SEPTEMBER 22, 2008

6 Blogs That Inspire Creativity

One of the more frustrating things about creativity is that it rarely appears on cue. Our busy schedules mean that we are often hard-pressed for the one thing essential to the creative process: time. Time to read, time to observe, time to listen – and most importantly, time to just sit back and think.

And while there is no substitute for quality time, there are some great blogs out there that can help spur creativity in a pinch. We all hit our creative walls. When I’m struggling for ideas that will break through, here are six blogs I look to for inspiration:

• This Next: This World: There is something about information presented visually that makes me think about the world a little differently. Five minutes spent at this site watching people shop reminds me that there is a lot going on in the world outside my cubicle.

• TED Blog: Big thinkers, big ideas. With its mission simply to “Spread Ideas”, TED conferences bring out the best and brightest thinkers – the TED blog shares their passion and insight.

• The Numbers Guy: Carl Bialik reminds me that even numbers aren’t always what they appear to be and that looking at a fact from another angle can sometimes change its meaning completely.

• PSFK: There are many trend blogs out there, but I particularly like this one because it is thought-provoking, global, and concise.

• HorsePigCow: I love this blog for many reasons, but when it comes to stretching the way I think, I look to Tara Hunt’s weekly links. With topics ranging from online networking trends to jobs for Facebook addicts to pet-friendly restaurants in San Francisco, Tara’s weekly link round-ups provide a best-of look into the world of marketing, technology, and social communities.

• Ypulse: While Anastasia Goodstein’s focus is primarily on marketing, her daily YPulse Essentials posts offer a glimpse into all things teen, tween, and Generation Y.  The links include the latest on television, fashion, education, gaming, online communities, technology, and more.

Inspiration comes in every size and shape — and the best ideas are often discovered in unexpected places. Any sources you look to when you’ve hit a creative wall?