Show Prep is for your listeners but Creative Prep is for your brain. Here is something to help jump start your next great idea…

PRODUCERS NOTES…What can you try new this long weekend to give yourself a swift kick in the creative?

ABOUT 5DP’s CREATIVE CONSULTANT…Our Creative Consultant services feeds your imagination and helps kick start your next great idea. There are plenty of people telling you what you’re doing wrong and that negativity does nothing for your creativity. So while the other guys are busy critiquing we’ll be busy creating. Want more information email Hyla at Hyla@5DollarPrep.com

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How do you build new creative muscles? I’m not talking about flexing the ones you already have, be they writing, graphic design, web development, or illustration. I’m talking instead of completely new creative activities. Why? They’ll help you be a stronger creative person. And that’s good for you and your day job.

Lessons Learned

For example, I’m a writer who just started sewing. It’s been a fascinating experience. Granted, some would say that following a pattern isn’t a hugely creative act. But it’s been the seed. I’m already thinking ahead of patterns I’d like to design, and different kinds of fabrics I’d like to try. I’ve also been exposed to a new group of creative people.

I’ve learned the value of being very precise, to prepare heavily in advance, and that continuous incremental work can pay off. These are all important lessons for a creative person. But, most importantly I’ve had tons of fun.

Fight Creative Exhaustion

When you have to be creative on-demand in your day job, things can get very tiring. Adding new creative muscles will help you feel and think differently, especially if they’re in a totally different field. There are lots of benefits to taking up a new art:

• Feed your need to be creative without worrying about making money.
• Make creative connections and be exposed to new influences.
• Take a break from working on a screen.
• Learn things that’ll influence your day job.

Where to Start?

The key to success is to choose something new, but fun. And don’t worry about being good at it, just try something. Here are some ideas:

• Try photography or photo manipulation.
• Make an object by sewing, knitting, or some other craft.
• Try stop-motion animation with clay and a digital camera.
• Not a writer? Take a writing class.
• Not an illustrator or designer? Take a drawing class.

What new creative activity would you like to try?

–via freelanceswitch