Inspiration Outside the Studio - How to Stay Sharp and Creative
Last Edited: Nov 3, 2023
The studio is, for most of us, an oasis of peace, happiness, inspiration, and many other good things. However, we can't spend 24 hours of a day in it. Overthinking and overworking is something that most of us face daily. This is counterproductive for our creative process.
Indeed, there was more than one occasion when you sat before a blank project and told yourself, "Not today; I can't do it." Decisions and creatively demanding processes tend to feel overwhelming when you are faced with endless options before you. Likewise, it's expected to be so loaded by a running project that objectivity and a sense of direction are lost. In order to clear your mind and make a reset, we will share a few valuable tips on staying sharp and creative outside the studio.
A Quest for Inspiration
You will find inspiration and perspective outdoors. You can try to list everything you want to do or visit. Be open to finding inspiration there. Spend a day taking pictures. Wonder into a bookshop and read a book about a topic you've never heard about. While you're at it, your subconscious mind will pause from the project or environment it has been working on and create new connections with the input you're giving it. This creative energy is renewable, so give it a chance and look for triggers around you.
Pen and Paper
It might be beneficial to step back from the DAW and put your ideas on paper, words, and sentences. A bit like writing lyrics, this gives you another canvas to make some sense of the direction you're going, all the ideas that are dwelling in your mind, the aesthetic standard you're aiming for, etc. Again, try to do it outdoors; take a step back.
Learn to Accept Your Moods
It might sound like a cliche, but life is about balance. Sure, there's going to be rough days where you're low on energy and creative output, or you can't get something that pisses you off out of your head. There's nothing wrong with that. Go to the gym or kickbox training to get it out. Go for a walk. Meet with some friends. When you return to the studio, you will better channel those energies and paint your music with the emotions you're dealing with, but with a clear mind.
Meditation
One of the easiest ways to be creative is to meditate. Before you start your day and before you finish your night, meditate. Meditation is a perfect way to get in touch with the creative aspect of things and to give your over-analytical mind a rest. It's going to help you relax. It will make you feel grounded. If meditation isn't your thing, consider listening to innovative and inspiring talks. It's about nurturing your spirit.
Imagine You Were Someone Else
Knowing that you must deliver and expose ideas you worked on alone can feel overwhelming, and anxiety can be a massive obstacle to channeling inspiration. Consider then what someone you admire would do in your case. If you were as brave as they were, what step would you take? What would you do if you weren't concerned about what everybody thought? Think about it!
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