We all need creative inspiration.
Whether you are in the process of making great ideas come to life or finding yourself experiencing idea fatigue and needing some mojo, staying dialed into what inspires you creatively is key.
In this month’s list we’re highlighting some of our favorite reporters and resources for just that – creative inspiration. Some will have you thinking more strategically about your creative teams, but most will have you entertained with stimulating “mind bones.” No matter your creative yearning, we’re sure there is something on this list for everyone!
Writers / Journalists:
Jocelyn K. Glei is the Editor-in-Chief and Director of 99U and the author of a number of books behind the 99u brand. A visionary, we’re always interested in what she has to say and who she’s sharing.
Jessica Stillman is a freelance writer with interests in unconventional career paths, generational differences, and the future of work. Her post are fun and always get our gears cranking. Keep up with Jessica @EntryLevelRebel.
Kristin Moses of Design Good celebrates creativity and design for social good. They share the stories of the people, brands, and organizations who are using their talents to make a contribution. A creative director herself, Kristin also runs Design Good Studio.
Toddy Henry is a self described, “Arms Dealer of the Creative Revolution.” He’s a great mix of practical meets thought leadership meets down-to-earth relatable info. His writing is always full of creative inspiration. Our favorite? His weekly newsletter, delivering great advice right to your door.
Michael Bierut is a tip of the hat to all the design lovers out there. Michael, who has been a partner in the New York office of Pentagram since 1990 and is a Senior Critic in Graphic Design at the Yale School of Art, contributes regularly for Design Observer. Get your design-geek fill with his ever-so-often posts.
Oliver Berkman is a writer for the Guardian and author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking. His weekly column, This Column Will Change Your Life, is about psychology, self-help culture, productivity and the science of happiness.
Creative Inspiration:
Tim Goessling of This LA Life first hipped us to the term Mind Bone. He’s weekly Saturday email, The Survival Guide, searches the web far and wide for some of the best articles, YouTube videos, and brain-melting photos.
The Great Discontent is a wonderful publication with long-form interviews with creatives of a variety of disciplines. These real-world stories are relatable and are often packed with advice and insights from fellow creatives.
Radio Lab is an NPR program about curiosity. “Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and human experience.” This mellow program is a great travel companion.
On Being with Krista Tippet is great Sunday morning kind of soul food. “On Being opens up the animating questions at the center of human life: What does it mean to be human, and how do we want to live?… We pursue wisdom and moral imagination as much as knowledge; we esteem nuance and poetry as much as fact.” Her programs will open up your noggin in new and delightful ways.
Creative Mornings isa breakfast lecture series for the creative community. They are located in most major cities throughout the US, and offer a fantastic opportunity to network, be inspired, and rub elbows with movers and shakers in your community. Each month focuses on a new theme, and cities independently organize their event.
Pecha Kucha is another fantastic city-wide event for creative inspiration. Speakers present 20 slides for 20 seconds each. Depending on your city, meet-ups may focus on a topic, industry, or be a mash-up of creative magic.
The Moth StorySLAMs are held in various cities throughout the US (the usual suspects, New York and LA and about 10 others). Attendees wanting to share put their name in a hat, and ten lucky selectees are invited on stage to tell their 5-minute story. These stories range from funny, to raw, to raunchy, to heartfelt–this mixed bag reminds you of the power of a great story. Check out their site to listen to a few live and on-demand.
