Tips to Get Your Ideas Growing

Creative Tools for Cultivating New Ideas

Sometimes, starting a new creative venture means having more time than money to invest in your project’s growth. Before spending your valuable resources, consider testing and exploring your idea seed with minimal investments to determine its potential before diving into the deep end of your idea.

Creating something new (like a business or product) is a commitment to the creative process. And very much like the process of birth, itself, time plays a crucial role. Whether it takes nine months or nine years, patience and consistency are essential ingredients in the alchemy of creation.

To help you on your creative journey,, I’m excited to share a few tools that can lighten the labor of love, and creativity, and support the growth of your idea seeds as they grow to their full potential.

Here are some of my favorite creative tools for cultivating new things…

1. Exploration experimentation: Cheap + Slow + DIY

Before diving into expensive professional designs, experiment with your idea on your own. Embrace the "cheap + slow + DIY" approach initially, understanding that your idea will evolve over time. Don't get bogged down by branding aesthetics; instead, focus on the core content and explore the essence of your idea.

Graphic Design and Logo Creation:

  • GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): A free and open-source raster graphics editor. GIMP allows for experimentation in creating logos and basic designs.

2. Content is Key: "Start with WHY"

In the digital age, harness the power of the internet to learn essential tools for free or at minimal cost. Create a basic framework for your idea, focusing on content rather than perfect branding. Understand the "WHY" behind your idea—its physical and significant value—and communicate it effectively.

Learning Resources:

  • YouTube Tutorials: Explore YouTube for tutorials on content creation, storytelling, and understanding the "WHY" of your idea.

  • Google Digital Garage: Offers free courses on digital marketing, content creation, and more.

3. Logo Design: Cheap + Fast + Mediocre

Explore free logo generators available online for a quick and cost-effective start. While these may result in a logo resembling others, remember that your logo is a visual representation of your idea. Play with possibilities using tutorials in GIMP, a free image editor, to find a concept that aligns with your vision.

Logo Generators:

  • Hatchful by Shopify: A free online logo generator that helps you create professional-looking logos quickly.

4. Website Design: Template-Based Builders

Utilize template-based website builders for a cost-effective and efficient way to establish your online presence. Focus on imagery that complements your idea, using platforms like Canva to create captivating graphics that tell your story visually.

Website Builders:

  • Wix: An intuitive website builder with a variety of templates. Wix

  • Squarespace: A platform offering easy-to-use templates for creating visually appealing websites. Squarespace

5. Social Graphic Design: CANVA for Fonts + Imagery

For engaging social media presence, leverage tools like Canva for fonts and imagery. Craft visually appealing graphics that align with your brand, maintaining a consistent visual identity across platforms.

Graphic Design for Social Media:

  • Canva: An online graphic design platform with a user-friendly interface for creating social media graphics. Canva

6. Brand Photography: Camera and Editing Apps

Capture the essence of your idea with brand photography using camera apps. Enhance and edit your photos with user-friendly editing apps to create a cohesive and compelling visual narrative.

Camera Apps:

  • Adobe Lightroom: Capture high-quality photos and use Lightroom for advanced editing. Lightroom

  • VSCO: A photography app with advanced camera controls and filters. VSCO

7. Video Storytelling: Camera and Editing Apps

Bring your idea to life through video storytelling using camera apps and editing tools. Create dynamic content that resonates with your audience, allowing your idea to flourish in the digital realm.

Remember, the most challenging step in the creative process is going from 0 to 1. By granting yourself permission to start imperfectly, you'll gain momentum and propel your idea forward. Explore, experiment, and take small steps—your creative journey begins now!

Video Creation and Editing:

  • iMovie (Mac) / Filmora (Windows): Beginner-friendly video editing software for creating compelling stories.

  • InShot: A mobile app for quick video editing and enhancement. InShot

Remember to explore these tools, experiment with different features, and embrace the learning curve. Each resource serves as a stepping stone in your creative journey, helping you refine and grow your ideas.

creative toolsAaron EmbreyComment