As a creative you probably know just how difficult it can be to remain creative when we need to. But rather than wait for inspiration to strike we should find ways to stay creative for the greatest amount of time possible. Here are 12 ways you can stay creative.
Note down any idea’s
Don’t allow what could potentially be a great idea be lost. At Tap the Table we have something called ‘The Car Park’ which we use in projects; this is where we ‘park’ an idea so that it is not forgotten. You never know when it could come in handy.
Focus on the here and now
When creating new work try not to get too hung up with the end result. Allow yourself to be in the moment, do what feels right at the time and allow your finished piece to naturally occur.
Podcasts
I’m relatively new to podcasts but there are such a broad range of them available; there really is something for everybody. If you want education, advice or just entertainment it’s out there. You never know what idea’s you may get or what knowledge you will absorb. Fill your ‘dead time’ (walking somewhere, travelling on public transport, doing the washing up) with a Podcast.
Get rid of clutter
I find it difficult to focus and be creative when I have unnecessary rubbish cluttering up my work space. Remove distraction to really help you focus on your work.
Step outside your comfort zone
Try different things, yes it might feel scary but what’s the worst that can really happen? It’s better to try something once than not to try it at all.
Keep your life fresh
This can be applied to your work or personal life and is very easy to implement. Don’t always let a routine be the master of you. Try cooking a different meal on fajita night, move your desk over to the window, put on that red shirt that you used to wear, walk a different way to work. Allow for little changes just to spice things up every now and again.
Don’t compare yourself to other
If you constantly compare yourself and your work to that of others you might actually lose focus or not be true to yourself. Look to make work you are proud of.
Have hobbies outside of your creative work
Sometimes getting yourself away from your creative work can assist in its formation. A project that you are passionate about can at times engulf your life to such an extent that it loses its enjoyment. Time away from your creative work can help minimise the possibility of this situation.
Work with other creative’s
You’re not always going to have the skills or the time you require for an idea to be realised so surrounding and involving yourself with creatives can only be a positive. What can be considered a chore of a task to some is a perfect day’s work for another so knowing and working with a range of creative people can benefit us all.
Don’t be afraid to fail
Not all things you create are going to succeed so don’t be afraid to fail. The very best creatives in this world have flopped in the past but it’s the people who learn from mistakes and move on who are ultimately better off.
Finish what you start
Try not to leave a piece of work unfinished if possible. If a problem arises with the development of a piece then seek to find a way past the issue. Try different solutions and see what gets you back on track.
Observe the world & people around you
The world we live in and people that inhabit it are fascinating; so make observations. You might find the perfect walk for a character by watching people go about their daily lives. A play could blossom from an overheard conversation. The real world is creating material and inspiration every single moment of every single day so be alert.
Do you have any more tips and tricks on how to stay creative? Share them in the comments below!
Thomas Liversidge
Originally from Lincolnshire. Thomas trained at the School of the Arts: The University of Northampton. Through Tap the Table, Thomas has taken on the roles of Macduff in 2013's 'The Scottish Play', Phillip in 2012's tour of 'Gasping' and Adey and Greg in 'Test of Character'.
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