Sitting in my she shed with the intention of doing something creative, but completely blanking out on how. This happens more than I want to admit. Whether its from the stress of real life, or tired from all the mandatory stuff I have to complete (sucks to be a grown up, doesn’t it?). But over the years I have discovered a few different ways to adjust when i need some creative inspiration.
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From Courses, to apps and websites, creative challenges, or being a rebel – below is a list of the ways I get my brain back in the right creative place.
Courses
Years ago, while I was still doing photography as a business, I bought two courses from Jenika McDavitt at Psychology for Photographers. I started the courses multiple times, but never completed. Pretty sure it was because even though I loved Photography (and still do), doing it as a business stressed me out.
After I quit photography as a business I remained on Jenika’s email list, because the things she sends are inspiring. And then after one particular email I received it hit me. Maybe I could use the courses I purchased for Blogging?
Best part about being on Jenikas email list? She is responsive. So I reached out to her and asked questions. On her advice I started with “Irresistible You” and then moved on to “Irresistible Words”. While the courses are about photography as a business, it was relatively easy to correlate it to blogging. We won’t talk about how much longer it took me to complete the courses than it should have. I still have some tweaking to do, but I can say with all honesty those courses are why I started blogging regularly like I do now.
I also discovered that she is creating a new website Psychology For Creators. Looking forward to seeing her new courses – I will definitely be on board.
Apps and Websites
I actually created an “Inspiration Folder” on my phone that holds all of the apps i use to get my creative brain on track. I go on and off between them, depending on my needs and where I need my brain to be. Below are the ones I use the most.
Learn Photo 365
The Learn Photo 365 app is amazing for for photography inspiration. It gives you options to choose from a list that includes everything from camera settings, to techniques to subject types. Once you click on the list you want, it gives you more options and then an idea to go off of providing the info you need to get the type of image you chose. Don’t know what you want to do? The app also has options like “let me pick one for you” where the app brings up a random thing with instructions (street photography, sill life, etc). There are also list challenges – 30day, 52week or 365 day challenge. I have never completed any of them (my fault LOL) but they do give me so much inspiration when I’m struggling for creativity. The app has mixed reviews but I like it.
Brainsparker
Brainsparker Creative Prompts is like having your own creativity coach. Not only can you dive into the card decks for creative inspiration, but there are a multitude of categories for everything from mindset, business, writing , visual arts, etc. There are multiple decks per type – for example the Writing category includes things like “blogger’s deck”, “Plot deck”, “Poetry Deck” and more. You can click on just the decks you want to give you inspiration and then switch to the cards, scroll and chose a card and your idea/inspiration will magically pop up. Not resignating? Swipe right or left for the next inspiration. These decks help me with everything from coming up with blog post ideas, to pondering the deeper meaning of my visions. I also love the widget for my phone that gives me daily inspiring quotes.
Prompts for Writing (app)
I have had the Prompts for Writing app for quite some time, but just recently started using it again. It works for everything from storytelling, journaling, poetry and more. It also allows you to set writing goals, write within the app, view your writing stats and more.
With starting lines and creative prompts, it is definitely a good tool for writers block. Prompts vary from things like “I often wonder about” to “the first thing I do every day” and even things that start like a novel “Much to the town’s surprise, the bright lights in the night sky were really just”.
Best part? If you are looking at the prompt but not writing, the app will automatically provide ways to get you on track. For example the prompt “The last mistake I made” provided the following things (separately) to get my brain started: describe a crazy detail, focus on the hero, what happens after mistake?
Because this is on your phone (or iPad) you can use it pretty much anywhere – waiting in line or at a doctors office, on your lunch break, etc. I’m using it to make sure I write daily. Even if I don’t intend to use what I write for a blog post, writing regularly will keep my creative brain moving so I can stay on my writing path,
Imagination prompt generator (website)
Imagination Prompt Generator is another way to get random writing prompts or story starters. Things like “Did you have a favorite pet as a child? Did it have a name? What memories are connected to it?”, “Write a haiku about today” or “Is the inner you aligned with the outer you?”.
This is a website not an app, so you will need to determine where you are going to write. Old School with a pen and notebook? Notes app on your phone? Or if you have already downloaded the Prompts for Writing app you can combine the prompts and use the Prompts for Writing app to store your writing.
52 Frames
52 Frames is a photography related website that not only gives you a weekly Challenge, but tracks how many weeks you have kept up the streak. They require you to take the challenge photo that week – you cannot use older photos. Challenges can be anything from “Spoons”, to “Levitation” to different photography types. Each week the judges will pick the top three and 52 picks.
I love the way 52 frames gets me out of my comfort zone and allows me to explore types of photography that I haven’t done before. My current favorite of mine? The spoons challenge, where the extra challenge was “Humor”. Not me turning a spoon into Devo with Whipped Cream LOL
Viewbug
Viewbug is a great place for photographers of all levels. You can access through their website, or the Viewbug app, I find the app a little annoying for uploads, so I use the web for that and the app for entering contests and keeping track of my entries. While Viewbug gets mixed reviews online, I really like it. Probably because for me it is more about finding new ways to express myself through photography and less about winning the contests (although I have won a few and the prizes were amazing!). They have a free and paid version, with the paid version providing access to more contests.
I have been a member for many years. When I sort my gallery by “Most Viewed” Look what comes up…time flies. It also shows me how my photography has gone downhill over the years when I compare my current work to these. I’m working on getting back to my old creative self.
Be a Rebel
See an article that has a list of things you shouldn’t do, and you are like WTF I do those things? Well…..make it a priority to go out and do all of the things the article says you shouldn’t (as long as its safe). Like the time Riley and I did all of the listed “cliche” photos in an article about photos you shouldn’t take. We had so much fun!
Or find another way to embrace your creative rebel. Stop conforming and be your authentic self, even if it goes against the flow of what other people expect. Whether its solo travel (even if you have a family), embracing a unique art project that goes against the grain, or using the F word in your creative writing – being a rebel (and your authentic self) will bring more creativity and happiness to your life. Trust me.
Spend Some Peaceful time in Nature
Whether it is in your backyard, a local park or a hike up a mountain – sometimes peaceful time in nature is exactly what your brain needs to get back in gear. On my birthday this year my MIL got me screens for my she shed porch, and my hubs added a hook for my hanging chair. I am so thankful to be able to relax on my porch now listening to nature and seeing the backyard deer without getting bit by F’n mosquitoes.
Do you have other ways that you get creative inspiration? If so let me know in the comments – I am always down for more ideas!
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I am a spirited blogger from Chelsea, MI who thrives on adventure, creativity and exploring the world through the lens of my camera (even if it’s my phone). When I’m not chasing sunsets and amazing views, I spend time with my heart dog Maizie. If travel, creativity and a dash of blunt honesty (with the occasional F-bomb) sparks your curiousity, you are in the right place.
