It can be hard to stay inspired sometimes. Our brains are wrung dry by busy days and redundant duties. But staying creative in business, whether designing books or direct mailing campaigns, helps you connect with your clients in great new ways. Here’s some good ideas to help you find great ideas and stay inspired.
Collect Things that Inspire You
Surrounding yourself with things that you love can inspire you to explore fantastic new directions (where do you think our Divvy Pizza Box Campaign came from? We love pizza!) Decorate the space where you create with colors, designs, textures, etc. that help you feel creative. If you find your desk getting too cluttered, organize your inspiration into themed idea boxes, or for 2D inspiration, create a literal scrap book, sometimes called “Smash Books” where you collect and invent things that inspire you. Smashbooks can be made or purchased. The basic idea of a smash book is to create something new on each and every page of a blank sketchbook or journal.
For digital inspiration, stay organized by using Pinterest. Pinterest is a great social media that helps you connect with clients, share what you create, and find inspiration for more creations. Have you seen Alexander’s Pinterest Boards? We’re constantly collecting images that inspire us, whether it’s creative packaging, car vinyl, book covers, or quotes that help motivate us.
Check the Competition
We’re not saying you should copy someone else’s great idea. We’re saying that by seeing someone else’s great idea, you can design something even better! Stand out from the crowd! Is everyone sending direct mailing pieces in the form of business envelopes? Send a colorful postcard – or hey! – a pizza box! Regardless, don’t let the competition tear you down or frustrate you. Instead, use them as a springboard to make your advertising better.
Write Down Anything and Everything
Otherwise known as Brainstorming. You don’t have to write down ideas you don’t like, but do put some thought into what you want to create, and don’t limit yourself to the first five ideas. Even if the idea seems crazy, if you think it would be fun or benefit your company, it’s worth writing down. This is your chance to listen to your inner child. Ask yourself, “What Would I Want Created for Me?”
Dare to Try the Impossible
Remember that, in actuality, nothing is impossible. Things may be hard, and there may be setbacks, but Thomas Edison really did create the lightbulb after hundreds of tries, and look how that changed the world! If you find a great idea that seems crazy, don’t throw it out! Instead, if you truly believe in it, find a way to accomplish it. You’ll stand out from the crowd, and be glad you did!
Need more help getting inspired? Contact us. We’ll be your sounding board.
