Creative Biz Note #9

Pulling Creative Ideas from Your Brain

I recently pulled out some old books about coming up with ideas...so, I'm jotting down some notes.

Some quick ways to condition your mind: 1) Have fun and think like a child; 2) Be confident--know you'll find the answer; 3) Combine ideas--I'll explain below; 4) Don't brainstorm alone if you can help it. These steps will help out.

There are five-steps to creating an idea and even though this seems simple--try it out:
1) Define the problem (simple enough)
2) Gather info (go to the bookstore, search the web, etc., ask questions)
3) Hunt for the idea (brainstorm time--break rules--be enthusiastic)
4) Take a break (walk away from your desk or work on another project)
5) Let it Flow (the magical idea should come to life)



It's almost impossible to have creativity without humor. If you enjoy what you're doing, then you'll do it better. Also, as you attempt to come up with an idea believe that what you're doing is easy and the answer will come to you. It's all in the mind. And realize that there's always a solution to your problem...and once you find it...know that there is another solution!

In college, my art communications teacher would have us to come up with ten of our best solutions for a problem (e.g. a logo design). I would work hard that night and bring my ten concepts in to the next class. We would begin the class by wadding up our sketches--tossing them into the trash can and starting over. There's always another solution and sometimes I would find it to be my first idea of my original ten--but slightly adjusted. I had to take that longer journey to get to my adjustment that I never visualized. At first, I hated logo design but once I came to the realization that logos were my "ultimate challenge", then I embraced them. I have a process I use and now, I love doing logos!

As you brainstorm visualize the problem. Don't just say it or write it down--think with pictures. e.g. I need to draw an interesting bathtub--now, visualize what objects could fit in the bathtub? While thinking with pictures jump around like crazy with insane purpose. Now these element obviously need to have a correlation to your problem but push outside the box while visualizing.

If this isn't so easy for you, then words may be the way to go. Try making up lists of words that relate to your project and then match two or more together to create an unusual idea. I do this even for logo design. Check out Nate William's blog for a great way of creating these "word" ideas...this is a similar technique that I was taught. It is a great approach to making incredible imagery. Click the title "Biz Note #9" or go to http://www.n8w.com/wp/1937

An additional technique is to ask yourself a ton of questions. Different questions create different answers and solutions. Ask yourself,"What if...?" "What if it were smaller? Or larger? Or an animal? Or human? Or lighter or heavier?", etc. This question game creates very unusual answers.

Another topic, boundaries. I've read that having limitations from the client is actually a good thing! Wow. Never thought I'd hear that! Sometimes, if you have too much freedom it can make your mind go nuts. This happens to me when I use a 3D program. If there is no rough sketch or an idea, then the possibilities are endless! I could be there all day pulling polygons to make all kinds of shapes. Guidelines actually help us come up with solutions. Embrace them.

Welcome your deadlines. Tight deadlines have forced me to create some of my best work. It builds momentum. If you don't have a deadline, then make one and meet it.

Books I've read: "How to Get Ideas?" by Jack Foster, "ThinkerToys" by Michael Michalko

Next Creative Biz Note #10---Getting a Good Rep
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