Learning To SPARK Inspiration
The first steps of forming original ideas from an inspiration is one of my favorite things to do. But it wasn’t always like this. I used to dread the pressure of being truly creative. Nowadays, it usually starts with a small spark of an idea, or even just a feeling, that like gravity, starts to pull details towards it, until it gathers enough of them around, that it’s a proper idea, that can stand on solid grounds. Most of this initial process isn’t very systematic. It’s just allowing oneself to get inspired by possibility and seeing what evolves from it. Explained differently: all it takes is that first »click«, followed by an »a-ha!« moment, when things start falling into place. With the type of work I do, it’s required that I produce those »clicks« and »a-ha’s« almost daily and on command, and with that, I’ve come to view my ability to produce ideas almost as a superpower. So is there a way to learn this power?
.
NO.
The short answer is: No. But the right answer is: Yes. Why the distinction? Because it’s not really something one can learn, it’s rather something one can get used to by repetition. Each time I attempt to produce an idea, I’m not following a template, because that would be trying to force an idea to come into existence – that will actually make ideas burrow even deeper, similar to how we try to remember a half-forgotten dream, and we can feel it going further and further away, as we actively try to remember. Rather than making the idea, or that initial spark come to me, I allow it to appear by itself. Clearing one’s mind, to set the stage, is the part that can be learned. If I’m intrigued by that spark, I’ll let it flow over me and seduce me – I’ll let it inspire me.
BUT YES.
I used to try to find those initial sparks that inspire actively - by browsing through imagery, or by watching films or animation – I wished, or rather WANTED to get inspired by anything, so I could then produce something of my own. It was very procedural, tiresome and forceful. Don’t get me wrong, browsing through imagery and watching content, to find a good reference, so that it’s easier to discuss concepts with clients or other creatives, is super important and helpful, but I do believe that it’s easier to get inspired initially from within. And anybody can be - the right stuff is already there. All it takes is a bit of training, to let your best ideas of yours flow to the top.