Ways to Kickstart Your Creativity

Put yourself in a creative state of mind. We all have some level of creativity within us. As with other activities, you can teach yourself to be more creative. Sometimes creative thinking requires us to look at things from new perspectives. Learn to unleash your inventive genius by thinking backwards. Here is an appropriate acronym containing five steps to creative thinking -- S A E D I -- that's IDEAS backwards!

Where do you get ideas? Where do you find inspiration? Whether you come up with your design ideas by looking at the work of others, studying how other designers approach the design process, or by looking at pictures or the world around you, one of these design creativity books is sure to provide just the right type of brainstorming and creativity boost you need.

Sit up. Firmly grasp your graphics pen or mouse. Click your way through breathing exercises, idea workouts, mind-building routines, and inspiring brainstorming sessions with these design creativity exercises. Feel the burn, not the burnout.

Put down the mouse. Step away from the graphics tablet. Now, pick up a pencil. Creating thumbnail sketches is a crucial part of the brainstorming aspect of your design work. Don't discount the value of this step in the design process whether you are trying to please a client with a beautiful brochure or impress the teacher with a perfect science project presentation.

Jumpstart your designs with a template. Use a template as a starting point, something to get you thinking about what goes where and how it should look. Find the perfect template or modify an almost-perfect template for home craft projects, small business documents, and school reports.