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

[Peppermintbach]

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

[Just Sara]

Hey Pepper and Quirky;

"Here they are; sparing no expense and straight from the BeyondBlue Forum to your PC, Tablet or Mobile 'The Creative Nuts' with their newest song; 'Away'!" (Cheers all round from the 70,000+ crowd! Yay...woo-hoo!)

Ah ha ha! I can be a dickhead sometimes. ;-b Anyway...it reads more like a poem. Sorry, I've tweaked the words again (cringe, my OCD with words can be chronic)

Away…
My reflection in the stream,
sends ripples to your hearts
Blurry face in water,
living life as abstract art

Creative love I send to thee
Away, away, away…

Minds and hearts in loving hands,
reaching far up to the sky
Truth in friends are found,
as birds on flight pass by

Tormented yearning souls are we
Away, away, away…

Singing songs as we soar,
hymns on angels’ wings
Replies as loving friends inquire,
of life ‘not lost’ they sing

Magnetic souls of light now free
Away, away, away…

Comfort felt from far and wide;
hugs, as blanket covers
In dark, and in Universal light,
We’re here for one another

Treasured friends
Angels three
Bless-ed be
Away…
Away…
Away…

Sigh...I'm sorry for the changes; embarrassed actually. Quirky, you haven't been on for a while, wondering if you've been insulted or hurt by me changing your words?

Feeling the 'Blue Tears' coming on. Sigh again...

Sara xo

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Sara,

Gorgeous lyrics. You're one of those resident wordsmiths as always 🙂 Yay, we can perform it on the opening night of our tour around the different forums (lol).

On another note...can I ask if you are okay? Here's a big, big hug for the "blue tears"...we know you're courageous and resilient but if you ever need to talk (serious or light), we are all here for you. No pressure but just so you know....

Loving thoughts,

Pepper xoxo

[Peppermintbach]

Hi everyone,

This is kind of random but ties in with creativity 🙂

Use of media in the digital age that photograph relatively glare-free:

I was thinking about how so many people now take photographs of their artwork and upload them online, and how different media can affect how well it photographs...mind you, this is quite subjective of course 😉 Here is my 2c...

Gouache: I think that this is sometimes the "forgotten" medium as acrylic paints tend to be much more popular. But I think if you're photographing your artworks, gauche can be a good option (over acrylics) because acrylics generally always have a glare so do not photograph as well gauche. Just a thought...

Copic pens: these have less of a glare (than some other pens) so they are good if you're planning to take photos of your drawings or other artwork. I'm not saying copic pens are the only (relatively) glare-free pens but it's one of the options; I'm sure there are other pen options that are just as good...

Kind thoughts,

Pepper xx

[Peppermintbach]

Hi,

It has been a while since I have posted on this thread. I have been feeling a little creatively uninspired lately. Feeling a bit flat today...

Sometimes I find magazines helpful especially reading stories about interesting people. It takes me out of my own head for a bit; I can live vicariously through them when I'm feeling uninspired like today.

I might go suss out some interesting design or art mags...I know that heaps of stuff is available online but there is something very comforting about the tactile sensation of flipping through a mag 🙂

Side note: I really enjoyed the latest edition of Russh magazine. The editor's letter was really moving and inspiring for me as it was based on the theme of "being bad", or moreover, embracing both the good and bad within. It's a fashion/art/lifestyle magazine btw.

There is a part of me that wants to be "bad"; to explore the darkness within. Not because I'm a "bad personal" but because we all have good and bad. Creativity is often a good place to explore our darker thoughts; it gives unpleasant emotions an outlet/voice at tones.

Kind thoughts,

Pepper xo

[quirkywords]

What is good or bad ? These concepts depend on how they are seen by others in a social context.

Like when you say to a child be good- sometime that might be sitting still and being quiet like at a movie or being good might be dancing and talking and having fun like at a party.

I have a friend who think she is bad when she eats chocolate, I call that having a good time!!

This is a great idea thanks pepper.

I do think I explore my darker side through writing . Sometimes I start a page with "what if" and then sees where that takes me. Or I cut out newspaper stories- well I used to , now I may cut and paste stories from the net that interest me. They mostly are about the darker side of human nature.

Sometimes they are just negative ideas not so much dark. I feel a question coming on- what is the difference between one's negative side and one's darker side and do they both have a creative outlet?

Thanks again Pepper for the creative prompt.

PS I think your posts on these forum are very creative even when you have been feeling flat. So give yourself credit for that.

Quirky xo

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Quirky,

Thanks so much for your ongoing support both in general and on this thread 🌟It means a lot that you're here. Thanks, I had never really considered my writing on the forums to be creative; I just write what I feel like. Lol. I appreciate what you said.

I agree with your point that good/bad is subjective. Lol! I'm glad you enjoy your chocolate btw 😉

Your writing and newspaper stories sound like a fantastic way to explore another side of human nature.

That is a difficult question to answer as I think the difference is partly semantics and partly just subjectivity. But I can offer my 2c 😉

To me, darkness has a more sinister undertone than negativity. Negativity refers to a general outlook and attitude. Darkness, to me, reflects anything from personal flaws fo mistakes to pain and inner demons. But that's just how I interpret it for myself on a subjective level 🙂

Kind thoughts,

Pepper xo

[Peppermintbach]

Hi all,

Random sources of creative inspiration:

• Kesha's Praying music video: extremely emotional but uplifting at the same time. The use of colour, symbolism and message of hope really comes across.
• Secondhand shops/ retro and vintage shops/ markets- I find they are huge sources of creative inspiration, and you can find some really interesting clothes, jewellery and objects there. I am Queen of Picky-and-Fussy so I generally avoid mass produced wares (when I can) and the like; I get that some people like that but it's just not my personal preference. Each to their own 😉 Style-wise, I'm pretty modern but I like to source interesting pieces to give me a boho-meets-edgy look: I'm all about ripped jeans, embellished jackets, ankle boots or flatforms and accessories!
• observing your surroundings- I am pretty detail oriented/sensitive to visual (excluding typos! Lol) and auditory details. I notice patterns, form, colour scheme, textures, etc all around me and it really helps to fan the creative fire within.
• Take photos of things that inspire you- I do this regularly when I'm out and about, and it helps to look through old photos when I'm feeling uninspired or stuck.
• compile a creative inspiration book (digital and/or hard copy)- sketch, use photos, write notes, magazine clippings, etc of things that speak to you. It will also give you an idea of how your sense of aesthetics/design/etc evolves over time as your preferences change (or not).

kind thoughts,

Pepper xo

[quirkywords]

Pepper

Thanks for your ideas and your enthusiasm to encourage creativity and to try new things.

My music knowledge stops in 1975( probably before many were born!!) so I am reluctant to try anything new but I will try to listen to Keisha one day soon.

Thanks again.

Quirky xo

[quirkywords]

Pepper,

I watched and listened to Praying by Kesha. I liked the song, the monologue at the beginning but found the video a bit distracting. I am more a lyrics and music girl not into visuals.

I am glad I listened to it and even listened to Rainbow. Thanks for your recommendation.

Quirky

[Peppermintbach]

Aw Quirky, thanks, you're far too kind 🙂

I am currently struggling to eat lunch (whole other story), which is partly why I logged back online. Lol.

Anyway...

Thanks, it helps me too; I enjoy writing on this thread and appreciate any contributions so you are always more than welcome 🙂

oh I hope you listen to Praying; the emotion behind it is heartbreaking but inspiring. Funny you said 1975 as there's a pretty big English band by the same name, "1975." I'm not really a fan myself but heaps of people like them 🙂

Kind thoughts,

Pepper xo