Capturing Creativity On the Go
Don't you hate when something you see sparks your creativity, but you can't seem to capture it because you're on the move? You try your best to remember it later, but it gets lost among your sea of thoughts. We all go about our business, day in and day out. Creativity is right there with us, but sometimes it's hard to capture those morsels of inspiration when we have other things going on.
To combat this, I've put together a list of my 5 favorite ways to snag those creative moments on the go:
1. Journal. Choose a journal that can undergo a little abuse, because you'll be bringing it many places. My long time favorite is the Midori Travelers Notebook. There are several different inserts you can get for it, with different page layouts and lines, it's easy to throw in a backpack or purse and the pages hold up really well. I currently have three different inserts in my journal: one for personal writing, one to capture ideas and one that is full of blank pages where I can doodle or tape something easily.
2. Pens (and a place for them). When you reach for a pen and it's not there...that's the worst! You should always have a specific place for your writing utensils. My purse has two sown-in slots for this and it's amazing. I also keep one in my car and several at home in the designated pen holder. When on the go, it's sometimes helpful to have a retractable pen, so you don't have to worry about hanging onto the cap.
3. Page markers/tags. Whether you’re reading a book, making a note or need a quick reminder, these things are so handy. I also started making my grocery list on them and sticking it to the cart (or stroller) while shopping so I can easily read it and not have to hold onto it. I use this size when I'm out and about and they are perfect for marking a page, taking a quick note or even discarding my chewed gum!
4. Your favorite creative book. You know those books that you can just open randomly and always get a creative jolt from it? That's the kind of book you should carry with you while on the go. When you have a free moment or two, page through it, grab some inspiration and get on with your day. My current favorites are: Big Magic, Sabrina Ward Harrison Journals and Bella Grace Magazine.
5. A bag — not too big, not too small...preferably something that can hold all of the above. A tote bag, a backpack, a purse…whatever, as long as it’s ready to grab at all times. Stock it with the items above and whenever you run out the door with it, you know you'll have everything you need to optimize those creative moments. I love my Madewell leather tote so much (it's doubling as a diaper bag too these days). But I also still use my backpack from time to time too.
If you have any favorite on-the-go items, I'd love to hear about them! Now go out and capture that creativity!