Every writer has experienced writer's block at least once. One surefire way to guard against the shortage of ideas is to create an inspiration board.
In a world where everything is becoming more and more web-centric, sometimes the simplicity of physical objects provides writers with the inspiration needed for idea generating. Designing and crafting your own inspiration board can be just the catalyst needed to get your creative juices stirring.
What is an Inspiration Board?
An inspiration board, sometimes also called an idea board or a mood board, is a mixed media collage of visually appealing images that are meant to invoke your creative muse. They are perfect for displaying above your work desk, in your office or even your reading sanctuary. Any place that you get creative and do your writing can be the ideal spot to mount your board.
Inspiration Board Basics
Since inspiration boards are meant to express an individual's own unique creative side, there are few strict rules when setting out to design one of your own. They can be as thematic or as varied as you want. Some ideas for very basic inspiration boards include:
- color palettes
- inspiring quotes
- favorite photographs
- personal mementos
- artwork
- letters/poetry
- magazine clippings/advertisements
Inspiration board crafting can be as simple as purchasing a cork board from your local hardware store and tacking up your ideas, or it can be as uninhibited as covering an entire wall or door with your inspiring materials.
Ideas for Your Inspiration Board
While the purpose of your inspiration board is to display objects that personally resonate with you, sometimes it helps to get ideas from others who have used their board with success. Viewing other people's inspiration boards can be a great starting point when brainstorming for your own design style. Making a trip to your local arts and crafts store is another helpful way to generate ideas for your board. Being able to see and touch all kinds of textures and embellishments can point you in the right direction.
Using Your Board to Overcome Writer's Block
In a perfect world, writers would always be overflowing with ideas and their hypothetical well would never run dry. Unfortunately for writers, this is not the case. However, your inspiration board might just be the thing to get your ideas spinning. By drawing on the images that inspire you, you can find your creative center. Writers can also devote an area of their board for posting images that spark future ideas. Sometimes the simple act of looking at an image that is ascetically pleasing to you is enough to get your pen flowing (or your fingers typing).
The ideas are limitless when it comes to designing your inspiration board. The key is to remember that it is yours and should reflect ideas that stimulate your creative muse.
