Comments on: Inspiration is for the Birds http://creativeperch.com/2009/08/05/inspiration-is-for-the-birds/ Inspiring Creativity and Encouraging Innovation Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:52:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Every Monday is Tip Day! This Week: Read for Inspiration | Creative Perch http://creativeperch.com/2009/08/05/inspiration-is-for-the-birds/comment-page-1/#comment-468 Every Monday is Tip Day! This Week: Read for Inspiration | Creative Perch Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:37:26 +0000 http://creativeperch.com/?p=2826#comment-468 [...] we’ve previously discussed, inspiration isn’t necessary to get down to creative work, but it can help the process… and motivation can help even more. [...] [...] we’ve previously discussed, inspiration isn’t necessary to get down to creative work, but it can help the process… and motivation can help even more. [...]

]]> By: Dee Wilcox http://creativeperch.com/2009/08/05/inspiration-is-for-the-birds/comment-page-1/#comment-467 Dee Wilcox Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:16:03 +0000 http://creativeperch.com/?p=2826#comment-467 That's a great motto, Mare! The same could be said for art, as well - the only art we waste is the art we don't create. I've found that muscle-memory activities are key for my creativity, as well. That’s a great motto, Mare! The same could be said for art, as well – the only art we waste is the art we don’t create. I’ve found that muscle-memory activities are key for my creativity, as well.

]]> By: Mare Biddle http://creativeperch.com/2009/08/05/inspiration-is-for-the-birds/comment-page-1/#comment-463 Mare Biddle Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:39:07 +0000 http://creativeperch.com/?p=2826#comment-463 I am most inspired when I'm engaged in a muscle-memory activity like walking, cutting pictures for a scrapbook or driving. When my mind is otherwise occupied, the back door opens allowing all sorts of ideas to germinate. I agree that there is something to be said for putting my butt in the chair and writing 1,000 words every day whether I want to or not. I may throw them out later, but I believe that the only writing I waste is the writing I don't do today. I am most inspired when I’m engaged in a muscle-memory activity like walking, cutting pictures for a scrapbook or driving. When my mind is otherwise occupied, the back door opens allowing all sorts of ideas to germinate. I agree that there is something to be said for putting my butt in the chair and writing 1,000 words every day whether I want to or not. I may throw them out later, but I believe that the only writing I waste is the writing I don’t do today.

]]> By: Dee Wilcox http://creativeperch.com/2009/08/05/inspiration-is-for-the-birds/comment-page-1/#comment-457 Dee Wilcox Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:06:59 +0000 http://creativeperch.com/?p=2826#comment-457 That's a great observation! At first, I wondered if that meant only unselfish projects - like projects for nonprofits or that are motivated by compassion - could be truly inspired. That would imply that business ventures cannot be inspired because they're "selfish." But you're right - it's about getting our eyes off ourselves in a different way, and seeing the world around us more purely. That’s a great observation! At first, I wondered if that meant only unselfish projects – like projects for nonprofits or that are motivated by compassion – could be truly inspired. That would imply that business ventures cannot be inspired because they’re “selfish.”

But you’re right – it’s about getting our eyes off ourselves in a different way, and seeing the world around us more purely.

]]> By: Lea http://creativeperch.com/2009/08/05/inspiration-is-for-the-birds/comment-page-1/#comment-455 Lea Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:54:59 +0000 http://creativeperch.com/?p=2826#comment-455 For me, the most interesting part of this post is the last sentence. My answer is: "Yes." I agree that inspiration isn't necessary all of the time, but I do think it makes the work more enjoyable, increases motivation to make the work happen, and probably produces more unique, higher-quality work... And I think inspiration is definitely more likely to come when you are not focused on yourself. One of my first photography class notes from my professor is: "The greatest obstacle to seeing [photographically] is preoccupation with self." I think that is key. For example, I am much more likely to see a photo possibility driving down the road if I am thinking about color, shapes, light and shadow... versus when I am thinking about my to-do list, my destination, the day's worries, etc. For me, the most interesting part of this post is the last sentence. My answer is: “Yes.” I agree that inspiration isn’t necessary all of the time, but I do think it makes the work more enjoyable, increases motivation to make the work happen, and probably produces more unique, higher-quality work… And I think inspiration is definitely more likely to come when you are not focused on yourself. One of my first photography class notes from my professor is: “The greatest obstacle to seeing [photographically] is preoccupation with self.” I think that is key. For example, I am much more likely to see a photo possibility driving down the road if I am thinking about color, shapes, light and shadow… versus when I am thinking about my to-do list, my destination, the day’s worries, etc.

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