In economically challenging times, we don’t always have extra money in our budgets to buy the latest great book or publication, or go to the conferences we want to go to, or participate in the courses we would like to join. Our bank accounts may be taking a hit, but that doesn’t mean that our creative growth has to.
Here are a few secrets I’ve found to continue growing creatively, without breaking the bank.
1. Can’t go to the conference? Participate online!
I’m planning my 2010 budget, and while there are tons of great conferences I would love to attend, some of them just won’t make the budget. While I wasn’t able to find “official” free videos of some of my favorite conferences, I was able to find several via YouTube. I hope that more conferences follow TED’s lead in the future.
Even without video, you can still participate online. Just do an online search for attendees who are “live-blogging” or “live tweeting” the event. Join in on the comments and experience the best of both – community networking and session highlights.
2. Can’t buy the latest tutorial? Check out YouTube!
I’ve said this before, but I mean it – if you want to learn something via video, check out YouTube. You might have to watch videos in 2- or 3-minute increments, and you may not have the convenience of having it all on DVD, but hey – it’s free. Check it out!
3. Can’t buy that magazine subscription? Subscribe to their blog via RSS or email!
The publishing industry is changing rapidly, and this is most obviously true in the newspaper world. However, magazines are shifting, too. A benefit to consumers is that many of the top trade magazines are publishing more and more content online – either directly on their websites or on the company blog. When I think I want a particular magazine subscription but I haven’t budgeted for it, I always subscribe to the company’s blog. Besides giving me access to a ton of great content, reading the magazine’s blog helps me to decide just how much I might benefit from the magazine – or not.
There is a benefit here for magazines, too. Some magazines just publish teasers, which is a smart marketing move. If I like the content, then I find a way to budget in the subscription. If not, I just turn off the RSS feed in my feed reader.
4. Can’t buy that audiobook? Subscribe to the podcast!
This tip doesn’t always hold true, but I have found several favorite authors who also publish podcasts. Like blogs, podcasts are a great way for you to test the waters of a particular writer’s style, to see if you connect with the message or not. I usually subscribe via iTunes and sync up my favorites to my iPhone. This gives me the convenience of an audiobook, but for free. I can listen to it in the car while I’m running errands, while I’m on a road trip, while I’m waiting in the airport, while I’m waiting in line… while I’m waiting anywhere. It’s great.
5. Can’t buy that book? Check out the eBook version!
Several of my favorite authors are also bloggers, so I tend to subscribe to their blog feeds so I can stay up to date with their latest projects and get sneak previews of their upcoming publications. However, not all of them blog, so I’ve turned to eBooks as a backup when buying a title in print is out of my budget. Many times eBooks are less expensive, albeit sometimes also abbreviated. You can often purchase a PDF eBook directly from an author’s website, which is what I often do.
However, you can also check out Amazon’s Kindle store for a wider selection of eBooks. The Kindle has taken off in sales, and eBooks are becoming increasingly popular. There’s even a Kindle app for iPhone users.
Have any secrets to frugal inspiration that you’d like to share? Please post in the comments!
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- Every Monday is Tip Day! This Week: Maximize Resources
- Every Monday is Tip Day! This Week: Read for Inspiration
- Every Monday is Tip Day! This Week: Find Inspiration
- Top 10 Go-To Websites for Your Morning Fix of Creative Inspiration
- Inspiration is for the Birds
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Lucky duck on the library end! Can't wait for Nashville - the library downtown is my favorite part of the entire city. :) 
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Love these ideas! I would have to say that the library is also a really great low-budget creative resource. Ours has cd’s, dvd’s, lots of audiobooks, a coffee shop, and even self-checkout!
Plan to use the tips about the conferences and the podcasts–thanks!
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Dee Wilcox Reply:
December 10th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Lucky duck on the library end! Can’t wait for Nashville – the library downtown is my favorite part of the entire city.
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I’m going to have to whole-heartedly agree with Lea! Our libraries are also a great resource that allow me to check out the most recent creativity/art books and magazines. Plus, it’s fun to browse and see what inspires me!
Melanie´s last blog … Creative Giveaway
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