Categories: Design

Imagine How Creativity Works & Create More “Aha” Moments

Looking for ways to spark your creativity? Want to understand how our brains are able to imagine something that does not yet exist? Wondering why inspiration so often comes just after we have “given up?” Check out Imagine: How Creativity Works, where Jonah Lehrer explores exactly these issues. Lehrer (a contributing editor at Wired and author of How We Decide and Proust Was A Neuroscientist) examines how the creative process works. From cutting edge neurological research to keen observation of creatives (from Yo Yo Ma to David Byrne to Pixar employees) Lehrer explores and demystifies the creative process.

Why is this so wonderful? Because if we are not relying on chance, mystery, and the muse but instead can figure out how to prime ourselves to experience inspiration, we’ll be better able to discover and create solutions to all sorts of complicated problems we face. Yes! In his compelling story-telling way, Lehrer explains how the human brain works (chemistry! neurons!) when it is facing a problem (a creative opportunity), and how our emotions and choices during the creative process fold into this. And once he’s illuminated the micro-process of how creativity works for us individually, Lehrer moves to the macro-process of how people, and groups of people, spark creativity within each other.

Lehrer provides concrete examples throughout the book about how to best set ourselves up for creative inspiration. For instance, coming at a problem as an outsider or someone with no preconceived notion of what “should” work often yields much more “Aha!” creativity than an expert would generate. Turning away from a problem and relaxing (having a beer, taking a shower, taking a nap) often triggers an epiphany. Adding a new person to an already existing team sparks creativity. Working in a city, where one is exposed to more people, ideas and situations where “creative collisions” occur, leads exponentially to inspiration and innovation.

Ultimately, Lehrer advocates for setting up education and work systems that foster creative genius. He accurately points out that when it comes to athletics, we’ve figured out how to grow superstars. Now it’s time to devote resources to systems that grow creative superstars because the world needs them. And in Imagine, Lehrer provides templates for how best to make that happen for us personally, and when working together.

Image Credits: [Feel Good Guide] [Yesterday’s Daughter]

Tamara Holland

You can find Tamara Holland at Bean Up The Nose Art where she's the owner, writer, artist, and resident boss-of-herself. Her greeting cards and luggage tags appear in cool stores up and down the West Coast, and you can find lots of other stuff at her shop on Cafe Press. She's also happy to be part of the creative team at Morning Coffee Productions, where she gets to make still more fabulous products with her friends.

Recent Posts

Evan Ciniello: Using Surreal Imagery To Convey Unease In “Diaspora”

Evan Ciniello’s work on the short film "Diaspora" showcases his exceptional ability to blend technical…

7 hours ago

BOM’s Spirit Of Independence Awards Shine In West Hollywood

It’s my first time attending the BOM Awards, and it won’t be the last. The…

7 hours ago

Tips To Match Your Leather Lounge With Your Interior Decor

Leather lounges are a renowned choice for their durability and versatility. In the range of…

8 hours ago

Navigating The Jet Charter Industry: A Comprehensive Overview

Charter jets are gaining in popularity, as they allow clients to skip the overcrowded planes…

8 hours ago

The Importance Of Cloud Computing And Cybersecurity In Today’s Tech Landscape: Mike Robinson Of Utah, Shares His Perspective

Cloud computing has transformed how businesses operate, offering flexibility and efficiency at an unprecedented scale.…

16 hours ago

7 Key Factors To Consider For Successful Live Betting In 2025

Live betting is the in thing in the online betting industry. The ability to place…

17 hours ago