“If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.” – John Cleese

Creativity is sparked when we are enjoying ourselves. Stiff, utilitarian, and dogmatic environments never free up innovation in the hearts of people. The more freedom we have the more innovative we can become. Emotions are the breeding ground for great ideas. Therefore, to have great ideas your emotions need to be engaged. For emotions to engage there has to be a catalyst. The catalyst is always different, that is why it is of the utmost importance for organizations to provide catalytic environments that spark creativity. The work environment must be conducive to innovation. There needs to be color, vibrancy, energy, moving decor, music, etc…

When you set up your own office, house, or whatever creative space you have you need to incorporate elements that will spark your creative juices. People overlook this vital component of creativity. They view it as a luxury not a necessity. The most creative people and the most creative companies INVEST time, energy, and resources in order to make their environments catalytic. They allow their employees to spend time getting their creative juices flowing.

Here are some things to think about when it comes to setting up your creative space…

1. Make It Personal

Make sure your space has your DNA, meaning it is fit to your style or the organizations style. The more personal you can make it the more comfortable it will be. Put your personal touch on it that sparks your creativity. Pick colors, decor, images, items, etc…that make you feel alive.

2. Make It Practical

Make your space efficient for your flow. Use technology and furniture that allows you to be your best. I am a big time white-boarder, I love to mind map my thoughts on the walls. So, I painted a huge 12ft x 6ft white board on my back wall in my office, then framed it in. This allow me to quickly turn around from my desk and work through my thoughts.