Episode 6 | Creativity with Limited Resources
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Welcome to The Everyday Creative, where we focus on creating over consumption. Today, we are talking about being creative with limited resources.
Goals of the Episode:
- Identify resources
- Shifting your mindset around limitations
- Identify concrete strategies to create under limitations
What is a Resource?
A base unit of whatever you need to achieve your goal or is used to meet an end. Common examples of limited resources are time and money. Listen to Episode 4 for specific examples of resources.
Change Your Mindset
- Limitations can breed creativity.
- Identify your values. Spend your time and money on the things you value.
- Look at limitations as problems to solve creatively.
- Creativity can increase your limited energy.
Concrete Strategies for Doing More with Less
Brainstorm
Come up with 10+ ideas of things to do or ways to solve a problem. No self-editing allowed. Put all of your ideas in one central location - analog or digital.
Track your time
Look for hidden pockets of time that can be used for a creative endeavor.
Be a tourist in your own town
Pretend you are new in town. Where would you go? What would you do?
The library
It's more than just books!
Free public spaces
From parks to free days at a local museum, check out new places to spark creativity.
Spend time in nature
Nature can rejuvenate the spirit and provide materials for ephemeral art.
Self-imposed limitations
We are living in a time of unprecedented abundance (at least for many of us). Placing limitations on areas where there typically are none can create opportunities to think outside the box:
- No-spend month
- Technology fast
- No driving or public transportation only
Find free or cheap things to do
It’s easy to go out and buy what we need. Challenge yourself to find free or cheap options.
- Group swaps - books, games, craft supplies
- Free stores (you may have to show financial need)
- Online/social media free groups
If you are ever in San Francisco, check out The Creative Reuse Center or look for a craft supply thrift store in your area.
The Four Q's
During this show segment, we introduce four ways to interact with the material presented: A question to answer, a quest to complete, an aspect of creativity we've noticed this week, and a quote to ponder.
Question:
What is your number one limited resource?
Quest:
Employ one strategy discussed to extend your limited resource.
Quality Creativity:
Creative communication when English is your second language.
Quote:
"Creativity involves breaking out of expected patterns in order to look at things a different way."
- Edward de Bono
Have a Creative Week!
Episode Credits:
The Everyday Creative is hosted by Evie Soape and Emily Soape. It is produced by Emily Soape.
Please drop us a comment or question at hello@theeverydaycreativecollective.com. You can also find us on Instagram @theeverydaycreativecollective and Pinterest.
Theme Music: “Living Life” by Scott Holmes Music. Available for use under the CC BY 3.0 license at Free Music Archive.
Break Background Music: "Alive In It" by Ketsa. Available for use under the CC BY 3.0 license at Free Music Archive
Hi, we're Evie & Emily
Co-founders of The Everyday Creative Collective
We believe that everyone is creative. Creativity can be used to enrich everyday life. Click here to learn more.
