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!

Giving constructive criticism

Can anyone give criticism? Anyone can criticize yes, but with proper determination and practice anyone should be able to criticize constructively. Here are a few simple steps on how you too can begin writing proper critiques:

Introduction:  Take a close look at the person's work and list in your head what appears to work well, then what doesn't appear to work well. Critiques are meant to be more or less neutral, but no matter how hard you try this is going to be someone's opinion, whether it's yours or the rule book's. A good tactic is to critique in the person's best interest; reflect on their style and how your suggestions could impact them.


Step 1: Begin your critique
Once you've made your list of what seems to work and what doesn't, it's time to write your critique. Start with the positive side: begin with a phrase praising the author's work, a comment on what they've done well.
- Nice job on the lighting!
- The contrast really brings out the eerie atmosphere!
- What an original idea!


This will encourage the artist and bring about a more relaxed mood before reading any further. 

Gee this sucks!

Interesting idea!

Tell the author about the good aspects of their work. Depending on the media take ideas, "mis en oeuvre", display, atmosphere and composition into account. Next give one or two sentences about the quirks. There's always something to say, and spotting out the little flaws can only help the other person improve. As human beings we're experts at this.

- Is there a message the audience is supposed to get? If so, does it seem most of them would be able to get it?

- Does it trigger any feelings or are you left without emotion?

- Is there too much or too little of something?

The lines are shaky, and there's no dynamic, it doesn't look so good. 

The yellow really brightens the image, but the illustrations are a little shaky and a bit more dynamic wouldn't hurt.

Step 2: Tell them how to improve

After pointing out what doesn't sit too well, you're going to have to say how the person can improve. That's the rule to constructive criticism: if you're going to say what's wrong then tell them how to make it better. If you're not too familiar with the subject, then gather information. It can be a great learning experience! 

Forget it, I don't like this thing.

Try smoothing out the lines on Photoshop and adding some bolder colors.

Step 3: Give inspirational material

There's nothing wrong with adding a few links to something you believe the person might be interested in. You can also give a few pointers to starters as to how to promote their artwork efficiently. You can even add your constructive opinion, this sometimes helps the author to be aware of what the public thinks.

- I think that... 

- I would suggest from personal experience that...

- It seems to me you...

End on a positive note and suggest that the artist go further.

- Your capable of great things, never give up!

- Eager to see more of your work!

- Good job, can't wait to see what comes next!

Step 4: Offer to help again

None of these steps are obligatory but this one is particularly optional. It's always nice to know you have someone to go to for advice on your next project, so by giving the author this option they may just come to you again. Who knows, maybe this time they'll teach you something. 

One of the greatest feelings you could ever have is from helping someone else succeed.

Here are a few handy links:

Critique Week

Metropolis books

For more information on critiques be sure to visit the base website: http://stick-men.webs.com/

Do you have anything to add? Comment below and tell us what you think!

It's about creating something from nothing, spread the message.