Hey creatives! How are you staying creative under these circumstances?

With such a competitive market and particularly tight fight for jobs/work, I would love to know how people staying creative right now! How are people gathering their inspirations or motivations.

Any recommendations?

Replies19

  • Hello :) I was part of a music project recorded online in our homes with a group of expats in Hungary. A general music video, draws attention on diversity, acceptance, empathy, a message from us expats to Hungarian people in general and that is "that we are all in this together" and we, foreigners living and working in this country we want to show our support and empathy, we sing for them. The song is from a very famous Hungarian band LGT, a song very much known in Hungary "Neked írom a dalt" ("I am writing you this song"). These expats are singing in Hungarian, though it's not their main/native language and they are learning yet Hungarian (except 2 people in the video). All have volunteered in this project. We got attention in the online media, here is one interview where we also shared some thoughts on the project and message to our local community. Cheers! https://xpatloop.com/channels/2020/5/video-expats-sing-famous-local-tune-to-salute-hungary-as-their-home-during-lockdown.html
  • @Asma Istwani Love this! I’ve recently watched The Creative Brain on Netflix and he really emphasised the importance of frustration - it’s all a part of the creative process. Thanks Asma!
  • I think for me committing to just "doing" something creative for ten minutes a day whether it is linked to my practice or not is what has helped with motivation. I've tried things I wouldn't usually, more often than not "gone over" the 10 minute mark but sometimes just sat frustrated for 10 minutes lol. Whatever it is I think so long as you keep showing up and are consistent with it, it's only a matter of time before inspiration finds you.
  • @Witold Riedel I think that looking at the world from a different perspective is so important, there are so many things to interpret! Thank you :)
  • Inspiration is often best found in everything that does not scream "inspiration!" or has the label "inspiration!"
    I find drawing and photography my go to places but they by themselves are just doors to undiscovered realms.
    I also like to look for some unexpected and new music.
    Looking at the world from a new point of view is usually the best starting point. And so being in these times with all the challenges is likely more inspirational not less.
    The whole screen staring makes more sense when we are trapped in an office and have a deadline that’s staring us in the face. It’s toxic and not really a way to come up with anything new.
    A walk in anything that resembles nature is so much better. Or observing things, with the sole purpose of observing them. Creative meditations.
    And boredom, forcing yourself to do as little as possible. It does wonders.
    Then there is always tea and Animal Crossing New Horizons. ; )
  • @Eszter Dolak I’ve had this app downloaded for ages but only now am I making full use of if and all the free webinars took me by surprise! I will definitely be dropping by in them, thank you!
  • By exploring my cities hidden or quiet spots, window watching (from my window not into other peoples ;) ), taking advantage of all these free webinars! Even if the topic is totally unrelated to my work I sign up and if I miss it they normally post a link to the stream after. And I mean, unless your home is a white square box, there is lots of inspiration to be found in your own belongings too.
  • @Ahmed Mohamed Ah, yes I’ve been meaning to watch some of his videos! Thank you :)
  • @Shaswati Deb Yes, I agree with you there. It’s not a race or a productivity competition (although it very much feels like it!). Amazing, thank you for the advice!
  • Hi Corina, I can relate to you. Yes it's not easy being at your creative best at all times, given the present situation. It's even harder staying motivated everyday. But I guess it's okay, we are all trying to survive and thrive in our own ways. Some days are better than others.
    I guess it's better to pick up inspiration as we go along and not worry too much about being productive all the time. Creativity strikes when you least expect it, that's where the fun lies.
    Cheers, have a nice day !
  • @Jacqueline Langham Wow! You certainly are talented Jacqueline! And most certainly busy! For myself, I have also enjoyed being in lockdown, it’s the most productive I have been at all!

    Sometimes I feel like I am exhausting myself by just always looking at other designers’ work but don’t get me wrong, I love looking at other people’s work! I think always looking at a screen is making me feel a little robotic!
  • @L W I see, that’s interesting! I’ve been told to look beyond the horizon for ideas and inspiration but have always found myself coming back to dig deeper into Behance!

    What are your favourite picks atm?
  • By not doing creative things, actually. Exploring new hobbies, reading philosophy, etc. Sometimes I'll look at other sources for creative inspiration: architecture, fashion, interior design, etc. Poke around what's going on in other spaces: tech, startups, etc.
  • Hey Corina... well, I can't help but be creative.. I guess I need to be so actually, I have been the most productive I have been for a very long time. I have made a 2 books, made music, painted, created some branding for my sister, got myself an Etsy shop selling prints, joined Dots!!! :-) I've loved being in lock down, its allowed me to get organised and creative at the same time. What about you? I wonder why you ask?

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