Creativity workout.

If you're an artist like myself you probably already know how unpredictable and yet fascinating creativity is. One moment you'll have a huge surge of ideas and then another be completely out of ideas.

Some on my most inspiring moments are at night, when I'm about to go to sleep and have to write-down my ideas before I loose them in my slumber. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chromatic/261701001/sizes/m/in/photostream/

So I did a little research and came across a few good ideas and exercises to inspire creativity. Here are some of them:

 1) Invent your own language.

Come up with your own symbols for the alphabet. Make them as intricate or simple as you wish.

2) Play with clay.

This encourages a motor-brain connection and opens up the creative center of your brain.

3) Play some of your favorite music.

And if you happen to like classical music live Beethoven, then even better.

4) Look at other portfolios.

This helps you get some ideas and inspirations you can work with. Many portfolios can be found at the AIGA website.

5) Go for a run.

Research shows an intense and quick workout can help trigger creativity.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/netsnake/4022801992/sizes/m/in/photostream/

6) Go to a local bookstore and browse through magazines and books on a variety of subjects, not necessarily in your field. 

7) Hang out with kids.

Kids always have plenty of imagination to share. Try to develop some cool games to play and see how everyone's creativity expands.

8) Sketch, paint, sculpt. Look for objects you can sketch and try different approches. Look for textures you like and replicate them. Create patterns and shapes.

9) Go into nature: Take a hike at your nearest park and be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. There's always plenty of inspiration to draw from nature.

10) Enjoy a nice cup of coffee. Caffeine is definitely a good friend: waking up your mind and therefore you creative thinking.

These are just a few tips I can suggest and have personally found successful.

Hope they help you get into a more inspiring and creative zone.

Happy new year!