inspiration Archives - CLEVERcreating

8 Fun Ways to Decorate Easter Eggs for Ornaments or Egg Hunts

April 1, 2023April 1, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

The grandchildren are coming for Eastern and I am planning for an Easter egg hunt with them as well as a decoration with eggs. It’s fun to think of different ways to decorate Easter eggs.

A couple of years ago I made the decoration together with them. I had cut eggs from sturdy cardboard and they decorated them on both sides with felt-tip pens. Then we put a hole in it and hung them on 2 cross-linked branches to form a mobile.

They don’t like crafting themselves anymore, unfortunately, so I made the decorations myself and I used real eggs this time.

What are the Rules of Corporate Identity that Can Stand the Test of Time?

March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

I was a graphic designer for 35 years, so I had to develop several technical skills over time. When I started in 1985 fax machines were quite new and there were no computers in the offices in the Netherlands.

Most printers had offset, although there were a few that still used letterpress printing. Designs were made on the drawing table. The design drawings were transposed by phototypesetting. And, we can hardly imagine this, there were no mobile phones, let alone the smart ones.

The main conclusion throughout the years was that the techniques may change, yet the rules of corporate identity will not.

Intermezzo – Get Inspiration from Creativity

February 27, 2023February 27, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Inspiration and creativity are must-haves for me. I make drawings, collages or mixed media in some kind of theme.

It helps me keep my creative skills flowing.

An intermezzo is a short piece of music written to be played on its own or as part of a longer piece. For me, it’s a welcome break from my daily activities.

In the video are a couple of examples.

Are Inspiration and Creativity Important for an Interesting Life?

February 23, 2023February 23, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Although many people don’t consider themselves creative (which I don’t understand and even disagree with), inspiration and creativity are important to us.

Both the word inspiration and the word creativity are used in 2 ways. Physical versus mental.

Inspiration literally means inhalation on the one hand, expressiveness or divine force on the other. The latter is attributed by some to a higher power and by others called the flow or being in the zone.

What are the Qualities of Good Signs that are Eye-catching and Valuable?

August 19, 2022 by Hannie Mommers

There are good signs and there are bad signs. To know the qualities of good signs we just have to look around and experience the signage that surrounds us.

Don’t you agree that a lot of signs are confusing? Our environment is so full of messages, promotions, and both visual and auditory noise, that it’s hard to focus on the signs that we need at a specific moment.

Still, some signs are marvellous. It’s a pity that the better the design is, the less we notice the signs because they do their job instantly and without complicating things.

Where to Sell your Products of your Creative Hobby or Business

December 13, 2022June 17, 2022 by Hannie Mommers

There are many aspects to think about when you want to monetize your hobby. Where to sell your products is a major one.

When I still was a graphic designer I always joked I should find a new hobby, because I didn’t have one anymore by making a business of my drawing skills.

And in a way, I did find another hobby when I returned to one of my former passions: ceramics. So I have experienced several hobbies that make money and know what difficulties and pleasures might come your way.

7 Ways to Shape our Ideas without a Computer to Inspire ourselves

May 23, 2022May 23, 2022 by Hannie Mommers

We do not always need a computer to create our ideas. Whether it is ideas for a design, a new product or a business plan. What opportunities are there to shape our ideas without a computer?

Of course, it’s marvellous if we have a computer with creative programs on it. But after all, a computer is just a tool and above all, we should not attach too much importance to it.

Some people get crazy at the mere thought of living without a computer for some time or even a day. Yet we shouldn’t bring ourselves too dependent on technology, don’t you think? Although some of my tips do involve technology. 😉

Photography is my Passion, why is Taking Pictures Important?

April 8, 2022April 8, 2022 by Hannie Mommers

Taking pictures is narrowing your view in a good sense. Looking through the square hole makes you focus on composition, colour and details of what you see. It’s all about making choices.

When I was 12 years old I got a camera from my granddad. It was an Agfa, that I know for sure. But I am not sure anymore whether it was a Click or a Clack.

All these years I was convinced it was a Clack-II, but googling pictures of it made me wonder. The image in my memory resembles more of the Click-II.

How to Create Abstract Photos by Using the Hipstamatic App

November 9, 2022March 28, 2022 by Hannie Mommers

Years ago I discovered the app Hipstamatic for my smartphone. It was love at first sight. I even have to admit I once bought another iPhone to have more pixels and speed.

As an artist, I love abstract art. Taking pictures with abstract results enhances that love and using the Hipstamatic app for those pictures doubles the fun.

In this article on how to create abstract photos, the focus is on the app Hipstamatic. In the meantime, I also explain how you can make your pictures more abstract without the app.