Thursday, November 24, 2011

TRANSLATING “Idle hours” into Creative moments

In our daily schedules we get to operate machines, teach, interact, eat, sleep, play etc; this and many more are activities that finds their place in our to-do list, some are a routine and others are influenced by other factors. This is what I call “idle hours” which you need to translate into creative moments. Imagine even pilots and accountants have the desire of doing something new after long hours of service which can be either taking vacations, family holiday, swimming, jogging, volunteering at a camp etc; though this options can’t fit in a single box because it’s a personal choice on what to do with your available time.

What we can’t escape from is that moment you have 'nothing' to do, and as the old adage says “an idle mind is a devils workshop” so don’t fall as a victim. Don’t be cheated that there are people who are busy 24 hours /7 days, even during creation time God took rest, and at least you can get a hour or two to reflect or try something new.

Below I share some of my personal tips that can be used to make hours of ‘idling’ into creative process;
  1. Develop interest of something new for example if you like football one day watch basketball.
  2. You don’t have to be a great artist to draw or paint. Play with colors and think of an artwork to draw for your family, spouse etc.
  3. Use available materials to create some drawing for example with a stick on sand. See examples below
  4. Read a book, magazine or newspapers.
  5. Write an article for your blog if you have one or website on subjects that you like.
  6. Use the internet for edutainment, learning, socializing etc.
  7. Be an experimental photographer.
  8. Try cooking your favorite dish.
  9. Watch a movie with a friend.
  10. Do some exercise with a group this will help boost your self esteem and teamwork spirit.
  11. Go for a walk, swim or even sleep. And many more…

Note:
The most import thing that you need not to forget is to note (on a book or diary) the ideas as they pop in your mind. This is what has made me capture my creative moments and that is why I’m glad to share this personal moments. Everyone will have their own way of finding and experiencing creative moments but if you like this approach crown it.

Picture by Wilsenx: theme: What’s above your head…take a photo!
“Ideas come from different spheres of life when you don’t expect them” Wilsenx

Drawings by Wilsenx: Use different medium to express yourself…

Drawings by Wilsenx

Use fonts, shapes, texture, line and color to express your ideas (apply the elements and principle of design in you composition)

2 comments:

  1. Hey Masaka,

    It's funny that our life can be transformed by how we spend our time, yet we don't value how
    we spend it. What we fear most is moving out of our comfort zone since we think what 'next'
    after this.
    This article on how we can 'translate our idle hours into creative moments' shows how the
    little things we take for granted can change our lives; like drawing on sand to express our
    views which in turn leads to being creative.
    The tips given are encouraging; like developing a new interest which many of us are afraid of
    but being positive makes the difference. Noting things down is a brilliant idea but consistency is
    what many of us lack hence ideas don't flow.

    Truly life is what you thoughts make it,and if you think positively you can translate little things to
    big things. You are an inspiration not only to the Creative and Web Developers but also to the
    ordinary individuals.

    Thanks for giving me the chance to give you my comments on your inspirational articles.

    Regards
    Sarah Ngoche.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Sarah for your wonderful inputs and acknowledgements.

    ReplyDelete