Tips for boosting creativity

Tips for boosting creativity
By: Marissa Anteby

You already are creative. Everyone is. It's just a matter of applying your personal brand of creativity to more things that you do. In order to get your creative juices flowing, physical movement is key. Walking, especially outdoors, has an automatic invigorating reaction in your body, and a clearing effect on your brain.

Interaction with colleagues and friends, attending a lecture, watching people in a café, window shopping, and going to an art exhibit, are just a few examples of ways to spark your imagination. Anything that gets you to think, especially in a new way, will broaden your perspective and help to open your mind.

In your office, or at home, you can use artwork to enliven your senses and tap in to your imagination. By surrounding yourself with stimulating art, you may find easier access to your creativity. Bold patterns, blocks of colors, abstract images, geometric shapes, and long vertical stripes can lift your thoughts, and bring dormant ideas up to the surface of your memory. A well placed household item, classical sculpture, or impressionist painting can yield the same result.

It's all in the positioning of the artwork. You want to leave enough empty space for the piece to have room to be viewed and enjoyed, without anything else competing for attention. Complementary pieces can be arranged as a set or grouping so they don't fight each other.

Follow these guidelines to personalize your own creative space:

1. Think of one defining element you would like as your room anchor. Maybe, a clock projected on a wall, a counter top made from a composite of different materials, or large cartoon posters. Make sure to choose something that puts you in a good mood. Anything that incorporates upward movement, like the vertical stripes I mentioned before, or tall trees, for example, will lift your spirits. Just make sure there is an airiness to your selections, anything dense or too dark will end up weighing you down.

2. Use your stylish flair on everything around you, including, hardware (door knobs, draw pulls, etc.) fabric (upholstery, drapery, cushions,etc.) and all the artwork you display.

3. Opt for one-of-a-kind or original art as opposed to mass-produced pieces. These can be more reflective of your individual taste and style.

4. Visit art galleries, antique shops, and thrift stores to select a few key items that go well together. It's best to choose quality over quantity.

5. When deciding whether or not to purchase something, make sure the design is interesting to you and it reflects the kind of energy you want to be surrounded with. Everything should promote positive creative thoughts. (Apply this theory to all items, from lampshades, to coffee tables.)

Take time daily to admire favorite aspects of your environment. Let the possibilities abound as all of your hand-picked possessions work their magic for you.

Marissa Anteby
marissa@embodyinc.com
www.embodyinc.com