Where do creatives find their creativity and inspiration?
Well, if you look up the meaning of inspiration in the dictionary, it’ll definite it as “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.”
In theory, this is wonderful, and it certainly sounds simple enough, but, let’s be honest, inspiration doesn’t always come easy, especially in the fast-paced, demanding world we find ourselves in.
Most of the greatest artists, musicians, songwriters, and poets all drew their inspiration from somewhere or someone. Back in a time where life passed by at a slower rate, and one couldn’t log onto Facebook and, consequently, disappear down a social media wormhole.
William Wordsmith found his inspiration in nature, Jane Austen found hers in other successful female authors of her time, and Leonardo da Vinci drew his brilliance from architecture and science.
Fast forward a couple of years and Vincent van Gogh relocated to Pairs for inspiration, Rock N Roll legend, Elvis Presley was inspired by Gospel music and J.K Rowling’s inspiration for Harry Potter came to her in the most peculiar of settings – while delayed on a train travelling from Manchester to London’s Kings Cross Station. Steve Jobs began his Apple dream after being inspired by Edwin H. Land, the genius behind the Polaroid Corporation and inventor of instant photography and ironically, Richard Branson was inspired by a quote from Steve Jobs.
“The ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs
So, in this world of non-stop advertising, instant gratification, fast food, 2-minute noodles, traffic and noise, what inspires you? What conjures up that sudden, brilliant and timely idea?
We asked a couple of our creatives in the studio to sum in a straightforward sentence what inspires them and here’s what some of them had to say;
Designer, Mel said she’s inspired by Spanish and Moroccan architecture, fabrics and mammoth D.I.Y projects.
Developer, Scott, is most inspired by innovation, automation (particularly classic cars) and old school electronics/components made by hand and not machines.
Salesman and sports enthusiast, Kyle said he’s inspired and motivated by successful entrepreneurs, like Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, a hard work ethic and other people’s successes.
And copywriter, Jess is most inspired when she’s venturing to new countries, art galleries or disappearing into the African bush, with no cell phone signal or other distractions of everyday life.
So, get off the couch, venture outdoors, travel, draw, doodle, read, talk to people, find out their stories and challenge yourself, because, in essence, inspiration is everywhere and it can come from weird and wonderful places.
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