[by Thomas Werner]

When I initially thought about this post the answer to the question of inspiration seemed quite simple. First my students came to mind, I often look to them for inspiration, their perspective on our business is enlightening and they consistently introduce me to new ways of seeing. Next I thought of friends and colleagues who I find infinitely more intelligent, talented and culturally diverse than me. Their knowledge and insight change my point of view and remind me that I need to work harder to learn and grow. Visually, movies are a source of inspiration; nuanced visuals created by cinematographers, stylists and talent that draw you into a suspension of disbelief are aspirational as well as inspirational. Finally, I thought of the influence that travel and working internationally has on my creative process. The consideration of multiple cultural perspectives and diverse visual languages deeply influences and inspires my work.

All of the above are an important part of my creative process, yet when rereading this list it seemed that I had missed the mark. It was then that I began to understand that I hadn’t written a list of inspirations, but manifestations of what was truly inspirational, and that is opportunity. Nothing is more inspirational than the opportunity to be challenged, affect change, test boundaries, to learn and grow, and indulge in the creative process. Without a deep appreciation and desire for opportunity, the aforementioned influences would be far less meaningful. It is opportunity that inspires me to look to friends, colleagues and creative resources, and motives me to apply those resources to my life and work. For me inspiration comes from the opportunities that exist around you, or better yet the ones that you create your own.

When you look for inspiration find what drives you, then hand yourself over to it and let it force you to look outside of yourself to new places, visuals, experiences and ideas, that will push you to find resources that will fuel your inspiration and allow you to create and succeed.

via Strictly Business.