In a slump? Not able to find any inspiration for whatever project you might be working on? The tough part of working in a creative industry is that creativity and inspiration cannot always be conjured up whenever you would like—sometimes you need a little help.
PRDaily recent compiled a list of 12 online resources that can help get your creative juices flowing. Some of my personal favorites, from PRDaily’s list and from my own experience, include:
Big Think compiles ideas on science, technology, arts, culture, business, economics, beliefs, and almost any other subject you can think of. Big Think’s mission is to connect the “infinite data points” available on the web (i.e. news stories, tweets, status updates, etc.) and illustrate bigger picture ideas coming from the seemingly constant information stream in the media.
Big Think’s post can help you contextualize what you are currently working on in terms of bigger picture trends, and at the very least, prove for a very interesting read.
Behance is an online portfolio platform for creative professionals across multiple industries. The web presence of Behance’s mission, 99U, is to educate creatives on “best practices for moving beyond idea generation into idea execution.” 99U’s Daily Web Magazine interviews creative professionals known for productivity, providing readers with strategies and tactics to remain creative and productive. A great resource for understanding how successful creative professionals have been able to streamline inspiration into success, 99U is an excellent resource for brainstorming how to better apply yourself in the creative field.
- Fast Company’s co.CREATE
Co.CREATE is a “daily exploration of creativity” in branding, entertainment, and tech. The site’s purpose is to generate daily inspiration from individuals, as well as from a variety of mediums including films, shows, ad campaigns, apps, games, music, and products. An excellent way to get inspired is to see what other people in your field are producing. Fast Company’s co.CREATE, as well as co.EXIST and co.DESIGN, can give you this insight.
PSFK’s tagline is “inspiring creative business,” and the website distributes a variety of articles on how businesses are using design, media and technology. Similarly to co.CREATE, this is a great place to see how other professionals continue to make creative use of the resources at their disposal.
And one that remains a standby for me, although it was not included on PRDaily’s list:
TED is broad in subject matter, but continues to be the gold standard for easily accessible inspiration and information, in my opinion. For those interested in a lifelong education, TED is an invaluable resource. The famed site hosts topics from qualified speakers around the globe on their individual areas of expertise. When browsing TED, you might go from a lecture on the behavioral habits of chimpanzees to a talk about fascinating results from a psychologist’s study about vulnerability. The site causes you to truly admire the work that’s taking place around the globe, and it provides perspectives and information that might be the missing piece to a puzzle you’re trying to solve in your own position.
What are some of your favorite resources when you need to find inspiration on the job?