by A. South

Created on: March 25, 2009

Everyone is inspired by different things. For some, it's a walk in the park. For others, it's a beautiful song, a awe-inspiring view or a keepsake. No one knows more about inspiration than the creative geniuses at Disney. From animated wonderlands to the mysterious world of Lost, inspiration is all in a day's work for the creative heads at Disney.

Here are some of the things that grace the desks and walls at Disney, all with the goal of delivering a healthy dose of inspiration.

Steven Peterman, executive producer of Hannah Montana
When Peterman moved to L.A., he tore three major ligaments in his hand playing baseball. The injury kept him off the baseball field, but it also kept him from working as an actor for six months. During his downtime he was forced to focus on writing, which eventually lead to a successful career as a writer. He still keeps the glove in his office to remind him that what seems like a struggle can ultimately lead to a great opportunity.

Sandro Corsaro, creative director, Disney.com
The first thing you see when you walk into Corsaro's office is a pictures of Muhammad Ali meeting the Beatles. The photo, which juxtaposes two icons, one at the beginning of their career and the other at the end, reminds her of moving forward, of what the future can hold.

Carlton Cuse, executive producer, Lost
Cuse takes his inspiration cue from Michelangelo, who said he could see through the stone he wanted to sculpt. He chose a stone from the same quarry where Michelangelo chose the stone to carve David.

Warren Spector, video-game designer, Disney Interactive Studios
Whenever Spector can't come up with ideas, he grabs his first electric guitar. A few minutes playing Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" breaks up any frustration he might feel. When he needs some inspiration, he rocks out to Velvet Underground.

Pete Docter, director, Pixar's "Up"
Joe Grant, an animation legend at Disney, once gave Docter a pencil. The pencil reminds him that, even though Pixar is all about innovation and cutting edge growth, they still have roots in the tradition of great storytelling.

Damon Lindelof, co-creator and executive producer, Lost
Every night, Lindelof's father read to him before he went to bed. After reading, he slipped his glasses into a case, which Lindelof keeps on his desk. The glasses remind him of the fascination and imagination that comes with great storytelling.

Learn more about this author, A. South.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.