Creative Toolbox: The Random Word Generator

 

My new favorite journal tool is the random word generator at randomlists.com.  I click on the words button and the nouns button, and then 12 random words pop up on my screen.  When I click refresh, 12 new words pop up.  I love the challenge of choosing to work with ideas/words that did not come from my own brain.

This is a recent list of random words:

I decided to make word tags (an idea from my book, Show Me a Story), which are small little cards with a word and image.  Just cut a piece of card stock into small rectangles, and used the random words to inspire quick sketches.

 I filled them in with color because I love to fill things in with color. 

You can also try to draw a sketch of each word in 1 minutes, then try 45 seconds, then 30 seconds, and then 10 seconds.  I discovered this timing idea from Lynda Barry's book Syllabus.

Arrange them on a journal page and glue in place or maybe make a little envelope for them? Throw them in a jar for writing prompts? Anything goes.

Read your old stuff

This morning, I discovered one of my old sketchbooks.  When I first grabbed it from the row of books, I flipped through the pages quickly, and my work rhythm was swaying me to wedge it back into its bookshelf home. I was trying to manage my time well.  But, a list of words caught my eye, and then I found a menu for a party, and a page of potential titles for my next book, and a design sketch for my new website (which is still in the works).  I found a hundred old, awesome things, and I was lost in my old sketchbook for a long time.  There was so much good thinking, musing, and sketching!  It is a reminder that looking at old journals and notebooks is SUPER important because I wanted myself to find this stuff.  I recorded it because I thought it was interesting. When I put it on a page, it allowed me to breathe easier because I didn't have to hold onto it anymore. I preserved it for future me to find.

Why not have a conversation with the past you? Read an old journal. Thumb through an old notebook or class notes from your favorite class.

Above is an old paint swatch, pasted into my current journal along with word associations written in pencil. And, below is an old design sketch for my website.

Inspire yourself.

Wondering

One of the best ways to inspire creativity is to wonder about things. Encourage mind wandering and ask yourself simple questions.  Long drives, showers, walks, dish washing, and office room waits are perfect opportunities for some scheduled pondering.

When I stumble upon a random question, I love thinking that maybe other people have the same random question.  If I address it in my art, it might resonate with others.

Tell your kids that daydreaming is an AMAZING writing tool.  Teach children how to engage and disengage (when they need to pay attention to other tings) in daydreaming.  And, encourage them to take journal notes on their thinking.

Grocery lists, shoe sizes, and weather preparedness might seem off base, but even they can lead to things that will get you feeling inspired.  So, maybe, don't limit yourself?

Oh, and remember to carry a journal with you, so you can jot your ideas down.   If you are in the car, find a safe spot to pull over and record a little message to yourself.
 

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