Inspiration is a terrible thing to waste, but as we all know – it’s well known to strike at inopportune times. Whether it’s in the studio, on the train, or in the shower – the creative process knows no boundaries. Being able to tune into those inspired moments is key to turning them into a reality. Tap into a few of these habits and to turn inspiration into innovation.
Take Note
When you feel those creative sparks flying, it’s time to get out the notebook and take some notes. Director of design, Erin Lentz at ArtVersion takes it a step further by dictating voice notes on her iPhone on her commute and using Evernote to capture her inspiration on the go, saying; ‘I never know when that aha moment will strike, helping to crack the code on a project.”
Keep Good Company
One of the keys to getting inspired in the first place is being around people who have similar goals. Surrounding yourself with people who are informed on events, creative publications and knowledge that you are interested in can help to drive new ideas and push you to take new initiatives that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Change Your Patterns
When the brain experiences new things or changes in its normal routine, it functions at it’s the highest level, putting out gamma waves which, as it turns out, are where those ‘aha’ moments originate from. Changes can be as simple as taking an alternate route, listening to a different beat, or trying a new restaurant.
Get Organized
Pay bills, clean the house, and get all your ducks in a row. A clean slate can clear the mind and allow a greater flow of inspiration to happen. Start incrementally – set up auto-pay for payments and make your bed in the morning.
Be Accountable
Set aside time for yourself. This one is possibly the simplest, yet the hardest for people to stick to. From meditating to reading a book, going to the gym, or taking a walk – letting your thoughts trail into another activity can open the gates to new ideas.
Creativity isn’t a Talent
Creativity isn’t a talent—it’s a mindset, and more importantly, a practice. Staying creatively inspired is about remaining open to the world, to questions, and to the potential of things not yet made. Whether you’re leading a design sprint, writing a strategy brief, or building a new brand identity, these approaches can keep your thinking fresh, adaptive, and ready to respond in unexpected ways.
The most powerful ideas don’t come from pressure—they come from perspective. That’s why creative energy is best cultivated, not demanded. By protecting space for reflection, embracing friction, and being willing to explore the unfamiliar, we give ourselves permission to move beyond the obvious. Innovation lives in this zone—between what we know and what we dare to imagine.
Ultimately, creative thinking is how we design possibility. It’s what allows us to reshape problems, challenge norms, and build futures that are more vibrant, inclusive, and human. However you spark your next idea—on a walk, in a sketchbook, through a conversation—trust that your creativity, once activated, can ripple far beyond the moment of inspiration. Let it guide you forward.