Beware, Inspiration overload! by Kim Screen
Too much inspiration can be a bad thing. I know this may sound crazy but please stick with me. Here is what happens to me. I'm reading my favorite blogs, design magazines, wedding magazines, or shopping at my favorite stores. Whatever it is, I am INSPIRED. I see cool things, I feel creative, I love it I love it. And so I continue. And then it happens: inspiration turns to intimidation. Let me explain, with a very real example.
When I was trying to decide what sort of business to start I would go shopping in LA all the time. I went to my favorite boutiques, I saw what was out there, I knew all the product lines - I even traveled to trade shows, design conferences, the gift mart, anything remotely / somewhat / slightly related to design. And as much as it inspired me (and it did!) it also depressed me. EVERY idea has been taken…or so it seemed. Furthermore, I started trying to copy - with a twist of my own, of course - the things I already saw "out there." My favorite was Hable Construction; I love those girls! So maybe I needed to make prints of my own and fashion them into fun objects too?
The problem, of course, is that it wasn't me. I had crammed myself with so much creative inspiration I (quite ironically) couldn't find own my own creative direction. I love that, in the end, the most grounding thing I know – my family – gave me all the inspiration I needed.
(this is my grandfather, the one who always told us we came from good stock!)
So go be inspired, but beware of overload. Know when to stop and to just be yourself.
9 comments:
That is EXACTLY how I feel. All of this creative energy built up inside, all these good ideas but thinking it's already been done, where could I possibly begin. Thanks for that great insight.. I was beginning to think that I was fooling myself into thinking I was creative. :)
Ray
What a fun blog you have here! I'll be back again (if I can find my way)
Pop looks like he would have quite a backhand. That is a priceless photo!!
this post certainly hit a nerve with me as well. you are right on and totally NOT alone in this. i think this is the case with any outlet of creativity. ;)
Great post and what a fantastic photo of your grandfather!
your gramps looks adorable!
Thanks for all the great comments! Yes, I adore this photo of my papa. Still not sure what inspired him to play tennis in his work clothes though!
kim
My sentiments exactly! I'm constantly telling myself to quit browsing the computer and just get to work. If I think too much about what everyone else is doing, I really can't make anything good!
Inspiration overload. It does seem, at times, that all the best ideas are taken. I find that daydreaming helps.
i couldn't agree with you more. i think also, we creatives have such superball brains, bouncing back and forth with ideas. it's hard enough to focus and then when we get 'overloaded' and it gets more pronounced.
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I really appreciate your thoughts and ideas, thanks for reading!