating an art studio for my garden where I can develop my creative arts and textiles. Anyone got useful ideas or recommend a company who can fulfil my dream?
Candace Moses on October 9, 2016 11:20
Yesterday I watched and completely lost myself in a music documentary – I always find inspiration in lyrics, sound tracks, customes and singers and dancers.
While watching the documentary I created a mood board of ideas for an unloved empty wall In my home. Watch this space.
Oh and I had a lovely lunch with Sonia from LCC this week – who was brimming with ideas on how I could customize my bland but functional ikea wardrobe. Again, Watch this space…
Alex on October 9, 2016 10:13
Lots of good ideas here! I also find getting out in nature is a good one – I went to the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley this week and came away with lots of inspiration from the shapes and colour combinations of the leaves and flowers.