Work Your Creative Muscle

Everyone can be creative, it’s just a question of how you apply it…

How many times have you heard someone say (or said yourself), ‘I don’t have a creative bone in my body’? Well, no-one does. We do, however, all possess a creative muscle, and the amount of creativity you can bench-press relies solely on how often you give it a workout.

Ok, maybe not solely (there are those mutant species who seem to live and breathe creative inspiration), but the fact remains that everyone can and should find a creative outlet to tap into. Here are some contemporary ideas you may like to try while attempting to locate the elusive creative muscle…

Blogging
The best thing about blogging is that it can be about anything you find interesting or inspiring. It’s free and easy to start one (go to http://wordpress.org and follow the steps) and you’ll be able to fill it with pretty things you like and connect with others who share your passion.

A good one to try if… you love words. You may never have thought about writing but if you love reading, then chances are you’ll have picked up at least some of that literary prowess by osmosis. Also, if you’re really passionate about something like fashion, music or art, but don’t feel quite up to creating it yourself, blogging about it is an alternative way to embrace that passion and immerse yourself in its subculture.

Maybe give it a miss if… you’re not great at sticking to something. The whole point of a blog is that it is regularly updated, and the satisfaction you get comes from looking back over something you’ve created over time.

Theatre sports
No, we’re not talking about running around inside a theatre, although if this floats your boat, go for it. ‘Theatre sports’ is acting improvisation. Think Channel 7’s Thank God You’re Here, where actors are placed in situations they have no prior knowledge about and have to act in the scene, responding to a variety of situations ranging from the comical to the bizarre. Most cities in Australia have theatre sports courses in which you’ll be able to learn improvisation techniques and try them out in a variety of fun games and scenes. Check out http://www.theatresports.com.au/ for a location near you.

A good one to try if… you are a natural-born drama queen and love to be in the spotlight, or have always wanted to gain confidence and work on your quick-thinking skills.

Maybe give it a miss if… you break into a cold sweat and start rocking back and forth at the thought of being stranded without a script in front of a group of people.

Electronic music production
‘Music… me?’ I hear you gasp in disbelief. Get used to it, sister! Thanks to the bright new age of technology you no longer need expensive equipment (other than your computer) or musical training to produce bangin’ beats and catchy tunes. There are a variety of free programs available for download, or if you have a Mac (lucky thing) GarageBand, a music production and recording program, comes built into your computer. You can select from thousands of different instruments and create beats and melodies to your heart’s content. Once you get used to the program you can start importing samples from other sources and (our personal favourite) making personalised songs for your friends and family. Think of it this way: no matter how terrible it is, your mum will think you’re the next Beethoven once she hears your ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ musical tribute.

A good one to try if… you’ve always suspected you may have hidden musical talent but your parents never forked for the saxophone lessons.

Maybe give it a miss if… you’re not too good at computers – some of the programs require a little bit of IT-savvy.

Photography
Where once photography would have been an expensive hobby, the quality and ubiquity of digital cameras means that almost everyone has access to the tools to take great photos. Play around with the settings on your camera and just point and shoot anything you find interesting or inspiring. If you find it hard to ‘see’ photos in nature, why not start off by photographing your friends and relatives. Try to catch them in an unguarded moment and you’ll be surprised at how much real beauty a picture can capture. If you’re one of those people who are not so good at ‘art for art’s sake’, you can frame the pictures and give them as gifts.

A good one to try if… you admire the beauty in everyday life but never seem to be able to capture it with painting or drawing.

Maybe give it a miss if… you have a history of stalking people.

Images by ~C4Chaos, Adam Melancon and dalydose