MELISSA H. NORTH

Creative exploration to me is enjoying an intense period of inspiration by reaching deep inside and exploring the creative unknown. I love to be creative and I’m always on the look out to develop new ideas, bring to birth strange new words and implement imaginative and unique storylines.

For me, little things can ‘light bulb’ a moment of inspiration. A word said in the course of a conversation, the way of a person’s peculiarities, the majesty of creation or a wide- eyed look from a much-loved pet.

These are triggers that initiate a deluge of thoughts which cascade like a waterfall in my head. Without a pen and paper or some kind of device where I can capture this magical water, it would likely float downstream and be forgotten in the babbling of everyday thought. The best way to fill your creative well is to be prepared for inspiration to strike at any time.

I attended a function once and throughout the evening the mannerisms and quirky idiosyncrasies of the company I kept reminded me of rare animals and humanoid aliens and anime characters. Sights, sounds, smell and touch are the elements of creativity, the creative brain is a sensory brain, and these triggers, these intriguing elements, can engage your senses by filling your creative reservoir. Igniting awareness and creating a perception of your surroundings helps facilitate creativity.

At this moment your creative well is filled to the brim with imagery, concepts and ideas but like any reservoir, it has the possibility of running dry or becoming stagnant. Any creative will recognise in order to keep the thoughts fresh and flowing maintenance is necessary. We need to self- nourish our creative reservior. How?

Replenishing by taking a creative field trip

Get out and experience something new. Go for a walk in an architecturally unquie area or go to an exhibit. How about attending an open air concert or a stage play? The thing is even if what you do doesn’t directly relate to your specialised field it could still spark a creative connection.

Go Mining

Everyone has a past. You would likely have old notebooks or files filled with thoughts, images and ideas that once inspired you. Looking back on these may help you see things in a whole new light.

Sit down to write what you have thought and not to think what you shall write – William Cobbett.

Hemingway used to purposely leave his work unfinished. An effective strategy to begin with the next day. Stopping before your inspiration runs dry is a great cue to step away and do something completely different. Coming back to your project the following day, fresh and alert, will enhance your ability to consistently dream up new ideas.

Fortunately, filling your well is an endless need accomplished without difficulty if you dedicate time each day. Don’t wait until you have exhausted it, instead nurture and energise your creativity by fulfilling your challenges and being aware of your needs.