Some have stated that when it comes to creativity you either have it or you don't. Personally, I don't necessarily think that is true. I think everybody holds an untapped source of nonstop literary action inside of them. It is just a matter of locating it and keeping a firm hold on what you discover. I mean, everybody has a point of view, so why not form one in a structured manner. Trust me, it's easy. And I'm going to give you a few tips to help bring out the artist in you.

EXERCISE ONE

Let's start with something easy. Try sitting in a room, or outdoors if you'd prefer, and take notice of everything you see. I should mention to grab a sheet of paper and something to write with. Then try focusing on one thing at a time until you find something that your eyes linger on more than the other objects.

Now write down different descriptive words to describe this object. This could range from the shape to the color to the overall appeal of your subject. Now imagine that you had to describe this to someone who is blind. What would you say to them so that they could fully comprehend as to what you are telling them?

EXERCISE TWO

Have you ever linked certain objects to emotions? When adding certain scenarios an object can definitely change. I'll give you an example. Try imagining a knife sitting on a counter by itself. At first, it probably wouldn't spark any fear or confusion right away. Now try imagining the knife has a spot of red on the edge of its blade. And to add to this, imagine that the handle is black with a chipped bottom, there are dark smudged fingerprints on the counter, the cabinets have been raided, and there are many sets of dirty shoe prints on the floor.

I'm guessing your first thought of the tame knife is history now that you have a crime scene in your head. When writing, one has to be as descriptive as possible to allow the reader to connect with what you are trying to say.

EXERCISE THREE

This is one of my favorite ways to approach a new story. Music. When I listen to music, I bring the lyrics to life in my mind. By listening to the tone of singer's voice I try to imagine the song as a 90 minute film. Of course turning a 3 minute song into a feature film can become stressful, but at the same time it challenges you to think. If you don't want to go that far, you can change the structure to a short story.

First, pick a song that you know by heart. Why? Because if you know the song well and its meaning, tone, etc, you will have a better understanding overall. Then pick out some words that stand out to you. Some songs may have two or more people involved within the story of the lyrics. This can actually be an advantage.

Listen carefully to what the characters are saying or doing within the song. Now imagine what they are like all the time while making their through life. I'll bet that you could begin to understand what they were like as children or how they will be years from now. And eventually you could probably be able to map out their lives. Remember to try to be as insightful as you can.

Well I hope you will try to take these into consideration to help you move toward a more creative light. With these exercises I can guarantee that you will eventually increase your game to becoming a better artist. These simply are my favorite ways to bring out the visual and spatial aspects of one's creativity. And remember, there is no real wrong way to go about tapping into your full creative potential.

Learn more about this author, Court Moss.
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