How creative people get inspired (Pt. 1)
I asked the same questions for creative people from different areas around the world.
In the last edition, I wrote about the importance of returning to the real & analog world. I had many lovely exchanges with readers in the comments and on social media. Because of that, I decided to make this edition even more special. I asked the same questions to people who inspire me about finding inspiration in our daily lives. The answers were incredibly inspiring and, best of all, very diverse. To organize it better, I’m dividing it into two parts: Part 1 (this week) and Part 2 (next week). Connect the dots and, most importantly, get inspired to work your neuroplasticity.
Nicolas Cevallos is a Creative Director, Strategist & Consultant. He is also my teacher of Zeitgeist and Communities in the Beyond Branding Master at Elisava. And writes the amazing newsletter
.What’s something you recently did offline that sparked joy for you?
I started collecting magazines around 2020 when I moved to Barcelona. Back in Ecuador, there were barely any interesting magazines available, so it felt like discovering a whole new world. Every now and then, I have these little sessions where I go through my collection, rereading articles I loved, rediscovering ones I overlooked, or suddenly finding new meaning in pieces I once skipped. There is something uniquely special about consuming culture through physical magazines.
Where do you usually find inspiration or references for your work outside the internet?
Lately, I’ve been forcing myself to disconnect, even from Are.na, and head to used bookstores or vinyl shops just to wander through all the categories with no specific goal. Sometimes I find visual inspiration, a new artist, or a writer or image that sticks with me. There is a kind of randomness to it that feels beautifully anti-algorithmic and I love that.
Recommend something:
More than pieces of media I wanna recommend 2 ways of relating to it:
1) Go through the rabbit hole:
Once in a while there is a name, and object a brand or an artist introduced for the first time to you, you can either accept the amount of information given in a tweet/video or choose to start your own deep research of said thing. Read every article, watch every interview, go through what other people say in the comments. In the process you might find new name, magazines, or profiles. I believe thats how you engage with knowledge in a way that feels earned and personal.
2) Force contradictions:
Creativity is a game of translation and reinterpretation. I learned the “forced analogy” technique on my first year of design school. It is all about taking opposite or unrelated ideas and making them work together. Try it with a book you have in your home, or just open are.na and let yourself wander without trying to build a cohesive moodboard. Steal words and images and force them to work for your current creative endeavours.
Vinicius Francisco Alencar is a Fashion Editor at FFW and a Content Strategist for brands and people. In his excellent writing, he presents a sensitive, unique and profound worldview in the project textos100contextos.
What’s something you recently did offline that sparked joy for you?
Doing pilates and getting massages, because we forget that our body reflects everything we go through. It seems trivial at first, but you realize that your neck stays tense all the time, your shoulder becomes more retracted... all because of your feelings, your mind, your imagination. We reflect our feelings in our bodies, but we forget that. We think we only need to get toned or something like that, but it has nothing to do with appearance. It’s about our inner self.
Where do you usually find inspiration or references for your work outside the internet?
I started putting together puzzles, painting coloring books, and listening to songs that remind me of or take me back to my childhood. These are processes that help me understand who I am today, what formed me, and influenced me. I was born analog, so I feel like I still carry a bit of that with me. But I also love walking without a destination, it helps me let off steam and is, in a way, therapeutic.
Recommend something:
If you can, travel alone at least once, to a different country or city. Even if you meet acquaintances along the way, go alone, spend some time alone. It’s transformative to be in your own company, it makes you see yourself in a different way. I did this in 2022, I spent 25 days traveling, and it was very special.
Lalai Persson is a Digital Strategist and an outstanding Cultural Curator. If you want to know what's good in music, cinema, literature, or technology, listen to her. Actually, read her! She writes the newsletters
and .What’s something you recently did offline that sparked joy for you?
I went to see Suzanne Ciani, one of the pioneers of electronic music, at Berghain, where photography and filming are strictly forbidden—even the camera lenses are taped over. After that, I extended the night dancing with friends, with my phone forgotten at the bottom of my bag. Watching a show and enjoying a party without the possibility of recording is a relief, but at the same time, it’s curious that such a restriction is needed for the anxiety to dissipate, making way for this sense of ease.
Where do you usually find inspiration or references for your work outside the internet?
I really enjoy cycling because it's when I can truly disconnect. I love going for walks because the street is an endless source of inspiration and references—you'll rarely see me wearing headphones outside because I like to "listen" to the city. I also enjoy visiting exhibitions, bookstores, and going to concerts. Literature and music are my refuges, and I rely on both to find mental space for my creative work. When I feel blocked and need a break, I choose a beautiful album to listen to in its entirety without any distractions or find a quiet place to read (in this case, always without background music).
Recommend something:
I recommend the documentary Crossing The Bridge – The Sound of Istanbul by Fatih Akin; the album Ritual by Jon Hopkins, which is my go-to soundtrack for meditation (and I find the story behind its creation amazing); and the talk on "social health" by Kasley Killam at the last SXSW. I also have an episode lined up to listen to that was highly recommended: Creativity vs Control: Where AI Fits in the Creative Box from the a16z podcast.
Jun Ioneda is an Illustrator, Graphic Artist, and Founder of Estúdio Barca. He deepens his own identity with concepts that encourage graphic experimentation with a unique color palette.
What’s something you recently did offline that sparked joy for you?
I went outside without direction to sketch people. I used to do that a lot when I was a teenager, so whenever I feel like reconnecting with myself, I go out and do it again. It’s relaxing and quite interesting to fill in the blanks about those people’s lives and personalities while capturing their expressions and body language.
Where do you usually find inspiration or references for your work outside the internet?
Once again, the streets have so much that inspires me. I love paying attention to street signs and especially to budget store storefronts — they always have some quirky off-brand objects that make me laugh and spark ideas.
Recommend something:
The newly released song MEGA by Mr. Tophat has been stuck in my head lately — the way it invites you to feel something intense without really telling you what or why is captivating. I just love when art touches me in this very abstract place.
Paula Saul is a Content Manager at Droga5 and does a brilliant work advocating for trans rights in the creative industry. Because of that, she is one of the most influential voices in the market. She also shines in the ballroom scene during her free time and create a great content about circular fashion.
What’s something you recently did offline that sparked joy for you?I know it’s cliche but everytime I’m with my ballroom children I’m happy. Last time we were together we went to the center of the city to buy fabric for a look I was making for a Ball. So basically just be around people that love and cherish you: even the most ordinary events become great heartwarming moments.
Where do you usually find inspiration or references for your work outside the internet?
I believe we are endless sources of inspiration, we just have to learn how to access different sides of our mind. Nowadays we’re constantly absorbing information whether it’s from our phones and computers or just the city’s chaos. Maybe it’s because I’m a Gemini but sometimes a long shower with a different color of light does the trick. In addition to that I tried to stay open to possibilities so I don’t get stuck in my own routine. Let’s say I’m on a diet but if one of my friends invites me to eat pizza and chill somewhere, I’d go just for the experience and to enjoy the moment.
Recommend something:
In an era of information overload sometimes I want to consume things that make me feel a type of way. This weekend I’m watching Veneno. I’ll be watching it for the third time. And overall I’ve been learning how to accept that sometimes I just need to melt down into the couch and do whatever my body asks for (even if it’s sleeping and eating only lol).
Felipe Rocha is Founder & Executive Creative Director at Porto Rocha. With over 15 years of experience in various fields of design, including branding, experiential, editorial, digital, and advertising, he has created a unique culturally relevant work.
What’s something you recently did offline that sparked joy for you?
I wish I had a romantic answer for this, but not really. I recently heard a theory that we often have great ideas in the shower because it makes us feel safe, like being back in the womb, and I totally relate to that. Some of my best ideas come to me when I’m showering. Long showers are probably my favorite guilty pleasure.
Where do you usually find inspiration or references for your work outside the internet?
In the past couple of years I’ve been lucky to travel quite a bit for work. Walking around new places, just random walks through unfamiliar neighborhoods, is my favorite thing to do. Even more than going to museums honestly. I recently visited Seoul and it completely blew my mind.
Recommend something:
I found this website recently and got completely obsessed: Syrian Cassette Archives:
Cassio Prates is a Creative Leader, Strategist and Trend Forecaster at Gid Estudio. Currently, he is also writing for Harper’s Bazaar Brasil and doing fashion curatorship for Banca Arquivo.
What’s something you recently did offline that sparked joy for you?
Although it is very difficult, I have been trying to spend more and more time offline, and I believe that reading books is a revolutionary act nowadays – being able to take time to read a book without interruptions from screens (I don’t use a Kindle) is something that has been very enjoyable in my day. I try to set aside an hour in the morning for this.
Where do you usually find inspiration or references for your work outside the internet?
So, I think new things are increasingly less on social media, and whenever I start a project, I try to take some totally offline time to clear my head. It could be looking at my books and my collection of old magazines, going for research walks, or taking a trip. Of course, it's not always possible, but it makes a big difference.
Recommend something:
The book I enjoyed reading the most recently was Doppelganger by Naomi Klein. I had read it in English when it was released in 2023, but the Portuguese version brought me much more connection and meaning. I think it really resonates with these questions and offers some insights about doubles and our doubles in the digital world. I’m also loving the Fashion Neurosis podcast with Bella Freud, and of course, I’m a lolalover and lololindo fan on occasion!
Adoray <3
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