One the things we talked about in a previous article was “creative block” http://news.septagonstudios.com/?p=1137  and how to remove those obstacles standing in your way so that you’ll be able to get inspired and produce great work. But one of the questions that people still ask is: Where exactly do I get these NEW IDEAS from and How do I find them? Now we talked about some things that may inspire you, like a walk in the park or listening to your favourite band, or playing that awesome video game. These are all really great sources for inspiration. But once you are inspired what next? What do you do? The logical answer would be –I get right to it, and start working, which does make sense however, how long will that inspiration last? In an article written by Katherin http://www.ehow.com/members/katherin.html  she explains an easy 3 step process on how to keep that inspiration alive and gain new ideas.

Step 1
Creativity always begins in the mind, which means your achievements are only confined by the limits on your imagination. So the first step would be to find your sense of adventure and forge ahead. Get over any insecurities that would prohibit you from behaving ridiculously, frequenting the less than savoury destinations and befriending the unlikely. After all, that exhibitionist attitude with an uninhibited flair will lead you directly to a new idea. Going somewhere you have never gone, gives you more than the run of the mill thought processes to ponder.

Step 2
When you make it your business to go essentially “anywhere” that isn’t your typical go to spot, remember to bring a camera and notebook. This way you can document any person, object or scene that intrigues you. Later as you review what you have captured, it will stir emotions and sensations of being in the moment, and reliving experiences that profoundly impact you are an excellent muse.

If you want to read more on this 3 step process visit: http://www.ehow.com/how_5947513_come-up-new-art-ideas.html
When it comes down to it the best way to gain new ideas and keeping that inspiration alive is by owning a journal, swipe file, sketchbook, notebook, scrapbook, or photo log and recording everything that inspires you. I myself have one of each and refer to them often.

Another great tool for collecting and saving digital information is Evernote www.evernote.com . It’s basically a free online digital notebook/scrapbook. You can run it on a desktop computer or on most mobile devices. You can use it to store pictures, text, hand written notes, audio notes, webpages, scanned documents and pretty much anything else you can think of. You can even share notebooks with other people. Everyone I know who uses it thinks it’s awesome.

After recording your ideas and things that inspires you, it’s always best to reflect on them. Once you feel that inspiration creeping up on you, then all that’s left to do is to take action and begin creating. It’s a rewarding process and works most of the time. Where do New Ideas come from? They come from everywhere, it’s how you record them and interpret them that makes them New Ideas.

How and where do you get your New Ideas from? In what way do you record the things that inspire you? If you have other methods than the ones listed above, let us know.

Photo by Flickr user jouni_jouni’s