Creative Frame of Mind

"Often the only diference between creative and uncreative people is self-perception. Creative people see themselves as creative and give themselves the freedom to create. Uncreative people do not think about creativity and do not give themselves the opportunity to create anything new.

Being creative may just be a matter of setting aside the time needed to take a step back and allow yourself to ask yourself if there is a better way of doing something. Edward de Bono calls this a 'Creative Pause'. He suggests that this should be a short break of maybe only 30 seconds, but that this should be a habitual part of thinking. This needs self-discipline, as it is easy to forget."
www.mindtools.com

The majority of the idea generating techniques seem to focus on problem solving existing products or services. As mine is a brand new idea, I feel that brainstorming and random word are more appropriate techniques for me.

I've also thought about what could aid my creativity. I've tried brainstorming at college, whilst watching TV and finally whilst drinking alcohol! The time spent in class was probably the most resourceful as I was completely focused and had two other people's input however other than that the best was whilst I was watching TV as all the variety of images that flashed on screen and the spoken words I heard all helped to stimulate my mind and take me different directions. This is one of the only times I appreciated adverts!!! I thought alcohol would help free my mind but it didn't! Shame!!

I think it'll be good to work on my initial ideas with Christine (the creator of Inspired Card & Gift Co) and see how we can take them further. However I noticed the following from www.brainstorming.co.uk
"If we are brainstorming with people who we normally work with then we are likely to keep coming up with the same ideas because we keep providing each other with the same stimuli!"

I therefore do think that Random word will be a good technique to try as it is completely fresh information. After I've done some initial work I think it will be useful to brainstorm the words with Christine to show how helpful working with someone else is.