I am not shy about having an extensive range of interests because I’m passionate about life and creativity, and my playlists bear that truth. One day, I’d indulge in the phenomenal sounds of Chopin; the next, I was jamming to melodic metalcore music by August Burns Red or into the theatrical vibes of Cats from Broadway. I feel that my passion for art follows this eclectic path from the violent and sublime action of Pollock’s drip paintings to the minute detail of Andrew Wyeth. Outdoors, I’ll be out hiking or camping; indoors, I’m equally happy curled up around a book by the fire or savoring a new craft beer at a local brewery.
But beyond that, I’m a creative at heart and a brand marketing consultant. I’m always chasing that next big idea-whether for a client’s product or my next painting. I seek inspiration from blogs, books, social media, and podcasts. Yet, I’ve realized my most original ideas hardly come from these conscious searches.
My best ideas come when I’m simply living life. They creep up on me sometimes when I least expect them while watching a movie with my family, while viewing a Renoir at the National Gallery, discussing current events with my wife, and standing at the top of the Manassas Battlefield, imagining the history that happened there. And they don’t happen every time, but that’s perfectly okay. I know now that whenever I force myself to look for ideas, I sacrifice the pure enjoyment of life itself. When ideas do come, their presence is a bonus to living entirely.
So what’s my advice to you? Live this week. Try something new-perhaps a different craft beer, a different kind of music, or a new book (definitely fiction). Go on a hike, attend a play, learn about another culture. You never know. In the middle of all that living, inspiration will find you.