The Creative Flow Podcast

Hello and welcome to episode 8 which is all about 5 ways to record inspiration when you're busy and save product development ideas quickly for future use.

So when you're busy with customer orders, finance, family life or general admin it can be hard to find the time for hunting down inspiration or even noting things down if inspiration does strike.

Listen in as I run through five ways you can do this today!

Hey guys and welcome back to episode 7 where we discuss three ways to analyse your sales and develop new product ideas from your current range.

We'll be covering how to analyse your sales with the following methods:

• Range Review
• Daily rate of Sale
• Conversion

We'll also talk about thinking creatively and in a different way about your current range without using data.

Contours in nature have fascinated me since London Design Festival about five years ago, so this podcast & mood board is dedicated to the innovative designs that celebrate this natural topographic trend.

Natural contours create form through curves and lines in mountains and lakes, as well as undulations in the ground. Although not from nature, I also love the structure of how cities, towns and estates create shapes too.

I love how linear designs can be made to look like 3D structures, even when they are two dimensional, and this is a beautiful feature of contour lines that add extra depth to a designers work.

Adding structural elements means light relief is created through weaving or the layering of materials. I particularly love this when used in paper or fabric due to the tactile nature that is formed. Key design styles to be inspired by:> Creating light relief by layering materials or drawings that create depth or the illusion of this> City grid shapes create a new take on the geometric trend to update this popular theme> Mixing natural and man-made materials to represent city and nature (such as wood and resin) in furniture and home accessories> Repeated linear patterns. Using lines in an irregular way to create uneven repeats.

Show notes > https://www.arnoldandbird.com/2018/06/natures-contours-trend-elevate-your-curiosity-podcast

This weeks Elevate Your Curiosity episode is all about how to beat procrastination and get in the creative flow.

Ok so first up, I'll admit I've suffered terribly from procrastination in the past. And still do now occasionally. How about you?

But recently I learnt that procrastination can be a form of control and this is a very different way of looking at it. So now I would like you to ask yourself why you think or feel you are procrastinating? Could it be fear of failure, success, what others will think, your abilities or if you can even do it?

All of these thoughts above are very negative, and when feelings like this are not making you feel good, these are definitely your inner critic. (That little voice in your head that is never very nice and often takes over your real authentic thoughts.)

So how do you combat and beat procrastination? Action is needed and you can start really small.

Draw one thing, then come back and access it later - don't assume it's bad in the same moment. Or write the first sentence, do the first bit on the finances etc etc. Once you've start you'll get in a flow state. You'll keep going and that inner critic will become smaller and less vocal as you've begun.

And do remember to treat yourself afterwards once you've started. Be it a walk, a break to look out the window, some chocolate - it can be small, but as long as it makes you feel good.

What do you do to overcome procrastination? Is it taking action or something else? Let me and everyone else know as I know it can help others!

Sending inspiration and good vibes your way. Let's get into this flow state!

Welcome back to the Elevate Your Curiosity podcast and epsiode four is all about how to spot trends and build a bigger picture of emerging themes.

So this week we're covering how to spot trends, plus where to find them and how to piece them all together! I wanted to preface this with the face you can't ignore trends or themes if this is a better word, as we all use creative visuals and what's going on around us to inspire your work. But you don't have to use all trends - in fact please don't! Use what works for you and take bits - even if it's colour, texture or pattern to adapt a theme and create new ideas from a trend.

Today I'll take you through all the places you can look for inspiration and tips on how best to navigate it all.

You'll also find a free printable of places to get inspired on a previous blog post so head over to the post on staying creatively inspired for your free download.

Sending inspiration your way, and don't forget to elevate your curiosity today!

Welcome back to the third Elevate Your Curiosity podcast and today is all about Christmas 2018 product Trends! This follows on from episode two where we talked about the four overarching Christmas trends and the colours, materials, themes and motifs that would well for each.

Just like the last episode there is a Pinterest board you can reference while you listen to this podcast, or refer back to after you've listened to get some more inspiration. If you are listening as you scroll the Pinterest board then you'll have to start at the bottom of the board and work your way up.

The Christmas specific product areas we'll be covering include:

• Experiences
• Christmas Eve
• Food & drink
• Alternative wreaths
• Advent calendars
• Unique baubles
• New takes on the sacks and stockings

I'd love to know if this was helpful and what your biggest take away was? Also if it sparked an idea than fantastic - I'd love to see it either when it's live or as you're still developing it as the creative process is such an amazing thing. So thanks for letting me be here with you along that journey.

If you'd like some 121 guidance and personalised advice on your product development for Christmas, any other gifting occasion or product type then it would be fantastic to hear from you. Nothing makes me happier than being on your journey and hearing what makes you tick and sparking off inspiration in your range. So do get in touch if you'd like some an inspiration boost or a second opinion.

Christmas 2018 is not that far away! Whether you are in your festive product development you can use these four overarching Christmas trends for 2018 in your product development.

As creatives we need that visual input so I've created four different pinterest boards for each theme. Head to pinterest.com/arnoldandbird for the visually inspiring and creative images.

The four themes are:

• Indulge Me!
• Ice Cream Christmas
• Deep and Bright
• Naturally Textured

These are the four Christmas themes I've see popping up and think will resonate with customers. Take these themes and mix them with your own style, viewpoint and findings - as you know your customers best!

If you loved this content then subscribe and the next episode will feature Christmas 2018 product trends.

Hi and welcome to the first episode of the Elevate your Curiosity podcast!

Todays episode will introduce me, Joanne Griffin as your host, a rundown of what this podcast will be about and my two words for 2018.

Elevate Your Curiosity is a podcast to connect to creative souls and business owners who are looking for an inspiration boost to enhance their designs and also their mindset. With the focus on creating the best designs you can, but also taking care of the way your thinking, about yourself and your work.

Episodes will be every two weeks and will feature quick and relatable tips covering everything from spotting new trends, innovative new ideas and developing your product range.

All underpinned with advice on how to take the anxiety out of decisions and empower you to trust your authentic voice.

You'll also hear about my two words of the year and how the words you choose can really impact others, but also, importantly, on yourself. This is because words are powerful and they can uplift and bring down.

Listen into in to hear why I've picked Kindness and Starburst as my two words for 2018!

If you found the show helpful then please do subscribe!