With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity alive as it’s one of the best defenses against the rising trend of automation. Even if you don’t buy into all the hype around AI, keeping your creativity alive has always been a challenge and as so we’ve connected with some of the most creative folks in our community to discuss tactics and strategies for keeping your creativity alive.
Tephanie Delaney
To keep my creativity alive as a visionary, I rely on a process that involves nurturing my creative thoughts. These ideas come to me naturally, but they need careful cultivation to truly shine. One of the key practices I use is meditation. I meditate on my ideas, giving them my full focus and attention. I concentrate on each thought as it develops, continuously refining and evolving it. Sometimes, this requires me to shut out the external world completely. By doing so, I can gain clarity about the origins of my creative energy and understand its direction. This focused and meditative approach ensures that my creativity remains vibrant and productive. Read more>>
Jackson McGrail
It can be challenging at times to keep that creative inspiration burning while juggling adult life. Paying the bills, work, cooking, cleaning, relationships, social obligations, health and fitness, can really add up and create overwhelm and stress in our lives. It can be difficult to create during these times of overwhelm, with so many things vying for our attention at any given time. The thing I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older and more experienced navigating the world is that the real magic is in carving out that time for myself to play like a little kid almost. I think to myself often what my 5-10 year old self would be doing, I would just get right out of bed without a care in the world and start building things with Legos every single day. I didn’t care about if what I made was good, or would sell, or would be appreciated by others. I just made things because I wanted to, and because I wanted to express myself and put a little piece of myself into the world. Now being a music producer I try to take the same approach to my work, and realize I’m that same little kid just trying to play every day, and leave something of myself behind in the world. Everything I do now is for that kid version of myself, the art and music I create, the experiences and relationships I create, the clothes I wear, the music I listen to, everything. I try to give myself permission to have and do the things I always wanted to as a kid but maybe didn’t get to. Read more>>
Jason Klamm
That can be one of the hardest challenges honestly. Much as I’m always coming up with *ideas* for things to do creatively, finding the energy to start those things, or to keep them going once I’ve started them, is one of the hardest things to do. I find personally that having routines is the easiest way to make sure my ideas don’t stagnate, and that I’m picking the right ideas at the right time. Routines just help me think straight – even if its just getting my coffee or tea in the morning, breakfast, check emails, go for a walk, then make lunch… those things then mean that whatever creative ideas I have stand out from the normal, rote, everyday tasks I’ve set for myself, and I understand them better. Another part of it is reminding myself to be creative, or reminding myself I can be creative, when I don’t feel like I am, or am feeling depressed. I have a running document of about 300,000 words that goes back 20-plus years of mostly one-line ideas or titles. Whether I do anything with them is up to me (I’m working on some of them now) but that document is there to remind me of two things: A) ideas are not projects – something I tell myself so I don’t overload myself and B) I have ideas all the time, it’s all in whether or not I do anything with them. Read more>>
Scout Underhill
Always ask Why and What If about everything. While at sculpture gardens recently, I gazed upon the strange structures and asked myself “what if my characters stumbled upon this in the middle of an open field? Who put it here? Why?” I love watching cartoons, too, and find great inspiration in them. Recently I’ve loved rewatching Hilda, and Scavengers Reign has become my all-time favorite sci-fi media. Keep your creative well full in whatever ways bring you the most joy. Read more>>
Juno Grace
I grew up in a strict household where creativity was generally associated with rebellion and therefore frowned upon. We were taught to follow the rules and move through “proper life stages.” Go to school, behave, get good grades, graduate, get a high-paying job, find a partner, build a family, teach your kids to do the same. I suppose I’m a bit of a rebel by nature and I always wanted a different path for myself so I spent the majority of my life carving a joyful existence by exploring and discovering less linearly. This led me to a number of odd jobs (like being an Assistant Director of a private post-1950s film photography collection, or an erotic photographer) and interests that led me across the world (Turkey, France, Germany, Canada). Read more>>
Jeff Miller
I operate under the belief that I’m an antenna. It’s not really me, it’s a frequency that I’ve tuned myself to. My chops have to be good enough to interpret and play the signal that’s coming through. Meditation is a big part in connecting to the Creative Force and staying connected to the frequency. It is possible to keep the frequency flowing even when you’re not completely plugged in. This happens to me when I’m dealing with health issues. I stay plugged in and make notes about different ideas, then when I’m well enough, I work on bringing them out. How I can tell that I’m connected is that when you meditate and you’re completely quiet, there are always two sounds you can hear. The lower pitched sound is your blood flowing. The second, higher pitched, almost electric static sound is your nervous system. I can tell by the sound of my nervous system that I’m connected. I can sit quietly without meditating and hear it when I’m connected. Read more>>
Kelsey Swanson
My creativity stays alive through my excitement of something new. I love seeing a new place, new activity, and new face in my photography work. I look for all the things that make each shoot different and unique from each other and I’m always looking forward to what will come next and planning my next step. Read more>>
Jarrett Nicolay
I’ve been writing and recording music since I was 13. Both parts are equally interesting to me. Initially, I focused on sound more than words. But as I got older and had my heart broken a few times, lyrics became more of a focus. (Heartbreak is responsible for the majority of music that exists today so in some ways I was finally happy to have that muse.) Fast forward to now… I’m happily married but still have the desire to make music. And since no one wants to hear a song called “I love my Wife and Family”, I had to explore other subject matter for songs. I’ve always been drawn to artists/bands that were creative lyrically. My goal is to write from a sincere perspective while hopefully being relatable to at least one other person so the song has at least one other pair of ears to pass through besides my own. I’ve always referred to the act of songwriting as solving a 4 dimensional crossword puzzle. But now I’m realizing that even 3 dimensions would be more challenging than the standard 2D version found in most newspapers. Read more>>
Betito LePelch
A constant determination to succeed and a positive attitude! Humans are creative creatures, instinctively we strive for innovation. What keeps my creativity tanks flowing is the fact that in order for me to reach my goals, I need to constantly innovate my approach. A simple daily revision of desired goals can determine if the current steps taken will lead to the completion of that goal. Logically if something isn’t working, it will require you to tweak your approach. As you may be aware doing the same repetitive task will NEVER render a different outcome. If that outcome isn’t what you expected, logically you must start to think of creative ways to change what you are doing in order to reach your desired conclusion. Read more>>
Jordan Murdock Thompson
I find that creativity is heavily influenced by two factors for me; one is the recognition that the ebb and flow of inspiration is natural and very human. Not every moment that I live and breathe must be used to produce something. The second influence on my creative capacity is the relationships around me. My artwork is often created in solitude, But the ideas come from the community I keep, the conversations I’ve had, and the artistic techniques that I have fostered alongside other artists. Aside from making my own work, I also teach classes and lead art projects for a local Art Center, which gives me time to rub shoulders with many creative people who do not consider themselves artists, and whose life experiences are diverse. Having the opportunity to spend so much time experiencing the creative capacity of other people in so many walks of life is hugely inspiring to me, and I carry the impressions that they make on me into my own processes and work. Read more>>
Alexander Trombino
Life. Some people say Life imitates art and art imitates Life. For me life inspires my creativity from books like (Dragonriders of Pern by Anne and Todd McCaffrey) to movies like ( Frank Herbert’s Dune, Ridley Scott’s Bladerunner, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings) or even TV shows (Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek, J. Michael Straczynski’s Babylon 5 and Hajime Yatate’s Ronin Warriors). So many worlds for all of us to get lost into when we need a bit of an escape or a different journey. I find and observe that the world around us inspires my muse. I am a fantasy geek, a gamer, and a Sci-fi nerd. I have worlds full of stories that I want to tell and share with everyone. My name is Alexander Trombino and I am a novelist. The words will forever dance across the page as I look for what adventure my muse has in store for me. Please join me on a journey of discovery of creative writing. Read more>>
dellamarie parrilli
Creativity, for me, is a relentless pursuit of the unknown and the uncharted. As an abstract artist, I believe the essence of creativity lies in a perpetual state of curiosity and openness. It is a dance with the subconscious, where the conventional rules are not just bent but obliterated, so that complete creative freedom is achieved. Creative freedom and identity are two deeply intertwined aspects of my artistic journey that have profoundly shaped my work and career. Creative freedom is the lifeblood of my art, allowing me to explore, experiment, and express without constraints. It is the freedom to delve into the abstract, to challenge conventional norms, and to create from a place of authenticity and boundless imagination. This freedom is not just a luxury but a necessity, as it enables me to fully embrace my identity and reflect it in my work. My identity, shaped by my experiences, heritage, and personal beliefs, is the core of my artistic expression. It provides a unique lens through which I interpret the world and convey my innermost thoughts and emotions. By merging creative freedom with a strong sense of identity, I create art that is not only innovative but also deeply personal and resonant, offering a genuine reflection of who I am and the world as I see it. This fusion of freedom and identity is what gives my work its distinct voice and enduring impact. Read more>>
Alionna Alston
Experience keeps my creativity flowing. I am not a sit and brainstorm kind of person. My best ideas come from the things I go through and people around me. Traveling to new places, new foods, music, podcast etc opens up your perspective which broadens the range of your creativity. I like to think big, dramatics. I am very bold and vibrant person and that shows through my work. The goal for me whether it’s creative directing, writing or hosting an event is to leave an experience. Read more>>
Christine Lozano
During a particularly hard time in my life recently I received a card from a good friend that showed an illustration of my favourite story called Alice in Wonderland that said, “Would you like an adventure now, or would you like to have your tea first?” It’s those little things that help. You take in a deep breathe and you go..”Okay I got this.” When there are blocks in the way, life, money, family, you always have YOU. If you don’t put faith in you then no one else will. I find when I lose myself, I use my artistry to pull me out of it. Photography, writing. I use to get really bummed out that no one was knocking on my door or offering me jobs etc. So I did the only thing I knew what I could and that was making my own path. Continue to do my art and knew that if I put love and experience in it then someone would see it, read it and it would create it’s own magic. That’s how I stay creative, I just keep looking around me with eyes open and write what I know or feel and photograph what I see. It’s as simple as that. You can’t be an artist expecting to please everyone. I do it because it pleases me and I really believe the rest will pave it’s own way. Read more>>
Hongbin Kim
As an artist, I believe creativity is the most crucial element. To express creative ideas, I set new challenges for myself and experiment with unfamiliar media and techniques. It is essential to break free from fixed patterns and think freely, never stopping the flow of ideas. There is a saying that investing 10,000 hours in a field can lead to mastery. Similarly, by continuously contemplating the problems or ideas you want to solve, I believe you can develop solutions or results that reflect your unique style. Additionally, it is important to engage with diverse art and cultures to gain creativity and new inspiration. Living in New York allows me to visit various galleries and museums in Manhattan’s Chelsea, Tribeca, Lower East Side, and other areas. By observing different artworks, I find points of learning and inspiration that I can express in my own unique way. While it’s important not to mimic others, identifying what you can learn from their work and expressing it in your own style can greatly enhance creativity. Read more>>
Lourdes Marie Gan
I sustain my creativity by reinventing my purpose for the things that give me my own freedom and happiness. Currently I am experiencing significant transitions and evolving through these changes, so finding my reasons to stay consistent and relevant provide me the source of my motivation. I also do my best to begin new projects or collaborations with other creatives in the community so we can inspire one another. I am always fascinated by like-minded individuals or others who are willing to expand the ways we desire to express everything we are gifted to offer to the world. Surrounding my energy with people who understand this kind of influence is beautiful and worth cultivating. Read more>>
Leonardo Durán Julián
From my experience and my work Creativity is a game of trial and error. There are ideas that travel recurrently through your mind and by just trying them, communicating them even just imagine them you can continue to create. It’s not easy, but if there is at least an attempt to create, then there is an opportunity to learn. No matter if the outcome is the one intended or if it’s a fail, you win a lesson with every attempt made. Read more>>
Nina Schuyler
It’s such a great question. I’m a fanatic lover of sentences. Not just any sentences, but ones that quiver, releasing something fresh, skewing the world in a bright new way. An unexpected word, a made-up word, an interesting metaphor, unusual syntax, all of it wakes me up and lights the flame inside that wants to create something that emanates that same kind of magic. Each morning, before coffee, before the children wake or the dogs need to be let out, I read a poem. Right now, I’m reading Jorie Graham’s book of poems, Runaway. It’s like running my brain through bright stars. The world cracks wide open and before the day fully revs up, I’m writing writing writing. Read more>>
Holy-Snaaps Images
Holy-Snaaps Images was created in Michigan in 2019. The state is surrounded by scenic views which allowed my camera to capture so many stunning photos of the outdoors. In 2023, I moved to Texas and it was a little challenging to capture scenic photos that I was used to and felt discouraged. To keep my creativity alive, I had to think outside the box and find new ways to capture nature imagery. I researched and visited nearby areas, and unique parks that offer scenic views. I had to push myself venturing out in a new environment and accept the challenge to continue to capture outdoor beauty. Read more>>
Amit Sharma
At Nairu, we care deeply about the environment and the health of our customers so the creativity stems from our passion. We select the finest natural waxes to infuse scents that are both unique and soothing, each candle is a product of meticulous care and passion. Read more>>
L Chin
What has always worked for me is not forcing myself to be creative. I try to go back to my roots— sometimes I’ll change the medium and focus on one hobby over another before an idea strikes. I realize that not everyone has this privilege and some rely on their creativity for work. In that case I would say, go back to what inspires you. Take time away from the drawing board to reset your mental state and eyes. That usually helps. Read more>>
Taydrianna Moore
The way I keep creativity alive is enjoying myself. If you are not enjoying what you are trying to do, no amount of creativity or imagination will salvage the disdain you now have. Creative activities should be enjoyed and loved. Being happy about the work I do causes ideas to flow easily. I also create a space that allows me to have great success such as, my imagination & creativity. I would also say giving myself breaks & taking some time to relax. Me allowing to give myself just a little bit of relaxation allows ideas & inspiration to come to me even when I’m not searching for it Read more>>
Ranjeet Marwa
I am Ranjeet S. Marwa, a dedicated and passionate filmmaker from Birmingham with over 14 years of experience in the industry. As a writer and director, I have earned a reputation for my relentless work ethic, creative vision, and ability to bring compelling stories to life. Recently, I won the prestigious Best Feature Film award at the Midland Movie Awards for my film Dig Me No Grave, which has been a significant milestone in my career. From an early age, I have been captivated by the power of storytelling, using film as a medium to explore complex characters and gripping narratives. My journey has taken me through various genres and styles, but my commitment to authenticity and emotional depth remains constant. Read more>>
Joss Refauvelet
It’s pretty simple for me. Sometimes, I even wish I could slow it down. I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I’d like to savor the creative process, especially the final stage—the completion and enjoyment of the final product. However, most of the time, when I’m about 75% done with making a movie, during the editing process, I start thinking about new movies to make. The same goes for painting on canvas. I like to start three at a time because the drying process is too slow for me, so I jump from one to another. As for keeping creativity alive, I find inspiration everywhere, often in the most insignificant things. By just observing my surroundings and listening to people talk, whether to each other or to me, my curiosity is piqued. I often ask them odd and personal questions because I want to know more. Whether or not I get an answer, I store the information in my memory. All my screenplays and scripts are a patchwork of life experiences, stories from friends, and things I’ve seen or heard in the streets or stores. In summary, my curiosity has developed my creativity and continues to keep it alive. Read more>>
Alan Lujano
When it comes to creativity I often only need to observe the natural world around me in order to keep it alive. When it comes to making art I usually don’t have much trouble making something from scratch or from the mind, but during times of burn out or frustration I’ve found it most helpful to take a step back from the creative process and focus my energy on something else. Usually that means doing some other work, but sometimes I take these instances to do some exploration. Whether it’s walking around a nature trail or exploring every nook and cranny of my grandparent’s backyard, I try to breathe in whatever piece of nature I can find in my day-to-day life. Outside of nature, media such as animation, video games, and comics have always been a creative outlet for me. These pieces of entertainment exposed me to imagined spaces, new ideas, and different forms of self expression that I would have never thought about. Read more>>
