I am often asked by others, "How to you come-up with ideas for your paintings?" Sometimes this question is phrased a little differently: "What the hell is going-on in that head of yours?" Both these questions have relatively similar answers.

I think. I think entirely too much.

Yes, I am aware that we all think. We all have brains, it is kind of a given. What I am referring to here is purposeful thinking. Not just daydreaming or what have you, this is organized thinking meant to produce an end result.

So in answer to the question, here are some steps I take in coming-up with ideas for my artwork:

Journaling
This is perhaps the most important step, for me, in coming-up with new ideas. I write. I write nearly every, single day and usually multiple times a day. I do not sit down and try to write anything fabulous. Only what comes to my mind. Sometimes this is quite literally gibberish.

The idea is only to clear your mind. Even I suffer from creative blocks from time to time and writing for me is essential to clearing the way for more productive thoughts.

The following is an excellent site for some more structured exercises in creative writing:

Keeping a Dream Journal
This is along the same lines as journaling except that is is a totally separate book kept for recording dreams. Keep it by your bed and write down anything you remember from your dreams as soon as you wake-up, before you have a chance to forget!

Dream journaling works well for me since most of my paintings lean a little towards the surreal.

Draw!
This seems simple enough, but I can't stress the importance of it too much! Draw as often as you have the opportunity! Not only can drawing from life improve your skills, but even the act of doodling can produce the seed for a brilliant piece.

Experiment with New Materials
This is one of my favorite methods of developing an idea! It's as simple as going to your local art supply store and finding a few things you've never used before. Play around and see what happens!

Rest, Relaxation and Reading!
Sometimes the best solution to a creative block is doing nothing creative at all! If all else fails, find a new book, a movie you've never seen, or a band you've never heard! Sometimes the best creative idea happen when you least expect.

These are the things that help me get the creative juices flowing. Perhaps some of them can help you as well. Perhaps you have some ideas of your own? I'd love to hear them!

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