Creative people, as a rule, have to get into a mindset to be able to work effectively. Blocking out all distractions, zoning into your project as if it were the only thing that exists at that time, you get into a rhythm that blocks out the world around you and allows you to tap into your deepest skillsets (most people call it a “groove”, but it’s actually termed “creative flow” or just “flow”). The problem is, even the slightest bad situation, event, phone call, email, or conversation can shut down the floodgates of creativity. So how do we, as creative professionals (or even hobbyists) learn to control and tap into that flow at will?
1) Get A Routine
Here’s my typical work day: at 7:30 I wake up and take a shower. I take Holly to work, which gets me back home around 8:15ish. I spend a little time surfing the Internet, answering emails, and responding to any comments people leave on my site. At around 9, I turn off the TV (which has been going on in the background) and turn on my Pandora Radio and listen to a QuickMix that I’ve developed: Chill (Zero 7) and Techno (DJ Tiesto). I know it sounds like a very polar mix, but when it comes to music that motivates me, and I listen to it every morning. From 9 – 11 (barring any meetings) I design/do marketing/better myself artistically. I usually meet my wife for lunch (she only works four miles away from the house) so once I get back (around 1ish) I make sure I devote at least 4 hours to designing. That gets me back to pick her up at 5.
Now, I know that seems sort of routine, but that’s because I’ve made it so. People may say that routine is a creative-killer, but don’t think of it as a “routine” if semantics get to you. During those spaces of design, I am mentally preparing myself to enter a state of zen-like creative flow. My body, in turn, senses these mental requests and promptly starts pushing energy into that creative state. By setting a routine, it actually becomes muscle/mind memory, and I can tap further into my creative juices.
2) Get Inspired
The music of Zero 7 and my chill station is very soothing, relaxing, and contains music that can allow me to concentrate on my work and not what’s being blasted through my speakers. But aside from that, I have a lot of other resources that I use to get inspiration. I browse template galleries (and inspiration websites) to find designs that I like and want to put my style on. I have a sketchbook and paintchips I use to draw out ideas, meeting notes, and color theories. I love visiting concerts, art galleries, and other places that I can take in creative ideas. You can’t just go around designing, designing, designing, or you’ll get burnt out. It’s like a battery – you can only put out so much before you have to “recharge”.
3) Find Your Happy Place
It’s no secret that most people have a spot they love to work. For me, it’s on the front walk of Fido (or the front deck of the Bongo Java) at 10-11AM. There’s not a lot of people, the sun isn’t too hot, and I get the sensation of being able to work outside while still getting a lot done. Or, it’s sitting at my desk in the living room later that day. Or, it’s sitting out on the porch in late afternoon when it’s not too hot. These are all places where, if i’m there with my laptop, I can easily find a good bit of flow to access. Find somewhere there won’t be a lot of distractions, or you’ll take your mind off of your work and won’t get anything done.
In Closing…
Harnessing the power of a good “flow” isn’t hard. The hard part is being able to do it wherever and whenever you want. I haven’t even figured out how to do it that well, but by using triggers such as a good routine, good inspiration, and a good place to work, I can tell my body to start preparing for the flow and help the process come faster and stay longer. If anyone has any ideas on how they like to get creative, feel free to share below. I’ve enabled video comments via seesmic, or you can just leave a standard comment via Disqus.
