Gaining Inspiration: The Upside-Down Method

Inspiration comes in many forms. It also refuses to come in an equal number of forms. The malady known as “writer’s block” affects every creative person at some time in their life. For some people writer’s block is a constant state of being. It can be difficult to break past the frightening blank page, or blank canvas, blank bead tray, etcetera.

“Think outside the box!” is a phrase usually applied to gaining inspiration, or thinking creatively. But what box do we need to think outside of? Our house box? That certainly can work. Many great inventors, including Nikola Tesla, gained inspiration from taking long walks. In Phoenix, during the summer, our time for long walks is limited to very early or very late.

But I digress. Instead of trying to ‘think outside the box,’ it might be time to try thinking “Upside-Down.” The idea behind Upside-Down Inspiration is to freshen your perspective on something, rather like thinking outside of the box. Look at your situation from a different and fresh angle. If you are writing a story, imagine things backwards or upside-down. What if the good guys were really the bad guys? What if the love was actually hate? What if the destruction was really creation? If taking a photograph, why not take it upside-down? If designing a pattern, what if it was inside out?

By removing yourself from the situation and looking at it with new eyes you can often find just the spark you were looking for. Here’s a collection of photographs in their normal and upside-down versions to spark some creativity. If ever the Writer’s/Beader’s/Chef’s/Photographer’s/Etc’s Block hits, turn your world Upside-Down.