Your Creative Environment

When I sit down to write a song or work on any kind of creative project, I have to clear my work area from clutter and prepare a clean space to work on. If I don't, I find my thoughts blocked and I can't find a starting point for my work. Ridding my workspace of the detritus of everyday life acts as both a physical and mental cleanser. It helps me clear my mind of random, intrusive thoughts that can become obstacles to my creative process. I'm left with a clean physical and mental slate, on which my ideas can blossom and grow.


Now, everyone has a different setup in which they work best. Some may need physical stimulation of objects, pictures, books, etc. Structuring your creative environment is a process of finding what works best for you and your creativity.


If you haven't yet found the right setup, or wish to enhance your current one, here are tips to creating your perfect creative environment:

• Tidy up your work surface. Remove irrelevant papers, dishware, unnecessary stationary and other supplies. Try keeping only the basic tools you need to get started. This will give you mental and physical room to work in.

• Tidy up your immediate environment. Make sure there is nothing underfoot, piles of boxes, books or files that crowd you. Put away cloths, cushions, magazines, etc. Its is amazing how a crowded, messy room can block your creative energy. In a tidy, roomy space your mind and body are free to stretch.

• There is much to be said for organization. By keeping your work tools organized and put away where they can be easily accessed, you allow yourself to maintain a clean workspace with minimal tools, while being able to obtain additional materials as you need them. There are many ways to keep work tools and materials handy, but organized, especially in small spaces. Wall organizers are a great storage tool. They keep things visible, but out of the way.

• Some of us like to keep mementos, sculptures, photos or other stimulating items to help jog our creative juices and inspire us. I have a painting of a pianist painted by one of my favourite painters. It inspires me as I write music and practice my songs. 

• Nature is a great source of inspiration for many of us, but if we can't find a space outdoors, a plant of a flower can instill a sense of life, freshness and beauty into our work environment.

• Aromatherapy is a great way to charge the air with energy, calm and serenity. I prefer lavender and lilies. Sample a variety of scents to find one that works for you.

• Sound can be a great way to set the tone of your work. I prefer silence and the sounds of the city, however, I have a nature sounds app that I play on my phone on occasion that makes me feel peaceful, relaxed and open to ideas. Many people listen to classical music as they create. World music also wonderful to use in your workspace. Choose music specifically to set a tone, to inspire or incite passion inside you. 

• Colour can add or detract from your creative energy, Blue is said to promote creatively, but I have heard the orange can work as well. I find red to be agitating, so I avoid it. Spend some time figuring out how different colours make you feel. You can go to an art store, or paint store and grab some colour swatches to look at. If you can't paint your walls, coloured accents can do the trick, but remember, clutter can refer to colours as well, so don't overdo it.

• A map of the world or a globe can help inspire creativity. I keep a ancient map (a print, not original!) off to the side of my work area. It reminds me of the creativity in the world and how my work fits in it.

Experiment with some or all of these tips to create your ideal creative space or come up with your own ideas. Taking time to do this will make a noticeable difference in your creative flow.

I hope you enjoyed these tips! Share your ideas in the comments section below!