Sep 14, 2023

Inspiring Creativity: 10 Tips to Ignite Your Creativity

Creativity is often considered an innate trait; you either have it, or you don’t. But that’s a misconception. Creativity is like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. Whether you're a writer, artist, entrepreneur, or just looking to tap into your creative potential in day-to-day life, these ten tips will help light the spark of inspiration.

19 children are clearing and holding up their mood boards created in a Aspen Gardens Estate Community Mural workshop funded by Hammersmith & Fulham Council and Idverde 2023. — Aspen Gardens Estate Community Mural funded by Hammersmith & Fulham Council and Idverde 2023.

1. Embrace Curiosity

Children are naturally curious, always exploring, and asking questions. Somewhere along the way, many of us lose this sense of wonder. Reignite it. Wonder about the world, ask questions, and seek answers. Curiosity is the precursor to creativity.

6 people are sat round a table, the table is full of art material and they are in a workshop for Hill Group and Polar HARCA Housing Community Mural Project, Poplar 2022. — Hill Group and Polar HARCA Housing Community Mural Project, Poplar 2022.

2. Establish a Routine

Consistency is key. Creativity thrives in an environment where you consistently engage with it. By setting aside dedicated time each day or week for your creative pursuits, you'll be providing yourself with a structured space to let your imagination soar.

a person is sitting at a table creating a mood board in a workshop for the Newham Council, Deafroots and SKILLS Community Mural Project, Newham 2023. — Newham Council, Deafroots and SKILLS Community Mural Project, Newham 2023.

3. Surround yourself with different perspectives

Diverse interactions stimulate the brain in unique ways. Engage with people from different backgrounds, read books outside your usual genre, or travel to new places (even if it's just the next borough over). Exposing yourself to different perspectives can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.

two people are mixing colours in a colour theory session for the Higgins Partnerships and the City of London, Summer Islington Mural 2023. — Higgins Partnerships and the City of London, Summer Islington Mural 2023.

4. Limit Distractions

While modern life offers various conveniences, it also brings numerous distractions. Designate 'creative hours' where you disconnect from your phone, social media, or any other diversions. Use this time to think, doodle, write, or brainstorm.

a girl is holding up her creation from The Great Get Together, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 3D portraits 2023. — The Great Get Together, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 3D portraits 2023.

5. Daydream

In our productivity-focused society, daydreaming often gets a bad rap. However, allowing your mind to wander can lead to unexpected connections and ideas. Give yourself permission to let go and dream.

9 people are sat round a large table covered in art materials for a workshop for the Newham Council, Deafroots and SKILLS Community Mural Project, Newham 2023. — Newham Council, Deafroots and SKILLS Community Mural Project, Newham 2023.

6. Collaborate with Others

Two heads (or more) are often better than one. Bouncing ideas off someone else can lead to entirely unexpected solutions. Collaborate with peers, join a workshop, or simply discuss your ideas with someone unfamiliar with the topic.

a man is holding up a yellow moodboard from the Feeling Heard and Valued Mood Board Workshop with Adult & Health (DASS) 2023. — Feeling Heard and Valued Mood Board Workshop with Adult & Health (DASS) 2023.

7. Reduce Information Overload

While the internet is a fantastic tool, it can also bombard us with excessive information. Make it a habit to unplug regularly. This break from constant input gives your mind the chance to process, reflect, and create.

10 people are standing in a line holding up the mood boards they created at a Newham Council, Deafroots and SKILLS Community Mural Project workshop, Newham 2023. — Newham Council, Deafroots and SKILLS Community Mural Project, Newham 2023.

8. Join a Creative Community

Surrounding yourself with fellow creatives can be a game-changer. Joining an art class, workshop, or online forum can expose you to various creative ideas. Collaborative projects or just discussing with peers can bring forth ideas you hadn't considered.

three people are gathered round a table selecting colours such as green, pink, blue, yellow and orange for a Populo Living and Newham Council, Stratford Mural 2023. — Populo Living and Newham Council, Stratford Mural 2023.

9. Learn to Embrace Failures

Every failure is a lesson in disguise. Instead of being disheartened by mistakes, view them as stepping stones towards your creative goal. Each misstep offers a new perspective and brings you one step closer to a breakthrough.

5 school children and three adults are sat round a table creating mood boards for Enfield Council, Edmonton Green Shopping Centre and Eldon Primary School Community Mural Project, Edmonton 2022 . — Enfield Council, Edmonton Green Shopping Centre and Eldon Primary School Community Mural Project, Edmonton 2022 .

10. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation, train your brain to focus. This heightened awareness can enhance creativity, allowing you to observe details you might have previously overlooked.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creativity isn't the exclusive domain of artists or writers. It's an inherent trait in all of us, waiting to be nurtured and expressed. These ten tips are just the starting point. The true magic happens when you tailor these suggestions to fit your unique life and experiences. Remember, your creative journey is uniquely yours, and every step you take enriches your story. Embrace the process, cherish the discoveries, and always keep that spark of inspiration burning bright.