Problem Solve by Actively Being Curious
Where Do Creative Ideas Come From?
The age-old question of where creative ideas come from has intrigued and inspired many artists, designers, and creatives across history. In essence, creativity often stems from a process of discovery, curiosity, and the ability to connect disparate ideas in new and compelling ways. To borrow from the creative genius of Steve Jobs, "Creativity is just connecting things." But how do creatives consistently generate innovative concepts? One way to nurture creativity is by building a "visual memory bank," which serves as a mental library of influences and references, allowing creatives to synthesize solutions to creative challenges.
This approach is supported by decades of research, philosophical musings, and the lived experiences of successful creatives across all fields. From art and design to business and technology, creativity does not emerge from a vacuum. Instead, it is shaped and influenced by the content we consume, the people we meet, and the experiences we accumulate.
Building a Visual Memory Bank
The concept of a visual memory bank is akin to constructing an internal mood board, constantly updated with styles, treatments, and concepts that resonate. You are essentially gathering a repertoire of references, consciously or unconsciously, from the established greats in your field. Like a mental filing cabinet, these references become tools you can retrieve when a particular project or problem demands them.
In his book Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon encourages creatives to embrace the idea that "nothing is original." He emphasizes that the best creatives borrow and adapt, continually referencing the work of others to guide their own process. This notion of borrowing ideas is not about copying but about learning from what has been done before and transforming it in a way that makes it unique to your style and approach. In a similar vein, Picasso famously said, "Good artists copy, great artists steal." The trick is in building a deep and broad visual memory bank that helps you merge what’s been done with your own creative instincts.
Actively seeking inspiration is critical to this process. Whether it’s flipping through design books, attending exhibitions, scrolling through Behance portfolios, or even studying cinematic masterpieces, you’re continuously exposed to new perspectives. These experiences help build your creative reservoir. They ensure that when you encounter a problem—whether it's designing a brand identity, conceptualizing a campaign, or solving a business challenge—you have a mental reference guide to draw from. Each reference is not a mere copy but a springboard for something fresh and distinct.
Synthesizing New Ideas from Old References
One key to unlocking creativity is not simply amassing inspiration, but using your visual memory bank to find patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. The renowned creativity researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi discusses this in his book Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention. He explains that one of the hallmarks of creative people is their ability to "mix old ideas together to make something new." This mixing and matching of ideas is the very essence of problem-solving.
For example, a designer may be tasked with creating a campaign for a cutting-edge technology product. By drawing on visual references from unrelated fields—such as minimalism in Japanese architecture or surrealism in fine art—they can blend these influences into something entirely new. The same principle applies across creative fields, whether you’re a filmmaker inspired by the framing of a particular shot from a classic film, or a writer moved by the rhythm of a poem. These borrowed fragments become building blocks for something original.
The Importance of Exploration and Curiosity
Curiosity plays a vital role in expanding your visual memory bank. Exposure to different cultures, art forms, and perspectives enhances your creative potential. According to research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, individuals who demonstrate high levels of curiosity are more likely to excel in creative problem-solving. They seek novelty, embrace ambiguity, and actively pursue new experiences. This intellectual curiosity drives them to build richer visual memory banks, which they can tap into when facing creative challenges.
Creatives are, in many ways, perpetual students. By continually feeding their curiosity, they sharpen their ability to recognize opportunities for innovation. Great ideas are often a blend of discipline and serendipity—unexpected connections between things that, on the surface, seem entirely unrelated. Creativity is not a mystical force; it's a disciplined pursuit.
The Creative Process as an Ever-Evolving Journey
Creativity is an iterative process, fueled by constant exploration and the cultivation of a vast mental library. Building a visual memory bank allows creatives to reference and adapt the wealth of existing ideas to solve new problems. By studying the work of others and actively seeking inspiration, you can prime yourself to connect those dots when the need arises.
In a broader sense, this approach extends beyond creative fields. Whether you're a designer, a strategist, or an entrepreneur, building a library of thoughts and ideas helps you better tackle challenges in any area of life. Ultimately, creativity is about expanding your horizons, nurturing your curiosity, and continually adding to your internal toolkit—always ready to deploy the right idea at the right time.