Creativity Tips: Try a New Tool

Yes. This is the same photo that was in the blog yesterday.

No. This is not the same post.

Today, the photo is an example of a very important creativity tip -- periodically change your creative tool of choice. Leslie took this shot with a Polaroid, rather than the digital camera she had been using. Switching cameras makes her think about lighting, composition, etc., in a new way. The results -- after some initial challenges -- are beautiful.

Tackling those challenges is what teaches us, what spurs us on to be better.

Today, if you typically compose on a computer, pick up a pen. If you paint, use a crayon. If you're a baker, try whole wheat flour instead of white. And stir with a whisk, instead of a spoon.

Mix things up, and feel your brain light up!

Creativity Exercise: Write Our Holiday Card

Over the years, I've written far more ecumenical, business-friendly, say-absolutely-nothing holiday cards than you can imagine.

Today, it's your turn to turn that trend around. Write a holiday card with a message -- funny, sarcastic, happy, sardonic, reverent, whatever you want. Your client? Creative Instigation -- and you've got this great photo from Leslie* on the cover.

Now, you tell me: What's on the inside?

*After you write the card, take a look at Leslie's photostream on flickr.

Creativity Tips: Unwrap Your Ideas

Chris -- aka, the son I would have had if I'd had a son -- wants to start a new trend. Throw a gift in a box and don't wrap it. Save the paper. Save the environment. Yada, yada, yada.

OK, that's harsh. I recycled before recycling was cool. But gifts need to be wrapped. And I'm not going to budge on this one.

That said, Chris does have the right idea. So, let's go with it: What are some creative, environmentally friendly wrapping ideas for the holiday season? Go beyond my basics -- wrapping with the comics, using grocery bags, etc. Give us some festive new concepts, and make Santa -- and Chris -- happy men.

(And after you come up with your own ideas, look here. No peeking.)

Ooops.

For those of you who receive the blog via email:

1. You're brilliant, and that's a great way to stay instigated! (The rest of you can be equally brilliant -- just click on the "Subscribe to Creative Instigation by email" link.
2. I'm not always brilliant, and hit some key that published a post I was writing for Dec. 24.
3. When you see the post later this month, hopefully I'll have fixed the spacing in the poem ...

Friday Fun: Kid Around

Given my preference for non-violent movies with talking rodents, it's not surprising that I love Disney. (Have I told you I used to work for the Disney family? Roy Disney Jr. -- Walt's nephew -- owned the radio stations I worked at in KC.)

But I digress. Check out the Bolt web site, just to admire the animation. Then, wander over and play a Disney game. Come on, you know you're a kid at heart. I can't be the only one here with a Mickey watch ...

Creativity Tips: Always Admire Alliteration

Want to be a better writer? Listen up.

No, not to me. Well, yes, listen to me. But, far more importantly, listen to the people around you. Here are two wonderful phrases I heard in the past week:

1. Garlicky guacamole goodness -- from Rachael Ray. She's perky, but well-spoken.
2. Lifelong lousy love life -- from a funny friend who shall remain anonymous.

And here's a quick creativity exercise: Using one of those two phrases, write for 120 seconds. You got it: 2 minutes. Don't tell me you don't have time. And don't self-censor. Just write!

Creativity Exercise: Laugh with Non Sequitur

I think Wiley Miller is one of the finest cartoonists ever. I even have one of his signed, original pieces in my office. Naturally, this one hit home. And I am keeping the day job!