How do you keep your creativity flowing?

[#1]

It's almost a new year – a clean slate, a fresh start, a blank page in your sketchbook to fill with new projects and possibilities. What will you make of 2014?

As the new year approaches, we want to hear your advice for keeping creatively energized, even when you encounter challenges along the way like stress, ruts, self-doubt, clutter, and endlessly busy schedules. Who knows, your tip may even be included in a post on this topic Seller Handbook.

>>So tell us, how do you keep your creativity flowing all year-round?

Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
Shannon

[HomeWorksMontana]

When I've got the time, I do photography and research on my vintage items. Then I save them as drafts, so I can introduce to my store at the right time, when I've got time to promote it, build Treasury Lists, and be involved with my Teams.

If I'm too busy and try to do listings, my shop tends to suffer and my item doesn't get much attention.

[Former_Member]

Just reading and applying these responses to me gets my creative juices flowing. I do find that getting my fiber things in order helps me to think more clearly about what I can create, sell and teach. Generally feeling creative isn't a problem because it is so much fun, and I can't do it every day as I do have a part time job. Having that job not only provides needed income but also keeps me raring to go with fiber when I get the chance!

[HeidiDiCesareDesigns]

How can you not keep it flowing???!!! Especially at this time of year when there are so many things to do! I always have ideas popping into my head from everywhere....nature, magazine ads, tv commercials....you name it!! Like someone else said, carry a little notepad that you can make sketches, jot down color schemes, etc. very helpful!

[KnitExpressionShop]

I do not have a problem with my creativity, honestly, but I have a major problem marketing my Creativity. This is my biggest Challenge where I must concentrate all my efforts. I am not creative when it comes to marketing, It is like Math and Statistic when I was in College. So I explore and... hope for the best and eyes and ears wide open and welcoming all help!

[BlacksmithCreations]

Listening closely to our customers helps develop our newest products. Our shoppe benefits from customer requests and ideas that they'd like created for them. Sometimes it starts out something totally different than what our original idea was, and it's fun to take it to the next level. Sometimes it takes a while to get momentum.
Wishing y'all a great 2014.

[TreasureGrotto]

Ring out the old ...ring in the new! I've just joined this team as part of my SIP - Shop Improvement Program.

For the New Year I'm planning to do a careful analysis of my shop stats to see what's working and what's not.

I plan to explore some new photography techniques and experiment with different backgrounds, props, etc.

I plan to expand my product inventory, update my listings regularly, and pay more attention to the fabulous support that Etsy provides sellers!

[Former_Member]

I have a project in every room of the house, I liken it to extreme ADHD with a splash of boredom. I enjoy working with my hands, and you know what they say about idle minds =0)

I have three shops here on etsy and I'm always busy, I may not list everything I make but I certainly don't stick it under my bed.

[Former_Member]

I love reading how others keep the creativity flowing! I admit being indoors stifles my creativity, or maybe it's all in my head. I get my ideas when I head out for a run or hike the mountain trails here. I love having different surroundings, gets me thinking, pondering, wondering, how would I draw that, how would this look in the future, what would my quill pen or markers make of it? It's always a surprise.

[GrammasTreasure]

I am in the process of clearing inventory that has accumulated from years of creativity. Any suggestions on how to market one of a kind items. It seems those who produce a specific set of products seem to do better. Is my variety to my disadvantage? Please advise.

[CatherineMarissa]

I take breaks when I need them. Time away refreshes me ... and that leads to new ideas and inspiration. Long walks or a little road trip are sometimes all I need to feel ready to create.

[Former_Member]

My problem is usually not having time to act on all my ideas rather than not having ideas. I am lucky to have thoughtful friends, teachers of my children, other parents of kids in my daughter's class, customers, sewing books, blogs, and the amazing fabric with which I work always throwing ideas at me. I keep a little list of them, now getting quite long, It includes things like mug coasters, play money, covered cork boards, pillow covers, mouse pads, table runners (you see? long!).... One thing that has served me well in terms of organizing and prioritizing is publishing an e-newsletter seasonally. I keep the format the same each season, and I plan three months ahead what new products I'll be announcing, Since the newsletter is short, I can only announce one or two things! This gives me time to really develop the product ideas and test them out. So that's where I'm at--harnessing the creativity so that it doesn't unhinge me!

[WasatchWoodcarver]

My brain is simply full of ideas of various carvings that I can make. I don't have a problem with that part. But to do all the things that I dream of doing kind of clutters my mind and I get too many ideas trying to compete for #1. I take classes from other carving instructors which help me have fun, be with other carvers and relax. Then I can focus better on my own ideas. My other way to keep creativity alive is to exercise, take a walk or go jogging. My mind goes into another sphere, it seems, and I get so many ideas flowing into it.

[Former_Member]

Typography and practice printing on a tote jut bag.

[hennyseashell]

First of all..I'll sip a hot cappuchinno, then starting to clean my sewing room, sort and organize my fabrics after doing repetitive sewing works during holiday season. It would be great time to do something new facing the year 2014, like trying to use new materials for my new bags that I've never try before. Window shopping to fabric stores, listening to my favorite music, even running alone in the morning also really helps to push my creativity! The other big challenge will be organizing my time more wisely and efficient since I have a full time mom and have 2 kids at home.
Happy holidays to all! :)

[Former_Member]

I am constantly looking ahead to expand new pieces for my shop. I write down every idea when I DO find idea gems so that when I have a creative slump, I can fall back on these ideas to become energized again. This continuous cycle ensures that I am always moving forward.

Sharna

[hennyseashell]

First of all..I'll sip a hot cappuchinno, then starting to clean my sewing room, sort and organize my fabrics after doing repetitive sewing works during holiday season. It would be great time to do something new facing the year 2014, like trying to use new materials for my new bags that I've never try before. Window shopping to fabric stores, listening to my favoritr music, even running alone in the morning also really helps to push my creativity! The other big challenge will be organizing my time more wisely and efficient since I'm a full time mom and have 2 kids at home.
Happy holidays to all! :)

[hennyseashell]

Oh so sorry ..for the double posting!

[FreshRetroGallery]

Creatively energize: Self-inflict deadlines with room for mercy, for example, I don’t settle with a Hallmark card—when I need a card, I design one and then list it on Etsy for others to download. Stress: I thank God for a husband who gives wonderful shoulder rubs and knows how to crack my back. Ruts: Sleep on it. Self-doubt: Go for a long nature walk and pray. Clutter: A little at a time—never leave or enter a room empty-handed. Busy schedules: Prioritize, multi-task, simplify, learn to say no.

[Former_Member]

I get my inspiration from the many sales I have had this season, thanks ETSY. More and different doll furniture!

[Former_Member]

While still working my day job, what works for me is staying organized, setting goals and deadline for any new projects. Which helps motivates me and pushes me to try something new. Also, having a clean work space before I start any new project is a must!

Lots of things inspires me like nature, people, music and colors. I love taking pictures and often use instagram as a reference to my work. I get inspired by other very creative people I follow on there too!

[Plumbeadacious]

I have found that my customers have great ideas for custom orders. I have been able to accomodate most of them, and those ideas have inspired me to follow their lead as I design new items into the New Year.

Thanks Etsy for making it easier for customers to contact sellers for custom orders. I find those to be great fun, and they get my creative juices going.

[GayleDowell]

For me inspiration and creativity is maintained by learning a new process. With jewelry there is always a new technique to learn and master. This new knowledge combined with techniques I've already learned gives me new ideas. This year my focus will be enameling.

[Former_Member]

I daydream all the time and just do creative things like bake and spend time with my dog. I make it a habit to always observe around me and am constantly on the go for new ideas and make life better.

[tjCervantesArt]

Love all the ideas here.

As most of you, I have no problem with ideas. And like everyone, I take custom orders and have received many sales from their ideas that I have created.

Marketing is a challenge and that is what I am focusing on. And production.

Etsy is my creative inspiration. Everyone here has so much creativity.

And when all else fails, hit the museums. Even the local galleries. And I keep my drawing skills by doing open studio figure drawing at the local museum.

I belong to a local Artist group and show my 2D art with them too. I have to be versatile, that's what keeps me glowing and flowing with ideas and motivation.

[Lithology]

I add to my sketchbook everyday. Pencil, paint, full on scrap booking, whatever lets me get something down.