Inspired By Working

Recently I saw some discussion on Twitter asking how everyone gets into the flow of things. There was a mixed bag of answers, but most of them were very similar. Some browse image galleries, read blogs or doodle on their paper until the perfect idea hits them. Whatever it is, everyone seems to have their own way of going about getting in the mood to produce 'creative work'. I've often found that you can't do one particular thing to instantly put you in the zone. Let's be real here, we're not fine artists that can sit around and wait for our muse to strike. Many of us are out working for ourselves and time is money. For me it's really about just starting. Whether it's writing code, sketching or designing in Photoshop, I find it's best to put on some music and dive in.

People often talk about their muse, creative drive, inspiration, but to me you can't wait around for these things to strike. If this were the case we'd all be working two hours a day at 2AM, and that's just not often feasible. By forcing yourself to start on your tasks at hand you kick start your brain. Inspiration doesn't come from staring out the window, it comes from an area of your mind that is stimulated by a visual or an action. By getting started you give your brain the opportunity to become inspired once you are in the flow of things.

Getting in your flow is really the key to me. Often I'll open Photoshop and begin a design, all while not being completely 'with it'. Once I lay down something I find intriguing I find myself 'inspired' and this puts me in my zone. Inspiration doesn't come from just walking in the park, staring at images, watching movies, etc. It comes from your own work and your brain being excited by what you are doing. The second your brain is turned on and moving you will soon find inspiration following.

Don't get me wrong, looking at image galleries, watching movies, etc. can kick start you creatively, but most of the time you're just procrastinating. Most of the time inspirational images are used to pull palettes, styles and ideas from. I find once you start your work AND THEN browse for inspiration it allows you to go in with a focus. If you're aimlessly staring this doesn't help. However, if you've already begun working and then look at imagery, you will subconsciously have a purpose and will receive the inspiration you were looking for. Obviously you can browse in your free time and become inspired for projects in the back of your mind, but in this scenario I'm referring to when you NEED to create and get stuff done.

To me you have to stay focused on your goal and purpose with whatever you are working on. We may work in the creative field but it's a commercial field too, and often people get behind on what truly matters, our client work. Everyone loves creating amazing and breathtaking work, but this can't happen if you sit around all day waiting for your 'muse'. You need to just get started and go, don't worry if you don't feel 'inspired' because this will come once you are in the flow of things.