Looking to get those creative juices flowing? Whether it’s writing a short story, finding out the latest on multi-disciplinarian creative initiatives or drawing a portrait, We have compiled a list of some of the most creative websites to help you think outside of the box and develop creativity.
A web app that simulates a coffeehouse ambiance to enhance your creativity.
HOW
Coffitivity is based on scientific research that claims that the perfect conditions for creative work are a combination of calm and commotion. As you click play, a busy mix of people chatting, glasses clinking and dishes being cleared transports you to an ambient cafe – even if you’re at home or in an office.
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To maximize the Coffitivity experience, you’re encouraged to simultaneously play your favorite tunes just a tad louder than Coffitivity sounds. Just click play, plug in your music, and presto! You’re ready to start creating.
Whether you’re a writer or not, The Poetry Foundation is a great resource for inspiration and creativity. Edgar Allen Poe once said poetry was, “the rhythmical creation of beauty.”
That sounds like a great piece of inspiration to me. Even if you’ve never read poetry before or were forced to in high school, give it a try.
You never know what art it could inspire.”The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience.”
A website that is an exploration of creativity in everyday life.
HOW
The site includes articles, reviews, and other creative sources to get your juices flowing. The website is divided into the following sections: personal creativity, creativity at work, creativity toolbox and creativity video.
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Deborah Watson-Novacek is the force behind Creativity for Life and is on the lookout for stimulating articles on the subject of creativity to post on the site.
Feel free to email her and join the good company of such interesting articles such as 12 Ways to Boost Your Creativity At Work and What We Can Learn About Creativity From Camping.
According to its website, “99U is Behance’s effort to provide this ‘missing curriculum’ for making ideas happen. Through our Webby Award-winning website, popular events, and bestselling books, we share pragmatic, action-oriented insights from leading researchers and visionary creatives.”
99U
99u is a great place to go to make your ideas happen. They provide many resources for creative people to get their ideas up and running.
A nonprofit web platform committed to sharing the very best content on creativity.
HOW
Founded by three talented PhDs, the site highlights creativity from scientific discovery to philosophical debate, from entrepreneurial ventures to educational reform and from artistic expression to technological innovation.
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The website covers a breadth of disciplines and includes interviews with leading filmmakers, artists, educators and scientists. The elevated discourse and intellectual approach of The Creativity Post will not only inspire you but will expand your definition of creativity.
A creative music endeavor that gives selected musicians a week to write and perform an original song on a guitar that is then passed from one musician to the next.
The acoustic guitar project.
HOW
One guitar, one week, one song—these are the guidelines of The Acoustic Guitar Project. The project is intended to be a platform of inspiration and creativity for musicians to flex their singer-songwriter muscles.
This unique undertaking poses the challenge of writing and performing an original unedited composition in a week’s time.
Each performer signs the traveling guitar which has made the rounds through New York, Helsinki and Bogota.
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The project’s mission is to help musicians reconnect to the original moment that inspired them to be singer-songwriters. For the music lovers out there, the site is a treasure trove of original acoustic compositions that will blow your mind. An extra cool part is that each artist is interviewed, giving a glimpse into their creative process and what inspires them to make music.
SELFLESS PORTRAITS
WHAT
A Facebook app where strangers draw one another’s Facebook profile picture.
HOW
Portraits are paired at random, and once a person is assigned, the participant has 48 hours to complete the drawing and submit it – or the image will be reassigned to someone else.
Once you receive your portrait, you can thank the person who drew your picture and do the Facebook dance – share with your friends and even turn it into your profile pic.
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You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy exercising your drawing skills. Plus the 48 hour time limit keeps you focused on creating a beautiful piece of artwork.
SHARE A STORY
WHAT
A global social initiative that provides a platform for storytelling and story sharing.
HOW
The stories on the website tackle a variety of human experiences and are browsable by subject categories or by world regions. As of now, 22 countries are already represented!
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Anyone is invited to submit a story with a suggested length of 1,000 to 1,400 words. Creative writing is an amazing outlet and is a great exercise in getting your personal thoughts onto paper.
How cool would it be to see your story on the online stage with other talented writers?
Austin Kleon “is a writer and artist living in Austin, Texas.” He is the New York Times best-selling author of the books “Steal Like an Artist,” “Show Your Work,” and “Newspaper Blackout.” On his personal blog, he writes about creativity, art, and sometimes his personal life.
Pinterest is, “the visual bookmarking tool that helps you discover and save creative ideas.” While some people use Pinterest to “pin” their dream life, it’s an awesome tool to save, curate, and share your work.
I use Pinterest when I’m working on a play for research, to find new writing ideas, and yes I do pin the occasional (dozen) crafts I may never make.
“TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less).”
Ted Talks are often a great source of inspiration and education. One of my all-time favorites is a talk by Liz Gilbert called Your Elusive Creative Genius.
