Whether one is a composer, writer, artist or anyone else whose creative output depends on inspiration, there are probably as many creative methods as there are those that fit into those categories. I personally find deadlines to be the most idea inspiring catalysts. Conversely, if I’m composing music without an urgent agenda I often find myself getting easily distracted from the task at hand.
However, I think there is one aspect of the creative process that is essential to all; confidence that your ideas will eventually be there when you need them. I was struck by this recently when reading an interview with film composer Jerry Goldsmith that was done just as he turned the age I am now, 63. Granted, by that point he had MANY film scores already “in the can” and had established himself as a giant in the field. He made a comment during the interview that when he was in the process of composing a film score and it seemed to him that the ideas were not flowing, he’d decide at 5:30 PM to close up shop, have dinner, and revisit the situation in the morning because he “knew the ideas would be there at that time”. Confidence.
This type of confidence is often the residue of years of experience, but I think an artist of any age should grasp that concept and try to emblazon it on one’s psyche. It not only helps to relax oneself and thus help open the creative spigot, but it allows one to enjoy life while in a period of intense creative output.
So, look around at the trees, enjoy the sunset, listen to the birds. Your creative ideas will be there in time!