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Backstage is moving to the Stickazine! While Stick Men Creation is being revamped to provide you with better features and functionality, this blog's features will be merged into our new online art zine. Check out events, artists, talks and more. Questions? e-mail us here.

10 Ways to Think Out of the Box

Isn't it easy to tell someone to "just be creative"? Whether you're trying to create something new and revolutionary or just want to come up with a local project, thinking differently is what makes you stand out. But just how does one think differently? Here are 10 simple ways to start now:

1). Relax. Don't forget to take breaks from work and do something that you enjoy. Whatever favorite activities you may have, take some time each day to do something unrelated to any of your projects.

2). Observe. Just as the greatest ideas can be found outdoors, they can also be seen indoors. Go for a walk, visit the mall, but wherever you choose to venture,  remember to scrutinize the smallest details in your surroundings because there is always something new to be found.

3). Dream. When you're not observing or in any situation that requires you attention, don't be afraid to let your mind wander. Purposefully looking for inspiration may not always help, but daydreaming freely may.

4). Listen. Focus on the things you hear, particularly people. Pay extra close attention to what people are telling you and try to understand their point of view. Become more open, ask about their culture, opinions,  ideologies... You'd be surprised as to what you can get even from the people you thought you knew well.

5). Play. What seems like children playing is actually the formation of futur adulthood. Learn to go back in time and entertain yourself just as easily: have a game of baseball, play fetch with your dog, build legos with your kids, bake cookies, build crafts...etc. Give yourself a moment to stop taking life so seriously.

6). Improvise. Spontaneous play can be one of the best forms of relaxation ever. It allows you to take a break and recollect without having to go through all the planning.  Randomly toss a football in the office, have a laugh at your old work, arrange a contest- provided none of this will get you fired. Taking an unplanned break is good for refreshing and getting new ideas.

7). Reminisce. Take a look at your old ideas from as far back as you can. Remember what you did as a child, dig out old drawings you did as a teenager. Not only might you feel inspired but there is also a chance that you may find something new about who you really are.

8). Learn. Wholly embrace knowledge whenever you get the chance. Visit local cultural organizations such as museums, theaters...etc, travel when you get the chance. Take classes, talk to people, watch documentaries, read.

9). Change. Walk the scenic route, bike uphill, go see an obscure 80s film you've never heard of. Find a way to alter your routine even in the slightest and you may be pleasantly surprised.

10). Believe. Always know that one way or another your idea will come. Thinking differently is all relative and relies solely on you: know yourself, seek knowledge and believe you will receive.

Here we come...again!

After a "small" moment of absence from the Backstage blog, we have finally returned. Our main focus has been on the Stick Men Creation website and there wasn't much time for all the tips, tricks, do's and dont's you get here. So, don't be surprised if you see a sudden burst of posts appearing onto the blog. Here's what we've been planning:

- 10 Ways to Think Out of the Box
- Going for an Interview: the basics
- Going for an Interview: dress codes
- Thinking Positive means Better Results

Want to suggest an article? Write to us in the Forums on Stick Men and you could have the answers to your questions featured as a complete post!