topic Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life in Staying well

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Peppermintbach — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 22:52:46 GMT

Hi everyone,

As the title suggests, this thread is pretty much exactly as per the thread title. In some ways, I feel as though I'm a bit of a creative rut, which is awful when you're a creative person.

So I thought that I would try to ask for inspiration in terms of ideas and stories from fellow creatives. Hopefully other people also find this thread helpful in terms of reading and sharing.

So whether you're a professional or amateur graphic designer, industrial designer, architect, musician, writer, choreographer, dancer, landscaper, etc, etc...I would LOVE to hear your tips and anecdotes on how you inject creativity in your world and how your keep the creative spark alive.

Thank you!

Pepper

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

james1 — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 01:48:28 GMT

Hey Pepper,

I only do things as a hobby rather than to pay the bills so the pressure's a lot less on me.

For me, it depends on what the block is. If I'm out of ideas, I literally go and try to just live life a little bit and talk to people.

If I have no ideas to write or draw about, I feel like I need to get real experiences and stories to inspire me.

If it's being unable to put idea to paper, then I literally write about the idea until I can't write about it anymore. Then I set it aside and try to work on something else. That way, I have something on paper about it and come back to it when it's had more time to stew.

If I was working professionally...geez, I dunno. I suppose that's the hardest part about working in a creative field.

James

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Peppermintbach — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 09:41:13 GMT

Hi James,

Thank you so much for replying. I appreciate it immensely 🙂

It's always wonderful to talk to people with a creative spirit. I see a common theme for you is to interact with people and engage in some other sphere of life. Makes sense.

Lol. Oh dear, sorry, my bad...I don't work in the creative field but I can definitely see why you assumed as such, given my post. Without giving too much away, I work in the mental health field. Although there are definitely moments when I have doubts about my decisions and path.

My current struggle is that I just feel uninspired and bored with everything, which naturally does not aid creativity (professional or otherwise). It bothers me immensely because creative outlets are my personal therapy, so to speak. When I'm not creating, I feel suffocated.

Sometimes I do wonder what would have happened had I opted for a creative career instead. I'm currently looking into ways to perhaps have multiple careers (whoever said we can only have one, right?)

I visited an art shop today to see if any inspiration would jump at me but I left feeling disheartened.

Anyway, thanks again for sharing and supporting 🙂

Pepper

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

james1 — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 01:21:31 GMT

Hey Pepper,

I am not sure if you take medication at the moment, but when I was taking antidepressants, that was one of the side effects. I just kind of lost that creative spark.

I'm happy to hear you're thinking about a way of having a creative career instead. I mean, it could even be a matter of having it as a money making hobby for spending money, you know?

e.g. a little art stall or something similar.

My plan at the moment is to drop to part time within the next year so I have a day to do my writing which I can do freelancing, but I also want to start focussing on either drawing or photography to be able to do little jobs here and there to sell.

But boredom is definitely hard if you want to do something creatively, and having goals I think are achievable and fun, and re-engaging with life generally is something I try to do when that strikes. So if you can schedule in a time on the weekend where you have to try and engage with that creative side, if you can't create anything, use the time instead to go out and do something new, or see something new.

All the best 🙂

James

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Peppermintbach — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 09:10:33 GMT

Hi James,

I so appreciate the detailed and thoughtful response. Thanks, it's more a case of "as well" rather than "instead." Best of both worlds 🙂 As anyone who works in the mental health sector will most likely say: it can be deeply rewarding but there are also many unglamorous aspects to it- comes with the territory lol.

Yes, markets are pretty good "launch pads" plus the demographic who visit markets are often quite trendy and have a keen eye for good or interesting designs (or at the trendy markets anyway).

I like your plan to explore your creativity/explore creative careers/etc. Writing, drawing and/or photography all sound like worthy creative endeavours.

I think half the battle when it comes to creative careers is public exposure- technology and the internet can be very helpful in that department. Also networking with influential people like gallery owners and the like.

As for photography, I think some photographers charge for professional wedding photography. Although to be frank, most of them do it for the $$$ and not because they actually like shooting wedding photos. But it's a good way to meet people, get your "name" out there and earn some extra income.

Just a random thought on drawings. I don't know too much about the industry but I have read about artists who do scientific drawings (e.g. botany) and make a decent (I think?) living from it. I'm not saying that you're necessarily into scientific drawings but I'm trying to think "outside the box" to give you ideas. Also entering art competitions is another way to practice and get your "name out there."

Mind you, they are only suggestions so they might not be helpful at all. Either way, I figured it wouldn't hurt to throw the idea out there 🙂

Thanks again James. Good talk. Must dash now.

Pepper

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

quirkywords — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 10:21:47 GMT

Pepper

Funnily enough I was thinking of starting a thread on bipolar and creativity as most people assume if you have bipolar you are creative.

I think it depends on what you mean by being creative- people define creative in different ways- some think you must produce something to be creative, some feel thinking in an original way is being creative.

This is very interesting thread.

As for your rut, maybe just doing something you normally do but in a different way or at a different time.

Quirky

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

HamSolo01 — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 12:36:54 GMT

hey

ive only just begun to reignite the creative juices in my brain after a hiatus of mental health

i love music because it evokes deep emotional experiences within me. It can transport me back to moments of happiness and laughter, triggering happy memories. Music takes you beyond the general stream of consciousness too i find. Something about making music and playing it makes me feel like a creator god or something haha

I love to write stuff too but its something i need to be in the mood to do. Im working on setting aside time in my life that i can devote to certain things to bring about balance. My mental health has really been bad of late so it takes up my life. Its now a case of getting back into things. At the moment im writing a story thats inspired by my first year of uni. Its a love story mixed with tragedy and drama and mental health, because this is what i imagined uni was going to be like in first year. I guess its a way of revisiting the past. I plan to have it finished by year's end when i graduate. Just a way of processing my time at uni. Its been rather formative. Im single and have been my whole life so far (23) and i believe that writing this into a story will be a way of coming to terms with my own reality. Weird hey?

Anyways, i would be keen to hear what others do to maintain their creative juice. Any ideas on how i can get back into playing trombone again? need to do that as well

great post idea 🙂

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Peppermintbach — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 23:03:53 GMT

Hi Quirky,

It's lovely of you to contribute. Thanks Quirky 🙂

I completely agree with you that creativity comes in many different forms, which includes original/unusual thought processes.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm still figuring it out but it certainly doesn't help that I have a low boredom threshold; I tend to get bored a lot easier than most people around me (so I irritate my friends lol).

I might visit some art galleries and museums this weekend as I find them fascinatingly inspiring. My dream- one of them- is to visit the Louvre in Paris and MoMA in New York one day (cue heart shaped eyes lol).

Kind thoughts,

Pepper

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Peppermintbach — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 00:20:35 GMT

Hi Hamsolo,

I love this:

Well said! I couldn't agree with you more 🙂

Judging from your post, you're clearly very articulate and self aware. Sometimes creativity surges and other times it's the polar opposite when mental health issues strike. It's kind of bizarre how that happens and how it varies from person to person. Either way, I'm glad the creative juices are re-surfacing for you.

I'm older than you- in my early 30s- and in full support of your creative endeavours (and anyone else's too).I like how you're using writing as a coping mechanism, emotional outlet and processing tool for your uni days. Maybe words will help you make sense of it all.

Oh, that's fantastic that you play the trombone 🙂 Hmm...valid and interesting question...I'm completely oversimplifying the whole process but maybe setting aside a small amount of time each day (e.g. 10 minutes in the morning/evening/afternoon) to improv and/or use sheet music would help. I'll admit it's not hugely original advice and you may have heard it before though.

Now I'm not sure if that will work for you but I figure gradually easing back into it and almost making it a "habit" (so to speak) might help. Maybe you'll get so into it that you'll naturally spend longer than whatever time you have allocated to it.

I play instruments too- been a little slack due to my uninspired state lately- but sometimes I find it's a matter of pushing myself. I might not be in the mood but if I force myself to play something- sheet music is handy for it- then I often find the natural joy of music takes over.

Kind thoughts,

Pepper

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Peppermintbach — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 23:50:21 GMT

Hi everyone,

This post sort of loosely relates to the thread topic. Hey, in my defence, it's on the topic of creativity so technically I'm still "on topic." lol.

Basically, I've chucked a sickie as I'm not in the mood to show up to work today (currently still in bed)...

I don't know if anyone has heard of her but I think Sada Vidoo is a majorly underrated artist. I have been listening to Northern Lights and The Actress on high rotation.

I suspect that she's possibly a polarising artist as I don't think her style of music is everyone's cup of tea. But I think it's better to be polarising than to be "meh", bland and forgettable.

Anyway, on another note. I was reading about Lorde and she made some interesting comments about language. She thought that she she appeared unkempt and just out of place in photographs- her words, not mine- as she said that she didn't think that photography was her "language" so she didn't know how to work the camera. Unsurprisingly, she added that the way she communicated best was through music.

I thought that it was an interesting comment because I think we often associate language and communication with words. But I don't think that's the only medium. To me, language is about telling stories and it isn't restricted to just pen and paper (but it can be of course). I suppose what I'm saying is there's such a diverse number of ways to tell stories beyond the traditional methods.

Anyway, must dash...I hope you all continue "storytelling" in whatever medium/media suits you best. Plays, short stories, novels, songs, pieces, sculptures, fashion design...the list is endless 🙂

Pepper

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

HamSolo01 — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 00:09:07 GMT

Hey

I'll be sure to check it out

also, are you familiar with jamiroquai? idk exactly what genre of music he sits in but his music is pretty damn catchy. It's got a unique feel to it. He's just released an album actually, it's all on youtube too. The song Could 9 is ridiculously catchy too, it actually makes me feel like I can dance despite having no coordination xD plus the video has pretty much everything a guy needs in life 😛

I've also recently discovered The Avalanches, first heard of them last year while watching the Tour de France - a song of theirs came on. Think it was Subways. Anyway, both of those artists are pretty good.

And on language, check out Wittgenstein. He's a philosopher, but I can't remember when he wrote... basically he argues a similar idea about language, saying that it limits (by its very nature) the capacity for understanding. Pretty thought provoking stuff.

Take care

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Guest_1055 — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 02:57:36 GMT

Hi Peppermint,

I was thinking as I was reading here that perhaps you like to write as a form of creativity. And so with that in mind , starting this thread might be helping you for an outlet for that or something. ie you are sort of allowing the creative side of you flow right here. Just a thought that popped into my mind.

I also get bored in my life, and I find doing things creative helps me express my self somehow. Some days I don't feel motivated at all though.

Anyway one way that I can be creative is in serving food like beautiful like. It does help me, feel...what is the word?? Cannot think of the word. Oh well, not to worry...

Anyway at home, I try to serve the food I cook with eatable garnishes. In an attempt to make it look as attractive and inviting as possible . For instance when I make homemade burgers I will stick a cute little wooden thick toothpick right through the layers of it. It holds the burger together and it looks more inviting. I also make sure there is lots af the green lettuce, tomato showing, as it makes the burger look fresh, yummy etc.Or I may garnish the tops of soups. Or serve colourful vege stir fries, in a way that makes you want to chomp into them. So by doing all this, it feels creative I guess for me anyway. I even collect straws of all different colours and types to match the smoothies or juices that I make. They juices look better or something.

I also like visiting museums, especially one with old things and even antique shops.

Writing also helps me , but not factual stuff.

May you find something creative to do today. I am even thinking as I am looking at this pillow here, that arranging them to your liking, can also be creative and give you a bit of a lift. So I myself am going to do it.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Shell xx

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Peppermintbach — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 14:39:50 GMT

Hi Hamsolo and Shell,

Thank you so much for your responses 🙂 I'll get back to both of you individually in due course.

Feeling somewhat more inspired after a good day's worth of self pity. I think that I might create a mood board for inspiration.

Also, I suddenly had an idea pop into my head to buy some fresh flowers to spray paint. Believe me, this will be one of my more conservative projects. There have been some wilder/more experimental art projects where friends have explicitly told me not to send them photos lol.

Talk later,

Pepper

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Peppermintbach — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 15:20:46 GMT

Hi,

I just wanted to leave you some cheeseball quotes before I signout and enjoy the weekend.

"Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable." Cesar Cruz

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Picasso

"Music is what feelings sound like." Unknown

Enjoy your weekend.

Signing out for the week,

Pepper

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Guest_1055 — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 01:45:37 GMT

Hi Peppermint, What is the purpose of spraying the fresh flowers with paint? Does it make them last longer, or intensify there colours. I have never come across that before. Like the flowers would have moisture , so how does it work, if you don't mind me asking? You have awakened me curiosity, so I will most likely research myself.

Shell xx

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Moonstruck — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 03:12:10 GMT

Loved the quotes Peppermint.........

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Peppermintbach — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 10:04:36 GMT

Hi wonderful people,

Hamsolo- thank you for the recommendations 🙂 I watched the Cloud 9 music video and agree that it's a catchy song. Oh I've heard of The Avalanches and it's always nice when you discover music from unexpected places.

Hmm...I'll have to google this Wittgenstein. I have heard of the name but I don't know too much about him or her. Sounds like an intriguing person with even more intriguing views. Thanks!

Shell- I'm happy to hear that cooking gives you a creative outlet. Although I feel in you case, it's half cooking and half the presentation. I love how you put so much thought and heart into how your edible creations. I imagine herbs and edible flowers might also be "friends" of yours if you like colour 🙂

The boredom struggle, yes, I can relate very much. But I think it's great you find ways to inject some imagination and change in your daily life like rearranging your pillows. It's all in the details right?

I hear what you're saying and maybe there is an element of creative expression in this thread for me. But above all, it's kind of a "personal therapy" for me- to feel heard and interact with like minded people.

Lol. The purpose of spray painting those flowers has no real purpose other than the idea suddenly popped into my head. Yes, the flowers are likely to shrivel up from the paint and some will even fall off the stem but that's okay with me...I kind of like that deconstructed, "decaying" effect. I'm going to use it to create a ginormous wall art.

Moon- I appreciate the drop in and I'm pleased that those quotes have maybe struck a chord with you.

Thanks everyone 🙂

Pepper

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

Peppermintbach — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 10:16:57 GMT

Hi everyone,

I kind of think of this thread as "metaphorical baby" and a place for me to share my musings (and learn from you guys as well).

Whatever one's medium of creative expression, I like to think of it as a paradoxical way to both self express and escape at the same time.
Sometimes fantastical images flash in my head; I can't force them, they come and go of their own accord but I'm always grateful for them.

Those images represent my own demons in visual form, which is probably why some of my friends find my artwork very unsettling. I had 2 visual flashes late this week, which was weirdly cathartic. I don't really like drawing still life (other than to practice my drawing technique) because I lack an emotional connection to it. I like art that is a bit twisted and warped.

I remember having to compose about 5 or 6 bars as part of an exercise with a music teacher years ago, and in typical style, I managed to come up with something quite jarring but it worked at the same time. She said something along the lines of how it was very odd but that she really liked it (best compliment ever!)

Anyway, I don't even know what my point is anymore. Long live the creative spirit...make up your own "rules"...actually just ignore them altogether. Experiment with different media, play with different colours, read widely, practice different techniques, visit galleries and museums, spend time at the beach or in the bush...find your "voice" in your creative expression (whatever that means to you).

If there's pain, maybe you can channel some of it in a painting or poem. If there's a happy moment, maybe you can capture it in a photo or song. Just keep the creative spirit alive...there has been considerable pain in my own life, which I don't necessarily want to talk about but I'm happy for it to come out in some sort of creative medium. I get a real sense of peace if I can translate that pain into something tangible.

Kind thoughts,

Pepper

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

james1 — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 00:22:38 GMT

Hey pepper,

I know what you mean about liking composing jarring music, or at least sometimes feeling like that.

Hans Zimmer's track for the dark knight, "WHy so serious?", includes a weird buzzing noise at the beginning which is the Joker's 'theme'. I love that it's super unsettling yet so simple.

And then his weird boingy (bouncy isn't the right word) theme for Sherlock Holmes is also great (in the track discombobulate).

I just love really simple yet effective themes.

James

Dear fellow creatives...tips and tricks on leading a creative life

HamSolo01 — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 04:07:43 GMT

hey all

peppermintbach - i agree. I think creativity is fundamental to our existence in fact. That actually reminded me of the fact that i love comedy, listening to my favourite comedians is something i really enjoy. Theres something about humour that seems creative to me. Creative moments are cool too. Just now im at the airport for volunteer training and i can see all these people heading to their flights and it made me think of a migration of animals in the plains of africa or something. Its a kind of throwback to the savannah from where we came. Even more fitting that its all the more common for 21st century society. Migration is both a social phenomenon as much as a naturalistic one.

Also walking past arrivals gates you see people in a state of wonder as they arrive in a new place, or sense of comfort as they arrive home. Ive always thought of sunset as you land at sydney airport was a kinda poetic symbolism for the end of a journey, or the end of an era that existed prior to that journey commencing. As soon as i walked in here i remember the last time i was here was when i got back from vietnam. Couldnt help but think how times had changed since. Ill be back here at years end, once i finish my degree i will go on a trip. Its also cool seeing people around my age on their own, makes me realise that there are many people out in this world. Facing it. Embracing it. My folks met while travelling, so maybe the same will happen? but im worried id get distracted by that rather than enjoy the trip right? haha. A friend told me we must focus on making our lives as happy as possible in order to truly live and meet new people. I love catch22's haha

Ive found myself doing this lately.. tying things together. Another is when im out somewhere and i have a memory of that area. Happened in newtown in sydney the other day. Just different places ive been and differebt people ive met.

James1 - Hans Zimmer is an awesome composer, close 2nd to John Williams though 😛 (star wars tragic). I believe the instrument you are thinking of is a harpischord thats at the start of the discombobulate piece. Could be wrong though haha.

anywho, training calls.. laters